In this episode of the Fresh Hope for Mental Health podcast, Pastor Brad sits down with special guests Mark and Janet Soppitt, who bravely share their journey through a 7-year depression that nearly cost them everything, including Mark's life. Through their unwavering faith and resilience, they emerged from the darkness, rebuilt their lives, and now serve as trauma healing facilitators with the Canadian Bible Society. Mark's album "Take My Life and Let It Be" reflects their journey, while...

Welcome back to the second part of our podcast series, "30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse." If you haven't listened to the first part yet, we highly recommend starting there to catch up on the insightful discussion we had on the critical roadblocks to personal growth and fulfillment. Today Pastor Brad continues his exploration of these roadblocks, offering invaluable insights for recognizing and overcoming them. Dive deeper into the remaining 15 ways we inadvertently sabotage our own lives and...

In the first installment of our two-part series, "30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse," Pastor Brad delves into the critical topic of roadblocks to recovery. By dissecting these roadblocks, Pastor Brad offers invaluable insights into recognizing and overcoming them. Don't miss this enlightening episode as we explore 15 ways we inadvertently sabotage our own lives this week, with another 15 to follow in the next installment. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how we can navigate towards a...

In this enlightening episode, Pastor Brad delves into the crucial topic of maintaining positivity amidst life's challenges, offering invaluable insights through 8 thought-provoking questions. As life often presents obstacles and trials, having practical tools to navigate them becomes essential. Among the questions explored are: "Is this truly worth becoming upset over at this moment?" and "What lessons can I extract from this experience?" Tune in to this podcast to discover the remaining...

In this podcast episode, Pastor Brad engages in a conversation with Peggy Rice, who shares her journey of encountering Fresh Hope during a challenging battle with depression. Peggy recounts how she sought peer-to-peer support for mental health struggles and discovered Fresh Hope, a turning point in her life. Currently residing in Colorado, Peggy now volunteers as a Hope Coach Trainer. Hope Coaching, a program offered by Fresh Hope, extends a lifeline to individuals navigating crises or...

We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at [email protected] with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com. Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free...

Danei Edelen is the founder of NAMI Brown County in Ohio. “I am a wife, mother, founder of NAMI Brown County, and 2020 Ohio News Media Hooper Award winner for my original column related to mental health. https://mentalhealthwarrior.life/ We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at [email protected] with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are...

Christmas can be a difficult time for many people, especially when it reminds us of the loss of a loved one or past traumatic experiences. In this podcast Pastor Brad shares some insights on how to deal with Christmas in a better way. Don't forget to share this podcast with someone who needs hope this Christmas season. We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us...

In this episode Pastor Brad discusses with Kevin Abbot and Brian Runge the experience of participating in a Healing the Heart Wounds of Ministry retreat. Don't miss this interview to learn more and don’t forget to share it with your pastor or a friend of yours in ministry. Kevin Abbott serves as the Associate Director/Chief of Staff for the Union Baptist Association in Houston, TX. He has been a pastor and a leader in churches throughout the state of Texas for the past 25 years. His heart...

Pastor Brad shares the three biggest mistakes a depressed person can make. Medications can help, but there are some simple things you need to stop doing to get better. Pastor Brad shares some of his own experiences.  We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at [email protected] with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast...

Andy is a youth and marriage ministry pastor, he is an advocate for mental health awareness.  He is the author of "When Words Don’t Come Easy”, a message of hope, freedom, redemption and purpose. In this podcast, he opens up about his personal journey with depression, and he is married to Tiffany. Their firstborn daughter was diagnosed with only 10% brain function when she was an infant. While Andy was gazing at shattered seashells on the beach, he received a divine message from God: "There...

In this inspiring interview, Pastor Brent (Care Ministry Pastor in Woodmen Valley Chapel) shares how he found Fresh Hope and how it has significantly benefited his church. They've taken their commitment to the next level by embedding Hope Coaching into their ministry, and now, all their staff are equipped with the training to help and minister to others. Don't miss out on this heartfelt discussion that sheds light on the power of faith, hope, and community in navigating mental health...

Listen to the Fresh Hope podcast in collaboration with Catherine Boyle from Key Ministry. If you have a child with special needs or a mental health challenge, this podcast is for you. You're not alone. Learn more about the  new group to Support the Mental Health Needs of Families with Disabilities, starting on November 2nd. Register here: https://freshhope.us/groups-for-families-with-disabilities/contact/  🎧💪  Catherine has been impacted by mental health issues her entire life, including...

With almost 20 years in leadership within social work and ministry, author and recovery advocate Caroline Beidler, MSW, aims to answer this question while encouraging women in or seeking recovery to connect with their purpose and connect in community with each other. Her new book (releasing in March 2023): Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery is a gritty and grace-filled story about the miracles that happen in the basement of the recovery community....

Karen Reynolds is a former teacher, coach, mentor, and a mental health thriver! She has worked with teens in a variety of settings from the classroom to the orphanage. Her travels to work with teens have taken her to Russia, Africa, and Haiti, however, she has spent most of her adult life with teens in the school setting. In those 40 plus years Karen has observed the decline in teens both emotionally and mentally. Many classroom students have become challenged to build healthy relationships...

Criticism can be tough, but Pastor Brad has some valuable insights on how to handle it with grace and grow from it. We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at [email protected] with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the...

Jeremy was a USMC Infantry Officer in Iraq, has received a Veteran Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for Combat Valor, is a former pastor, and Co-Founder of Mighty Oaks Foundation (https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org). He founded Mighty Oaks in order to help veterans adjust back to civilian life and deal with PTSD from a Christian perspective. Here are some possible ideas for discussion with Jeremy: Roadmap for overcoming trauma and PTSD through the Gospel Using Jeremy’s experiences in war to...

In this inspiring episode, Pastor Brad reminds us that life is made up of little things: being present in the moment, loving the people we're with, and truly caring about them. These small acts can make a significant impact on our journey towards progress. 🌟 If you’re ready to slow down, let go of what's holding you back, and step into a brighter future, I highly recommend listening to this empowering podcast. 🎙️✨ We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social...

Exciting Podcast Alert!  Hey everyone! I wanted to share an incredible podcast episode that touched my heart and shed light on an important topic. In this episode, Cristobal Krusen, the talented writer, director, and performer of the powerful movie "Let Me Have My Son," opens up about his personal journey as a filmmaker and how his son's battle with schizophrenia inspired him to create this moving film.  "Let Me Have My Son" takes us on a gripping exploration of the challenges faced by...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Tim Fall, a judge who faced the challenges of running for elections for judge, receiving a mental health diagnosis, battling suicidal thoughts, and caring for his ill father. Tim's journey is a testament to the fact that it's okay to admit when we have a mental health diagnosis. It doesn't diminish our worth as individuals, Christians, or children of God. We all need help, and seeking support doesn't make us weak; it shows strength and a...

New Podcast Alert: Protecting Our Children and Supporting Survivors The alarming number of men in jail for sexual abuse calls for our attention. It's crucial to understand that there are underlying factors and trauma behind these actions. We are excited to share a powerful podcast episode by Dr. Kelley, specifically aimed at parents. In this episode, she delves into effective ways to protect our children from sexual harassers and identify potential red flags. It's an essential resource for...

Hello everyone! I want to invite you to this inspiring podcast in which Pastor Brad interviews K.T. Griffiths, who talks about her book "Shhh...Mental Illness, The Silent Disease: A Mother's Heart," and her experience as a mother of a daughter with mental health issues. K.T. invites all of us parents to spend time with our children and, above all, to believe in them from an early age and to be attentive to the silent signals they may be transmitting. How we communicate with them is important...

Friends, We had an incredible podcast interview with Dr. Lubberstedt, where he discusses the rise in cases of depression, stress, and suicide among adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevention, emotional regulation, and stress management are key measures to prevent mental health crises. Self-care is important for a healthy mind and body, as is creating a comfortable environment. Parents play an important role in the mental health of their teenagers, and Dr. Lubberstedt emphasizes the...

Friends, We had an amazing podcast interview with Jay Lowder, where he shared his personal story of how God saved him from suicide in an unexpected way. Jay's roommate was the instrument that God used to prevent his suicide due to severe depression, and this event greatly marked his life, leading him to form Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries. During their conversation, Jay talked about his journey through depression and how difficult it was for him to share it with others. He also spoke about...