Fresh Hope for Mental Health
Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a weekly faith based podcast for those who have a mental health diagnosis. The purpose of Fresh Hope is to empower those who have a mental health diagnosis to live a full, rich, faith-filled life in spite of their diagnosis. Pastor Brad Hoefs is the host of the podcast. He is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries (www.FreshHope.us) and author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis.
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Chris Grainger
06/12/2022
Chris Grainger
In this episode Pastor Brad interview Chris Grainger. Chris is the host of 'The Lion Within", a Christian men's podcast. They discuss men's mental health. check out his podcast here: 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 that 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. #NaomiJudd, #mentalhealth To donate to Fresh Hope, go to .
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Heroic Disgrace
06/05/2022
Heroic Disgrace
Worship leader and author, Scott Box, talks about his book, Heroic Disgrace, available now. 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 that 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. #NaomiJudd, #mentalhealth To donate to Fresh Hope, go to .
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Naomi Judd: Live Well and Be Well
05/05/2022
Naomi Judd: Live Well and Be Well
Until now, we've had this exclusive interview that Pastor Brad had done with Naomi Judd just prior to the pandemic lockdown in 2020. We had yet to release the interview in the anticipation that we would be having Naomi speak at a Night of Inspiring Hope in the near future and would release the interview at that time. However, due to Naomi's death we have decided to release the interview. We do so, not to capitalize on this tragic event, but rather to honor her and the struggle she had with depression and anxeity. We are hopeful that this interview with both honor and remind us all that mental health challenges are very real and affect us all. If you or someone you know is suicidal please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255. Help and hope is available. If you struggle with a mental health challenge or love someone who does please consider attending a support group meeting in person or online. 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 that 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. #NaomiJudd, #mentalhealth To donate to Fresh Hope, go to .
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Mental Health Strong: 2nd Marriage and Mental Health Conference
04/23/2022
Mental Health Strong: 2nd Marriage and Mental Health Conference
In this podcast episode, Pastor Brad interviews Erin Ramachandran, award- winning author and co-founder of Mental Health Strong. Erin wrote a Christian’s Guide to Walking Resiliently Alongside Your Spouse with a Mental Health Condition. Brad and Erin discuss the importance of supporting the partners and spouses who are walking alongside those with mental health or addiction challenges. Erin and her husband, Keith started Mental Health Strong, a non-profit in 2/2020 to bring hope, resources and support to marriages with mental health and addiction challenges due to that they are more likely to get divorced. They believe that there is an opportunity to bring support for couples by sharing stories and providing resources. One resource discussed on the podcast is the 2nd Marriage and Mental Health Conference on Saturday, May 21st to hear from spouses and couples with lived experience. Topics include sex and intimacy, parenting and child free solutions and resilience. For more information about resources for couples including the conference go to 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 that 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope, go to . For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact . Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today and numerous other videos are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network. Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at .
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My Mourning into Dancing
04/11/2022
My Mourning into Dancing
"I will turn your mess into your message". That's what the Lord told me He was planning to do back in the days when I had just recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and my hope tank was empty. Years have gone by since I first came to know Fresh Hope and I have seen this promise come true for me once, and again! and again! Not only did the Lord redeem my pain and give me a new reason for living- He also turned the most painful situation of my life into my biggest asset when it comes to helping others out..!! My hope tank is not only full but is actually overflowing into the lives of those around me! I see everything the Lord is doing in Fresh Hope and I can't help but stand amazed with my jaw dropped and my eyes lifted up to Heaven in worship! In this podcast you will be able to listen to Pastor Brad and me talk about what's going on at Fresh Hope. From Peer to Peer support groups, To Hope Coaching, to Processing Together Groups, with people from all around the world from Latinamerica, to Spain, Australia, Zimbabwe and more..!! This podcast is not just a way for you to catch up with what's new at Fresh Hope and how we can help you!- It is first and foremost meant to fill you with HOPE. If the Lord has redeemed my pain and given me so many reasons to live and go on and so much meaning, and passion, where I had once stood completely empty and cut off from any type or form of motivation to live, the Lord can certainly do it with you too. "You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever." Psalm 30:11-12 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 that 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope, go to . For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact . Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today and numerous other videos are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network. Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at .
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Introducing Refocusing Widows
04/02/2022
Introducing Refocusing Widows
Refocusing Widows is a faith-based ministry initiative under the umbrella of Fresh Hope for Mental Health. Imagine a kaleidoscope: a slight twist and a beautiful design suddenly blurs. However, with another slight twist, everything comes back into focus in a lovely new design. This describes becoming a widow. Everything suddenly goes out of focus. Because only another widow can truly understand all that's involved, we facilitate peer-to-peer focus groups both online and in person. This is the place where personal growth and refocusing happens. We have created ten refocusing principles that are the foundation of the ministry. Each meeting consists of a discussion time centered around a specific issue of being a widow, followed by a focus activity that helps either to process the grief, or to begin to move forward into a new season. We envision women who have embraced and processed the profound grief associated with the loss of a spouse, discovered their new identity, and leveraged their strengths and gifts so that they are empowered to change the world around them. Our goal is to infuse faith-filled hope into their lives so that they can once again move into a joyful, thriving 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 that 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope, go to . For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact . Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today and numerous other videos are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network. Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at .
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Ryan Lefebvre: Just Like You: Anxiety+ Depression
04/01/2022
Ryan Lefebvre: Just Like You: Anxiety+ Depression
Today Pastor Brad interviews Ryan Lefebvre. Ryan Lefebvre is an American sportscaster, best known as a play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball's Kansas City Royals since 1999.He is the son of former Major League Baseball player and manager Jim Lefebvre. In 2006, Ryan made his struggle with depressive illness public. He also wrote a book detailing his experiences, The Shame of Me: One Man's Journey to Depression and Back. Available on Amazon. Today They talk about Ryan’s new movie, Just Like You Anxiety and Depression, Available on iTunes. 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 that 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope, go to . For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact . Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today and numerous other videos are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network. Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at .
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Hope That Heals the Heart Wounds
03/25/2022
Hope That Heals the Heart Wounds
In nearly two decades of vocational ministry, I’ve experienced the wounds and weariness that we pastors endure. Ministry hurts. It’s hard to remain resilient. But, ministry itself is not the issue. It’s the what, how and who. What patterns keep us healthy? How do we maintain a sense of hope? Who are the trusted confidants that come alongside to encourage and exhort us? These are questions I explore with my pastor friends and coaching clients. They are borne out of lessons that I learned the hard way. I went to an excellent seminary (Covenant Theological in St. Louis). I gained a great deal of knowledge. When my family moved to a new city to plant a church in 2009, I was not fully prepared for the challenges of pastoral ministry. During ten years of church-planting and previous years serving in a variety of roles, the Lord gently and graciously exposed my shortcomings while also shaping my character and sharpening my mind. In those early days…My emotional intelligence was a bit lacking. I hadn’t established healthy patterns of work and rest. My boundaries were unclear. I didn’t have reasonable expectations for myself or others. My tendency to feel profound shame was not addressed. I was prone to facing my deepest struggles alone. Of course, I was wounded and weary. It makes sense that I was always anxious and exhausted. It should come as no surprise that I burned out. When I stepped down from my role in the church plant in August of 2020, the level of burnout became apparent as well as the heavy toll ministry had taken on my family. As I began processing my pain and taking steps to get healthier, the Lord gave me a new calling and opportunity. The care of pastors. That’s how Fresh Hope for Pastors got its start. Pastor Brad and I share a burden for pastors and their families. We have experience and expertise that enables Fresh Hope to be a blessing for ministry leaders. We know how to help pastors develop new skills and healthier habits. Fresh Hope for Pastors offers insight and strategies that will keep leaders hopeful when life and ministry seem overwhelming. We are committed to creating an atmosphere online and in-person where pastors and spouses can benefit from peer-to-peer support. One of our programs is called Healing the Heart Wounds of Ministry. Over the course of a two-and-a-half day retreat, ministry couples have the rare privilege to speak freely about the joys and pains of the pastorate. Participants are introduced to ideas and tools that aid them in addressing grief and trauma. They learn to understand their emotions on a deeper level while also considering strategies for overcoming negative feelings that hinder them in life and work. Healing the Heart Wounds of Ministry serves as a balm for the soul and a resource that cultivates maturity and increases resilience. As we engage with pastors through retreats, cohorts and other means, the mission of Fresh Hope for Pastors is to equip church leaders with the necessary tools and support for a lifetime of fruitfulness even as they experience the professional and personal challenges of pastoral ministry. We are committed to nurturing the spiritual, relational, emotional, and mental well-being of church leaders and their loved ones, so they will enrich the vitality of their churches and ministries.
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When Christmas is Hard
12/12/2021
When Christmas is Hard
If the Holidays are hard for you, you're not alone. In this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health Pastor Brad share some tips to help make the holiday season a little easier. 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today, as well as numerous other videos, are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at
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5 Things to Quit Doing
10/31/2021
5 Things to Quit Doing
On this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health Pastor Brad Hoefs talks about 5 things to quit doing now. 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today, as well as numerous other videos, are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at
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How to Overcome Overthinking
10/22/2021
How to Overcome Overthinking
In this episode Pastor Brad Hoefs talks about this difference between thinking through something and overthinking. 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission.
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5 Questions to ask yourself on a bad day
09/19/2021
5 Questions to ask yourself on a bad day
In this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health Pastor Brad talks 5 questions to ask yourself on a bad day. He talks about things to ask yourself to help get yourself through the hard days and not let yourself become stuck there. 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or in the Fresh Hope store () Brad and his wife, Donna, co-authored a second book entitled: Holding to Hope: Staying Sane While Loving Someone with a Mental Illness which is also available on Amazon or in the Fresh Hope () If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope, go to For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or join for FREE the Fresh Hope Network which you can sign-up for on the top right corner of the homepage of the Fresh Hope website. If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today, as well as numerous other videos, are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at
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Pastor Brad Hoefs interviews Doug Beach
08/19/2021
Pastor Brad Hoefs interviews Doug Beach
On this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, Pastor Brad Hoefs interviews Doug Beach, chairperson of the NAMI FaithNet advisory group, and president of NAMI San Antonio. They discuss to upcoming 6th annual Pathways to Hope conference Friday-Saturday August 27-28. Go to pathwaystohope.net to learn more.
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Pastor Brad Hoefs speaks with Fresh Hope ambassador Kayla Warner
08/15/2021
Pastor Brad Hoefs speaks with Fresh Hope ambassador Kayla Warner
In this episode of Fresh Hope for mental health Pastor Brad Hoefs speaks with Fresh Hope ambassador Kayla Warner Kayla Warner is a Fresh Hope Ambassador and co-leads Fresh Hope and Fresh Hope for Teens groups online and recently began a Fresh Hope for Pre-Teens group that meets online. She is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach and enjoys helping others achieve health in all areas of life especially their mental health. She is working towards being a Certified Mental Health Coach where she can provide short term peer counseling. She enjoys reading, swimming and writing, and published her memoire “The Label Doesn’t Define You: Using Mental Illness for God’s Glory”. She is currently working on writing her second book and enjoying coaching people to better health. Feel free to contact her at [email protected] she would love to hear from you!
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Holding to Hope: Staying Sane While Loving Someone with a Mental Illness
07/25/2021
Holding to Hope: Staying Sane While Loving Someone with a Mental Illness
If your loved one suffers with mental illness, then Holding to Hope will speak directly to you. Brad and Donna Hoefs use their story of lived experience and realistic examples as they navigate readers through challenging emotions and self-reflection. Loving someone with mental illness can be lonely and can leave you feeling hopeless, but this book validates the struggle and frustration while painting a future of hope and recovery. Reading this book will encourage and connect you to a community of people who feel just like you and offer you the support that you are longing for. -Laura Howe BSW, RSW, CAPM
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Interview with Rev. Sara Lund
07/02/2021
Interview with Rev. Sara Lund
On this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, Pastor Brad Hoefs interviews Rev. Sara Lund, author of "Blessed Union breaking the silence of mental illness and marriage".
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Processing the Pandemic
04/23/2021
Processing the Pandemic
In this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health Pastor Brad talks about the global pandemic. He talks about how important it is for all of us to process our feelings and what we have experienced over the past year. This past year has been one of great stress, change, political stress, and racial issues, all of which can easily create a traumatic response within even the most laidback type of personality. We encourage you to give this a listen and take some time personal time to process this past year. Fresh Hope also has available a four-week guide for individuals and small groups to use entitled Processing Together. It is a free resource and can be downloaded by going to 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Julie at [email protected] Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today, as well as numerous other videos, are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at
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A Doctor's insights on maintaining her Mental Health during a pandemic
12/18/2020
A Doctor's insights on maintaining her Mental Health during a pandemic
In this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, Pastor Brad Hoefs talks to Dr. Jocelyn Baily. If you know anyone working in health care in these crazy times share this with them. Jocelyn share some ideas on how to maintain your mental health while working on the frontlines in the medical field during this pandemic.
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Part III: Staying Sane in Crazy Times Such as Now!
12/03/2020
Part III: Staying Sane in Crazy Times Such as Now!
This edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health is part of a three-part series in which Pastor Brad talks about how to keep sane during stress-filled crazy times as we find ourselves in with this global pandemic. In this edition, Part III, he will talk about some practical ways to maintain your mental health.
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Part II: Staying Sane in Crazy Times Such as Now!
12/01/2020
Part II: Staying Sane in Crazy Times Such as Now!
This edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health is part of a three-part series in which Pastor Brad talks about how to keep sane during stress-filled crazy times as we find ourselves in with this global pandemic. In this edition, Part II, he will talk about eight important things to remember when going through tough and stressful times in life.
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Part I: Staying Like Sane in Crazy Times Such as Now!
11/24/2020
Part I: Staying Like Sane in Crazy Times Such as Now!
This edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health is part of a three-part series in which Pastor Brad talks about how to keep sane during stress-filled crazy times as we find ourselves in with this global pandemic. In this edition, he will talk about three important ways to think when going through tough and stressful times in life.
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Kids and Mental Health
11/12/2020
Kids and Mental Health
Dr. Matt Stanford speaks with Pastor Brad Hoefs about his book, Grace for the Children, Finding Hope in the Midst of Child and Adolescent Mental Illness. We also hear about hope coaching, what it is, and how trained hope coaches can help others.
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An Interview with Sandi Patty
09/03/2020
An Interview with Sandi Patty
Sandi Patty is an award-winning Christian recording artist. In Pastor Brad's interview, she shares openly and very candidly about her struggle with depression and trauma. It's a touching, encouraging, and hope-filled interview! 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to -OR- Text "FreshHope" to 44-321 For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Julie at [email protected] Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission.
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An Interview with Dr. Ellie Stevens - Faith-Based Support for the Military + Veteran Community
08/11/2020
An Interview with Dr. Ellie Stevens - Faith-Based Support for the Military + Veteran Community
On today's episode of Fresh Hope for mental health, Pastor Brad Hoefs talks with Dr. Ellie Stevens. Dr. Ellie Stevens helps bring support and community to the veteran, military, and emergency responder communities by providing faith-based community groups, treatment if necessary and retreats to help the men and women who have served and are serving our country to rise above the stressors and trauma and reconnect to each other and to a loving God. She believes in treating the whole person, not only identifying psychological issues, but also underlying health concerns. 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Julie at [email protected] Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission.
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Sugar Addiction with Michael Collins
07/03/2020
Sugar Addiction with Michael Collins
On this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, Pastor Brad Hoefs talks with Michael Collins about the impact that sugar has on our mental health. Collins discusses mood swings, sugar abuse, addiction and much more. 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Julie at [email protected] Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today, as well as numerous other videos, are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at
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Pastor Brad interviews Shannon Royce
04/28/2020
Pastor Brad interviews Shannon Royce
Pastor Brad interviews Shannon Royce. Shannon is the Director of the HHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives. Shannon Royce brings a wealth of experience to her role as Director of the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The HHS Partnership Center was formed in 2001, under the George W. Bush administration, to ensure that faith partners and non-profits faced no barriers and were engaged as full partners in serving the poor and helping the vulnerable. This mission continues today.
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Self-Care for Ministry Leaders
02/22/2020
Self-Care for Ministry Leaders
On this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, Pastor Brad Hoefs pours his heart out about his own struggles and personal journey with mental health and ministry. Speaking directly to those who are ministry leaders in the Christian church and who are suffering publicly, or quietly. If you need someone to talk to, or need help please email Brad personally at:
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An Interview with Evan Owens
10/07/2019
An Interview with Evan Owens
On this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health Pastor Brad Hoefs talks with Evan Owens about the groups he and his wife started for Veterans and First Responders called Reboot and Recharge (RebootRecovery.com) with over 250 courses around the world Reboot has been a place where faith collides with trauma and souls have been healed. 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Julie at [email protected] Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today, as well as numerous other videos, are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at
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8 Things to Remember in Tough Times
09/24/2019
8 Things to Remember in Tough Times
On this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health Pastor Brad Hoefs talks about what to do when going through tough times. Brad takes 8 things from the law of attraction and tweaks them a bit so that the same rules apply, but are instead Christ centered. 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Julie at [email protected] Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission. All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today, as well as numerous other videos, are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at
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What To Do When You Are Overwhelmed.
09/19/2019
What To Do When You Are Overwhelmed.
On this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health Pastor Brad Hoefs shares 6 things you should do when feeling overwhelmed. These 6 things were found on Life Hack, but Brad puts a spin on them when he looks at the 6 things through a "Christian Filter” 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 that we will share on our next podcast. If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site: Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group. Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected] or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to and click on “find a group.” Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Julie at [email protected] Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries. Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry. The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission.
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