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.

Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery by Caroline Beidler 08/25/2023

Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery by Caroline Beidler 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. Caroline brings a vulnerability and hope that is needed in today’s addiction and trauma-saturated world. Caroline is looking for opportunities to share her own story of addiction, mental health and trauma recovery and bring her professional expertise to discuss the question: how can we support women searching for transformation and healing? 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/27850227

Navigating the Storm: How to Help Teens Overcome Depression and Anxiety by Karen Reynolds 08/10/2023

Navigating the Storm: How to Help Teens Overcome Depression and Anxiety by Karen Reynolds 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 and manage stress. Establishing a mental health diagnosis is often the road to recovery for teens. Yet, without a change of certain daily patterns, emotional health struggles continue. Karen’s passion continues to help teens grow the healthy habits that foster life-giving relationships and mature coping skills. 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/27717642

Taking Criticism Like a Champion by Pastor Brad Hoefs 07/29/2023

Discover the power of faith, resilience and redemption in Christ by Jeremy Stalnecker 07/20/2023

Discover the power of faith, resilience and redemption in Christ by Jeremy Stalnecker 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 (). 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 explain how to move forward when you don’t know what to do How we can find purpose and redeem messy situations 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/27524142

Ten Things You Must Give Up in Order to Move Forward by Pastor Brad 07/14/2023

Let me have my Son by Cristóbal Krusen 07/05/2023

Let me have my Son by Cristóbal Krusen 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, Cristóbal 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 individuals with mental illness and their families, providing a thought-provoking and dramatic perspective on their experiences. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the human side of mental health struggles. What makes this film even more special is Chris's son's excitement and hope that it can reach people for Jesus. The movie has received recognition and awards at both secular and Christian film festivals, highlighting its universal impact. Throughout the podcast, Chris emphasizes the presence of love, both from people and from God. He beautifully reminds us that even in the absence of human love, God's love remains constant and unwavering. Your pain and suffering are not signs of God's rejection or disapproval, especially if you're dealing with mental illness. Remember, suffering is a part of human existence, even for Christians. But take heart! Your suffering is temporary, not eternal. Lift your eyes up and fix them on Jesus. Trust Him and hold onto Him, for He will send you help in one form or another, offering relief and support. So, if you're interested in hearing Chris's inspiring story and gaining insights into the making of "Let Me Have My Son," I highly recommend checking out this podcast episode. Let's spread awareness, understanding, and love for those living with mental illness. Together, we can make a difference! 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/27369033

"I HAVE GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER" (with Judge Jim Fall) 06/08/2023

"I HAVE GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER" (with Judge Jim Fall) 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 willingness to grow. Having the support of medical professionals, friends, and a Christian community is essential on the path to managing our mental health. You can learn more about Tim's incredible journey by reading his book, "Running for Judge." In it, he shares his experiences, insights, and lessons learned along the way. You can find the book on Amazon at the following link: Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Reach out for help and surround yourself with people who care. Together, we can foster an environment of understanding, compassion, and acceptance. Tune in to this thought-provoking podcast episode and let Tim's story inspire and encourage you. Let's break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a supportive community where everyone feels valued and understood. Judge Tim Fall is a California native who changed his major three times, colleges four times, and took six years to get his bachelor’s degree in a subject he’s never been called upon to use professionally. He’s been a trial court judge since 1995 and has taught judicial ethics to California judges for twenty years. Tim was in private civil practice for a little over seven years before taking the bench and had not seen the penal code since law school. He’s a quick study though (see the above comment about taking six years to get a four-year degree). Tim writes and speaks about being a judge with a diagnosed anxiety disorder, and seeks to remove the stigma of seeking treatment for mental illness. His mental health memoir Running for Judge: Campaigning on the Trail of Despair, Deliverance, and Overwhelming Success (Wipf and Stock, 2020) is available in print, as well as from Audible and Kindle. 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/27087837

Sexual Abuse: Protecting Our Children and Supporting Survivors by Dr Kelli Palfy 05/31/2023

Sexual Abuse: Protecting Our Children and Supporting Survivors by Dr Kelli Palfy 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 every parent to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. If you have experienced sexual harassment, please know that you are not alone. Seeking help is a vital step towards healing. This podcast also offers valuable insights for individuals struggling with their experiences. Remember, there is hope, and there is always a way out of your struggle. Tune in to the podcast now and let's work together to create a safer environment for our children and survivors. Dr. Kelli Palfy began her professional career working in adult and youth corrections. Here she noticed a disproportionate number of males in the prison system. As an RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer, she took an interest in investigating sex crimes and went on to specialize in sex crimes committed against children internationally. Here, she began to see that males were victims of sexual abuse too, and that there were very few resources available to them. She wondered if this was why so many males ended up in prison. As she combed through video evidence, she witnessed first-hand the grooming tactics commonly used by sophisticated pedophiles. After leaving the RCMP, Dr. Palfy obtained her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Alberta. She wanted to support male victims, and sought to better understand the reasons why males don’t commonly disclose sexual abuse. She is now a trained trauma therapist and public speaker on the topic of male abuse. Dr. Palfy currently runs a small private practice where she works with male survivors of sexual abuse, first responders and couples using Emotion-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Approach, plus Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Dr. Kelli Palfy Registered Psychologist, 4675 Author of Men Too: Unspoken Truths About Male Sexual Abuse and The Creating Personal Safety Series for Children 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/26995557

Interview with K.T. Griffiths: The Author of Shhh... Mental Illness: The Silent Disease 04/11/2023

Interview with K.T. Griffiths: The Author of Shhh... Mental Illness: The Silent Disease 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 and let them know that we are listening and believing in their words. This is a lifelong responsibility, but hope is always the answer, and God is the answer. offers her first book, a memoir, to all those who faced the realities of life and parenting. As a mother of 6 children, she has been tried and tested in so many ways that this book became a necessity. People know her for her wisdom, honesty, and authentic empathy for the plight of others. It is exactly this trait that has equipped her in this book to introduce you to chaos of the mind amidst life’s relational struggles and emerge stronger than before. 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/26513559

Interview with Dr. Brian Lubberstedt- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist in Omaha 03/29/2023

Interview with Dr. Brian Lubberstedt- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist in Omaha 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 importance of listening to them. The church and Christian leaders can play a powerful role in helping young people feel heard and not silenced by their emotions. It's okay to not be okay, and our youth need to be listened to. began studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center after completing college at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1999. While initially drawn to primary care, he soon realized a preference for a slower pace than family practice. As his fascination with the workings of the mind grew from various exposures to psychiatry and psychology, Dr. Lubberstedt found that his greatest satisfaction came when investigating, educating, and treating his patients who presented with emotional or behavioral problems. A career in psychiatry was a natural fit. Dr. Lubberstedt completed medical school at UNMC in 2003, and a five-year psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Creighton/UNMC in 2008. He was immediately drawn into residential treatment and relocated to Montana where he had the honor of working among a team of professionals whose sole purpose was to restore well-being to children and teenagers with such a high severity of illness that they were no longer able to live at home. He returned to his home city of Omaha in 2010, and had the opportunity of working at Alegent Creighton Health until 2014, doing a variety of work ranging from inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient work. Dr. Lubberstedt's love of outpatient psychiatric encounters led to his eventual transition to private practice. What he enjoys most about psychiatry is the part he gets to play in restoring the health of my patients. "While there are many medical conditions that you can see with your naked eye, what I help with is no less damaging, but I feel all the more rewarding. I have the honor of helping people achieve a higher quality of life than they had before, and in many cases get to assist children and adults in maturing and flourishing into the people that God created them to be." 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/26386728

Interview with Jay Lowder - Founder and President of Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries 03/21/2023

Interview with Jay Lowder - Founder and President of Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries 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 the stigma experienced by Christians and society as a whole towards mental health problems, and the need for churches to support and listen to people who have mental health problems. It's time for us to leave behind the idea that mental health problems are a result of a lack of prayer or not being close enough to God. We must acknowledge that it is a real problem, and there are many teenagers and adults struggling with the idea of suicide. Jay also shared some warning signs that we can look out for in people who are going through suicidal thoughts. What we need is accessibility, not judgment. We must be willing to listen, support, and encourage people who are going through mental health issues and struggling with suicidal thoughts. Let's be the hands and feet of Christ in reaching out to those who are hurting and in need. is founder and president of Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries, an organization dedicated to reaching diverse groups of people with the message of Jesus Christ. Through his ministry, Lowder travels around the world providing a message of hope to the hurting. Drawing from personal experience, Lowder is committed to reach those who struggle in everyday life. At 21, Lowder turned away from God and headed toward a life of destruction, eventually reasoning that his life was no longer worth living. One fateful day, Lowder considered suicide with a pistol at his temple; however, his attempt came to an abrupt halt when his roommate unexpectedly walked through the door. Sensing God spared his life to fulfill a purpose, Lowder began a search for truth, which culminated at a Sunday night Christian gathering where he committed his life to Christ. Soon after, he attended a youth event where he witnessed hundreds of teens respond to the call to accept Jesus Christ. It was there he realized God was calling him to spend the rest of his life proclaiming his personal faith story and helping others find God’s purpose for their life. Since the call to full-time ministry in 1989, Lowder has participated in more than 500 church-wide events, rallies and conferences, and has been invited to speak to numerous groups including NFL teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. Additionally, he developed the nationally acclaimed school assembly “Crossroads,” which has been presented to 2 million students nationwide, as well as the national television show, “The Darkest Hour,” featuring raw and compelling stories of individuals who have found their way out of the pit of defeat by discovering a purpose for living.He resides in Wichita Falls, Texas, with his wife, Melissa, whom he married in 1993,and their three children Lane, Kayley Faith and Graham. 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/26299194

Interview with Alastair Sterne - Author of Rhythms for Life: Spiritual Practices for Who God Made You to Be 03/14/2023

Interview with Alastair Sterne - Author of Rhythms for Life: Spiritual Practices for Who God Made You to Be In this podcast, Pastor Brad interviews Alastair Sterne about his book "Rhythms of Life and Spiritual Practices for what God made you to be." The book emphasizes the importance of taking time to discover our identity, gifts, and purpose at a gracious speed, much like how Jesus walked on Earth. The formation that happens in that gracious walking with Christ can help us in our journey of personal growth and spiritual development. The second half of the book explores various spiritual practices that can aid in this journey. Towards the end of the podcast, Alastair shares his personal experience living with a mental health challenge and stresses the importance of language and acceptance in mental health discussions within the church community. He emphasizes the need for individuals to feel heard and accepted in their own mental health experiences, and the crucial role that church pastors can play in addressing mental health challenges. Overall, the podcast highlights the importance of taking time for personal growth, exploring spiritual practices, and creating a supportive and inclusive community for mental health awareness within the context of faith. is a creative director turned pastor and writer. In 2011, he partnered with Redeemer City to City and founded St. Peter’s Fireside, a creative liturgical church in downtown Vancouver, B.C. Prior to ministry, he worked at various design agencies, including Relevant Magazine as their creative director. He holds degrees from The Art Institute, Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of Rhythms for Life: Spiritual Practices For Who God Made You To Be. He collects joy with his wife and daughters in British Columbia. 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope To donate to Fresh Hope, go to . /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/26231373

Interview with Rob Jackson - Lonleliness in man 03/06/2023

Interview with Rob Jackson - Lonleliness in man Loneliness is part of the human experience, but it has increased even more since the pandemic. Men may find it more difficult to connect with others because of prejudice or fear. In this episode Pastor Brad has , counselor at Focus on the Family, as a guest to discuss this topic. Together they explore statistics and practical tools to reach the level of connection God intends for everyone. They also offer advice for women who want to help their loved one who is suffering from loneliness and isolation. “ is a licensed counselor with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Services department specializing in calls related to sexuality, marriage and parenting. Jackson has provided counseling services through his private practice since 1991 with an emphasis on helping individuals recover from sex addiction through integrated care that helps people mature and heal spiritually, psychologically, and behaviorally. In addition to speaking at churches and national conferences and events on topics such as Christian spiritual formation, marriage and family ministry, addiction and recovery and pastoral care, Jackson frequently writes on the issues he specializes in. He’s contributed content to a variety of Focus on the Family’s digital and print materials, including “The Complete Guide to The First Five Years of Marriage,” “The Savvy Bride’s Answer Guide,” and “The Smart Groom’s Answer Guide.” He’s also been a guest on the “Focus on the Family Broadcast. 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: . Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting. Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of . He founded Fresh Hope in 2009. He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services. He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013. Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope To donate to Fresh Hope, go to . /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/26151339

Mike Jacquart 02/23/2023

Mike Jacquart Mike Jacquart is married and lives in a small town in Wisconsin. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and has worked as a reporter, writer, editor, and author. He edited a newsletter and magazine for employee assistance professionals, many of whom work in behavioral health. A lot of books on mental health discuss the characteristics of various disorders but lack the perspective of someone who has experienced mental illness. In his new book, Climbing out of Darkness: A Personal Journey into Mental Wellness (with Marina London LCSW), Mike fills a gap in revealing the impact that mental health challenges can have on one’s daily 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 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, founded Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those with 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 . Brad and his wife, Donna, wrote a second book for those who love someone with a mental health issue entitled Holding to Hope: Staying Sane While Loving Someone with a Mental Illness which is also available on Amazon. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope To donate to Fresh Hope, go to . /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/26017044

Steve Kramer 02/08/2023

Interview with Kay Warren: Speaker at Voices of Hope Conference 01/17/2023

Interview with Kay Warren: Speaker at Voices of Hope Conference , co-founder of Saddleback Church will be one of the 35 speakers at Fresh Hope's upcoming Voices of Hope Conference. In this episode, Kay talks about her topic for the conference. She also talks with Pastor Brad about Rick, her recent retirement from Saddleback, and what she is doing now through her retreat ministry called Breathe. In this interview, you can hear Kay's heart and passion for those who love a child with a mental illness, as she knows this all too well. She gives some honest and helpful insights to parents who love a child with mental health challenges. You don't want to miss listening to this 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 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, founded Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those with 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 . Brad and his wife, Donna, wrote a second book for those who love someone with a mental health issue entitled Holding to Hope: Staying Sane While Loving Someone with a Mental Illness which is also available on Amazon. If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email [email protected], or call 402.932.3089. #mentalhealth #freshhope To donate to Fresh Hope, go to . /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/25635816

Janell Rardon 11/03/2022

Janell Rardon As a trauma-informed, faith-based mental health professional, Janell sits with clients every day, listening to their hearts and catching their tears. After publishing her first book, Rock-Solid Families: Transforming an Ordinary Home into a Fortress of Faith (AMG Publishers), she completed her Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with a Marriage and Family Specialization and her Board Certification in Advanced Christian Life Coaching (Marriage and Family Specialization). To further help her clients with trauma-related issues, she became a Certified Practitioner in Aroma Freedom Technique with Dr. Benjamin Perkus. As host of “Today’s Heartlift with Janell,” she is hoping to bridge the gap between faith and mental health. Connect with Janell at . 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. #mentalhealth #freshhope To donate to Fresh Hope, go to . /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/24892086

Kirk Martin 10/27/2022

Lindsay Hausch 10/13/2022

Dr David and Michaela Culkin 10/05/2022

Dr David and Michaela Culkin David Culkin, Ph.D., is a professional adult educator currently serving as a qualitative methodologist in graduate degree programs for the U.S. Army University in Kansas serving primarily mid-career military officers. He earned his doctorate in Adult Education from Kansas State University, and his autoethnographic dissertation addressed his identity development as a person living with OCD. He has been married to the love of his life for over 27 years. His research interests include narrative learning, identity development, and poetic inquiry. Michaela Culkin, PhD, is a professional educator who works as an administrator in the advancement office at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Kansas. For over 20 years, she has served as a teacher, mentor, and principal at schools across the country. She earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas. She and David co-authored OCD and Marriage (2021) to fill a significant gap in OCD literature. Her passions lay in teaching, helping others, and serving her brother monks. You can find their book 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. #mentalhealth #freshhope To donate to Fresh Hope, go to . /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/24591006

Key Ministry 09/13/2022

HOPE Inside Out 09/06/2022

Celebration of Hope 08/30/2022

"Executive Loneliness" 08/23/2022

Chris Grainger 06/12/2022

Heroic Disgrace 06/05/2022

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 . /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/23022515

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 . /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/22886561

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 . /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/22746680

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 . /episode/index/show/freshhopetoday/id/22657067

Fresh Hope for Mental Health

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