Speak The Truth

Latest Episodes:

EP. 192 Trauma Mini-Series: Hebrews 12: Wisdom Adorns the Shamed W/Kristin Silva Linder Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael returns with guest Kristin Silva Linder, an author and biblical counselor from Portland. The conversation delves into the theme, 'Wisdom Adorns the Shamed,' focusing on how wisdom and scriptural truths can address the impacts of trauma and shame. Kristin shares personal experiences and insights into helping individuals who feel unworthy or dirty on the inside by showing how God's promises beautify them. She discusses the importance of holding onto steadfast love and faithfulness to trust God's narrative over feelings of shame. The episode underscores that through leaning on Jesus and embodying His words, one can experience radiance, beautification, and joy despite the burdens of shame.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction
01:23 Kristin Silva Linder's Background and Current Work
02:47 Exploring the Concept of Shame and Trauma
06:49 God's Response to Shame and Trauma
13:33 Practical Wisdom from Proverbs
18:17 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

EP. 191 Trauma Mini-Series Avoiding Burnout: Caring for Trauma Survivors without Becoming Overwhelmed W/Beth Claes Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Speak the Truth, Michael discuss the topic of burnout among counselors, particularly those dealing with trauma cases. Joined by recurring guest Beth Claes, they explore how burnout can manifest, the personal and professional factors that contribute to it, and effective strategies for prevention. Beth shares her personal experiences with burnout, the importance of recognizing red flags, and the critical role of self-care and spiritual refuge. The conversation also delves into practical advice for counselors on maintaining a healthy soul and seeking support before reaching a tipping point.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:20 Guest Introduction and Topic Overview

00:44 Beth's Personal Experience with Burnout

03:18 Defining Burnout and Its Symptoms

04:34 Contributions to Burnout in Counseling

08:20 Recognizing and Addressing Burnout

15:12 Steps to Avoid Burnout

19:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

EP. 190 Trauma Mini-Series: Psalm 46:4–7 God's Presence in Our Pain W/Curtis Solomon Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Speak the Truth, host Mike and special guest, Curtis Solomon discuss the themes of biblical truth and counseling. They explore the significance of God's presence through Psalms 46, emphasizing God's power and provision amid suffering and trauma. Curtis shares updates on his new ministry, the Sentinel Institute, which focuses on empirical research, resources, and reforms in biblical counseling. He also discusses his work at Boyce College and the Biblical Counseling Coalition. The conversation underscores the role of God’s presence and character in providing comfort and solace during times of pain and affliction.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
00:43 Casual Conversation and Personal Anecdotes
01:23 Conference Theme and Counseling Through Psalms
02:09 Curtis Solomon's Recent Transitions and New Ministry
03:38 The Sentinel Institute: Mission and Vision
09:01 Exploring Psalm 46:4–7 God's Presence in Our Pain
11:36 Historical Context and Symbolism in Psalm 46
20:33 New Covenant Perspective and Personal Application
24:05 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Episode Mentions
The Sentinel Institute
Boyce College
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

EP 189 Trauma Mini-Series: Seeing Trauma through Psalm 55 W/John Henderson Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Mike dives deep into understanding trauma from a biblical perspective with special guest John Henderson. The discussion focuses on defining trauma, interpreting it using scripture, and providing guidance for biblical counselors. Using Psalm 55, they explore how trauma affects individuals on an inner, outer, and interpersonal level, and how faith and Scripture can guide one through its challenges. The episode also provides practical advice for counselors on how to compassionately care for those experiencing trauma, and it suggests additional resources for further reading.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:20 Excitement for the Episode
00:37 Understanding Trauma Through a Biblical Lens
02:05 Psalm 55: A Biblical Perspective on Trauma
05:56 The Reality and Description of Trauma
09:29 The Dimensions and Development of Trauma
15:01 Interpersonal and Inner Person Effects of Trauma
24:06 Encouragement for Counselors
28:51 Resources and Conclusion

Episode Mentions
When its Trauma - Darby Strickland
I Have PTSD - Curtis Solomon
Suffering and Psalm 119 & Peace Be Still: Learning Psalm 131 by Heart (JBC Articles)

EP. 188 Counseling Through God's Attributes - Holy: Embracing Holy Perfection Isa. 6:3-7 W/ Mike Van Dyke Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Speak the Truth, the hosts delve into the attribute of God's holiness with Michael, discussing his entry titled 'Embracing Holy Perfection.' They explore the complexities of God's holiness, its association with redemption, moral purity, and how it shapes believers' lives. The conversation includes reflections on pertinent biblical texts, such as Isaiah 6:3-7 and Hebrews 12:10, discussing the distinction between striving for holiness and avoiding legalism. Practical counseling applications and session strategies are shared, emphasizing encountering God's holiness and its impact on personal transformation and worship.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
00:22 Discussing God's Holiness with Michael
01:49 Defining Holiness and Its Implications
03:53 Isaiah's Encounter with God's Holiness
05:28 Connecting Holiness to Counseling
08:13 Practical Applications of Holiness
09:56 Striving for Holiness in Daily Life
11:55 The Role of Discipline in Holiness
26:54 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Episode Mentions
Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC RES

EP. 187 Counseling Through God's Attributes: The Steadfast Love of the LORD - Lam 3:22 W/Shauna Van Dyke Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the focus is on exploring God's steadfast love as highlighted in Lamentations 3. The hosts, Michael and Shauna, delve into how biblical counselors can educate, equip, and encourage counselees by reflecting on God's unceasing love and faithfulness. They discuss practical approaches for integrating these truths into counseling sessions to offer hope and stability, especially during times of suffering. The episode also emphasizes the importance of bringing the vertical truth of who God is to the horizontal struggles of everyday life.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast

00:31 Discussing God's Steadfast Love

02:47 Reading and Reflecting on Lamentations 3

04:17 Applying God's Steadfast Love in Counseling

07:05 Encouraging Counselees with Biblical Truths

13:22 After Session Assignments and Practical Applications

19:17 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

Episode Mentions
Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC Resource

EP. 186 Counseling Through God's Attributes: God Is Present And Active W/Shauna Van Dyke & Jeremy Lelek Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael, Shauna, and Jeremy continue their mini-series on counseling through God's attributes, focusing on omnipresence. They discuss the importance of God's omnipresence, especially in counseling settings, drawing from Isaiah 41:10. They emphasize that God's always-present nature offers both comfort and conviction, reminding individuals they're never alone in their struggles. Shauna shares her personal journey as a biblical counselor, highlighting how key scripture verses have guided her and can be used in counseling sessions. The episode rounds off with practical after-session assignments, including scripture memorization and reflective worship music to reinforce the comforting truths about God's constant presence.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
00:24 Introducing the Counseling Mini-series
00:38 Exploring God's Omnipresence
01:09 The Importance of Key Scripture Verses
02:41 Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promises
04:25 Understanding God's Presence
07:22 Practical Applications in Counseling
15:41 Encouragement and Worship
19:17 Conclusion and Future Topics

Episode Resources
Counseling Through God's Attributes

EP. 185 Counseling Through God's Attributes: Anchoring Your Heart & Mind in God's Peace W/Author Shannon McCoy Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the host is joined by Shannon K. McCoy, an experienced biblical counselor, to discuss the topic of God's peace amidst life's anxieties from her contribution to the ABC Resource, Counseling Through God's Attributes. Shannon shares her life transition from San Diego, California to Spartanburg, South Carolina and her career as a cytology lab manager. The conversation delves into the heightened anxiety and how biblical counseling can address it by focusing on Philippians 4:6-9. They emphasize that peace is an active process tied to trust and obedience in God. Shannon highlights practical counseling techniques, such as daily scripture focus and thought journaling, to help individuals reframe their anxiety in light of God's character and promises.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:55 Shannon's Background and Journey
03:40 Discussing God's Peace and Anxiety
08:26 Practical Steps for Counseling
18:35 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

Episode Mentions:
Counseling Through God's Attributes

EP. 184 Counseling Through God's Attributes: God's Strengthening Comfort W/Ellen Dykas Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Speak the Truth, host Mike welcomes guest Ellen Dykas, an ABC partner from Harvest USA. Ellen discusses the vital topic of 'God as Comforter' in biblical counseling, specifically referencing 2 Corinthians 1:3-6. The episode not only delves into Ellen's background and her work in discipleship and counseling but also offers a practical guide for counselors on integrating the concept of divine comfort into their sessions. Ellen emphasizes the importance of understanding God's comfort, engaging in meaningful dialogue with counselees, and applying Scripture to help those dealing with pain and suffering. The episode is a rich resource for both current counselors and those in training.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
00:33 Guest Introduction: Ellen Dykas
01:15 Ellen's Background and Ministry
03:09 God's Comfort in Counseling
06:42 Applying God's Comfort in Counseling Sessions
16:44 After Session Assignments and Reflections
20:48 Final Encouragement and Closing Remarks

Episode Mentions

EP. 183 Counseling through God's Attributes – EL ROI: The Living One Who Sees Me W/Betty-Anne Van Rees (Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition) Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael is with guest, Betty-Anne Van Rees. Betty-Anne, a key member of the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition, shares insights on using God's attributes, particularly God's all-seeing nature (El Roi), to guide counseling sessions. The conversation explores the significance of knowing God personally, using the story of Hagar from Genesis 16:1-14, and provides practical applications for counselors. The episode highlights the importance of helping counselees see God's care and encourages the use of the 'Counseling Through' resource for both personal growth and enhancing counseling methodologies.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:34 Betty-Anne's Background and Ministry

01:17 Counseling Through God's Attributes Miniseries

02:29 Focus on God's Attribute: El Roi, The All-Seeing

03:55 Application of Hagar's Story in Counseling

12:36 Reflection Questions and Practical Assignments

21:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Resources

Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC Res