Hello to Emotional Health: How Emotional Awareness Can Go Too Far
Stand Firm Parents
Emotional health matters. But when emotional awareness turns into accusation — families start to fracture. In this final episode of the Hello to Emotional Health series, Jake McCandless delivers a needed warning for parents trying to navigate a generation fluent in therapy language but starved for truth. More and more young adults are embracing a “therapeutic gospel” — one that redefines pain, boundaries, and even relationships through self-diagnosis instead of Scripture. Jake calls Christian parents to hold the line with both grace and truth. This isn’t a rejection of emotional...
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Hello to Emotional Health: The Anxious Generation (Part 2)
Stand Firm Parents
Anxiety is rewriting the story of a generation — but it doesn’t have to win. In this second half of their conversation, Jake McCandless and licensed therapist Temple Carson go deeper into what parents can actually do to help their kids face anxiety with faith and strength. Temple brings years of clinical experience and ministry insight to talk about what happens after the diagnosis, after the overwhelm — the daily rhythms that shape resilience. This episode is packed with practical tools, spiritual grounding, and real talk for parents who want to lead their kids through anxiety instead...
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Hello to Emotional Health: The Anxious Generation (Part 1)
Stand Firm Parents
The anxiety epidemic isn’t just affecting adults anymore. It’s showing up earlier, hitting harder, and shaping how kids see the world. In this episode, Jake McCandless sits down with Temple Carson, a licensed therapist and professor with deep experience walking alongside kids and families. They break down what’s driving this rise in anxiety — from cultural pressure to digital overload — and how parents can respond with strength, faith, and practical tools. This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to action. 👉 Parents Commit Challenge: 🎧 Student Ministry Matters...
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Hello to Emotional Health: Beyond Therapy, Counseling, & Medication – Part 2
Stand Firm Parents
You’ve prayed. You’ve quoted the verses. Maybe you’ve even gone to counseling. And yet — you still feel off. You’re not broken. You’re human. In this honest follow-up to Part 1, Jake McCandless gets real about what emotional health looks like for Christians who are tired of pretending they’re fine. This isn’t about being “fixed.” It’s about letting God form you into someone who can stand firm when life hits hard. Jake unpacks what Scripture really means when it says to guard your heart and renew your mind. Because emotional health isn’t a buzzword — it’s...
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Hello to Emotional Health: Beyond Therapy, Counseling, & Medication (Part 1)
Stand Firm Parents
Hello to Emotional Health: Beyond Therapy, Counseling, & Medication – Part 1 Therapy and medication matter. But emotional health is also forged in the ordinary, daily choices we make. In this episode of Stand Firm Parents, host Jake McCandless unpacks how parents can model emotional resilience in real time—when anger hits, when stress rises, when discouragement shows up. Emotional health isn’t just about us—it’s about the legacy we pass on. 💡 You’ll Learn: Why emotional health is about everyday choices, not just therapy How to regulate emotions before they explode Why...
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Hello to Emotional Health: Can Christians Even Talk About It?
Stand Firm Parents
Emotional and mental health have been taboo topics in many churches for too long. In this powerful episode of Stand Firm Parents, host Jake McCandless talks with Dr. Mark Dance—pastor, author of Start to Finish, and new Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention—to challenge that silence. 💡 What You’ll Learn Why emotional health is a biblical priority, not a trend The connection between Sabbath, boundaries, and resilience How to talk about mental health at home with honesty and grace Practical steps to build rhythms that sustain your soul and your family’s...
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Hello to Emotional Health: I Have a Therapist
Stand Firm Parents
Faith and therapy aren’t enemies—they’re partners. In this episode, Jake McCandless talks with therapist Corretta Woodard about: Why wise counsel is biblical Emotional health as the product of mental health Grounding, regulation, and practical tools How healing your wounds shapes your family’s future Guest Bio: Corretta Woodard “I’m not perfect. But I’m whole. And I’m here to make sure you know you can be too.” Corretta Woodard is a licensed therapist, U.S. Navy veteran, and the founder of The People Place Counseling Center in Bentonville, Arkansas. She’s...
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50th Episode Celebration: The Top Lesson So Far
Stand Firm Parents
🎉 50th Episode Celebration: The Top Lesson So Far After 50 powerful episodes, we’re pausing to ask: What’s the one lesson that’s changed everything? In this special celebration episode, Jake McCandless shares the top takeaway from 50 conversations, interviews, and experiences — and how it can reshape your parenting from the inside out. 💡 You’ll Learn: The #1 thing your child needs most How to disciple when you feel like a mess Why presence beats performance Jake’s most honest parenting moment yet Whether you’re new here or have been with us since episode 1, this...
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Persecution is Coming
Stand Firm Parents
Persecution Is Coming Guest: Pastor Andrew Brunson, Author of God’s Hostage He spent two years in a Turkish prison for preaching Christ. Now he’s warning the Church: you’re not ready. In this gripping episode, Jake sits down with Pastor Brunson to talk about suffering, faith, and preparing the next generation to endure. 🎧 Listen now. 📘 Get God’s Hostage: 🌐 Learn more:
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Real Life Standing Firm
Stand Firm Parents
Real Life Standing Firm: Andrew Brunson’s Story of Faith Under Fire When persecution isn’t just possible but personal—what does faith look like? Dr. Andrew Brunson, falsely imprisoned for over 2 years in Turkey, joins Jake for a vulnerable and bold conversation on: The cost of standing firm Preparing the church for suffering Why parents need to disciple their children for trials—not comfort What he learned about faith in the fire 📚 Book: 🌐 More:
info_outlineJake McCandless sits down with Dr. Jim Wilder to discuss the surprising connection between neuroscience and faith. Learn how your brain was designed to grow through joy and peace, how relational connections form the foundation of maturity, and how parents can use brain science to help their children develop a faith that truly lasts.
Dr. Wilder also reveals how gratitude rewires the brain for resilience, and why a fully integrated faith is the key to spiritual and emotional health.
Key Takeaways:
• Your brain was designed for joy—and faith should be fueled by it.
• Maturity is about staying yourself when things go wrong.
• Gratitude is brain training for spiritual and emotional health.
• Parents can build resilience in their children through joy-based parenting.
Dr. Jim Wilder - Bio & Links
Dr. Jim Wilder is a neurotheologian, author, and the chief neurotheologian at *Life Model Works*, where he integrates brain science with spiritual formation to help individuals and communities grow in maturity and connection. He has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of neuroscience and discipleship, helping people cultivate emotionally and spiritually healthy relationships. His work has profoundly shaped the field of relational discipleship and character transformation.
📖 **Growing We the People: More Human Community** – Get it on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Growing-People-More-Human-Community/dp/B0DG2SX5F1
🔗 Life Model Works – Learn more:
https://lifemodelworks.org