Fresh Hope for Mental Health

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Ruby Lucas, author and mental health advocate. Ruby was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 19, but her struggles with anxiety began much earlier in childhood. Her teenage years were marked by depression, sadness, and panic attacks. While studying abroad, Ruby experienced her first manic episode, which led to her diagnosis. The following years were challenging—marked by denial, lack of proper treatment, psychosis, and even times when people took advantage of her vulnerability. But God broke through. Ruby’s story is one of faith, hope, and recovery. She shares how God restored her life, gave her renewed purpose, and continues to sustain her journey toward healing. Don’t miss this powerful and inspiring episode that reminds us that no one is beyond hope. 📘 Learn more about Ruby’s story in her book: I WILL Fly: My Journey Through Bipolar Disorder 💛 If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend or family member who might need to hear Ruby’s story. Together, we can spread hope and remind others that healing is possible.

In this episode, Pastor Brad talks with Katie Allred—professor, author of Church Communication and community builder. Katie shares her story of growing up in the church, the importance of community, and how faith has shaped her journey. When Katie was just 18 years old, her father passed away, a loss that deeply impacted her and her family. Driven by her natural achiever personality, Katie pursued success, but eventually experienced corporate burnout. This season led to severe depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. In this conversation, Katie opens up about her path to recovery—what helped, what she learned, and how she now encourages others who might be struggling with similar challenges. We encourage you to share this episode with someone who may be going through a difficult time.

In this powerful episode, Pastor Brad sits down with Cristina Baker, author, speaker, and passionate follower of Jesus. Cristina shares her incredible story of redemption—one marked by a difficult childhood, abuse, homelessness, and addiction. Years ago, Cristina encountered the miraculous love and power of God through a group of faithful intercessors who led her to Christ and taught her how to pray. Her life was radically transformed, and she now shares hope and encouragement with others through her testimony and writing. Cristina is the author of two inspiring books: Hope in 60 Seconds and A Minute of Hope, where she offers short, faith-filled messages that speak life into the darkest places. This is an episode you won’t want to miss—and one you’ll definitely want to share! 🔗 Learn more about Cristina at cristinabaker.com ✨ Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Yvonne Borgquist, a mother whose only child, a 33-year-old son, is on the Autism Spectrum, Cognitively Delayed, and has Bipolar Disorder. Yvonne shares her journey of discovering her son’s diagnosis and navigating through challenging psychosis episodes during his teenage years. Today, her son lives in a group home, and Yvonne continues to find strength in the Lord throughout these experiences. Yvonne started a Special Needs Parenting/Caregiver Support Group at her church, Bay Presbyterian, and her involvement in the Key Ministry Prayer Team. Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who could be encouraged by Yvonne's story! Check out our latest curriculum for support groups for parents: Key to Hope  

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews singer-songwriter Josh Wilson, who recently released a new album titled "Mental Help," which delves into mental health and his faith in Jesus. Josh shares his personal story, including his battles with anxiety, depression, and addiction, and how his music documents his journey, offering inspiration to others facing similar struggles. Learn more about Josh and his music on his website: https://www.joshwilsonmusic.com/. Listen to his new album here: https://lnk.to/MentalHelp. Don’t forget to share this podcast with friends: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/.

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Miriah Rossow, a member of the Fresh Hope support group, who shares her heartbreaking story of overcoming homelessness and navigating life with a bipolar type 1 diagnosis. In her early twenties, Miriah was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, leading to multiple hospitalizations and a challenging period where she became homeless for a couple of months during the winter. She recounts how a relative eventually introduced her to Fresh Hope, where she found the support and community she desperately needed. Miriah discusses the role Fresh Hope played in her journey to recovery and stability, offering insights and advice for loved ones of young adults facing mental health challenges. She emphasizes the importance not taking on a "God-size problem," but instead giving it to God and trusting Him with the care of their children. Don’t forget to share this episode with friends on social media and explore more resources available at Fresh Hope (https://freshhope.us/). Tune in to additional episodes on our website: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/.     

In this episode, we replay sessions from our 2023 virtual conference, Voices of Hope. Tune in to hear Andrew Blackwood as he guides Christian parents through the Parental Peace Framework. Discover effective strategies to understand and address your child's anxiety, motivate them to excel daily, and resolve conflicts swiftly and peacefully. Learn how to stay calm in challenging moments and listen to your children in "Their Voice." Don’t forget to share this episode with friends on social media and explore more resources available at Fresh Hope (https://freshhope.us/). Tune in to additional episodes on our website: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/. Click here If you would like to learn more about our Trauma Healing groups.     

In this episode, we present a compelling session from our virtual conference, Voices of Hope 2023, featuring Amy Skogerboe. Amy challenges listeners to see their brokenness as sovereign opportunities for God's plan to unfold and His greater story to come alive through their lives. Tune in to be inspired and to gain a new perspective on how your personal struggles can be part of a divine narrative. Don’t forget to share this episode with friends on social media and explore more resources available at Fresh Hope (https://freshhope.us/). Tune in to additional episodes on our website: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/. Click here If you would like to learn more about our Trauma Healing groups. 

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Caroline Beidler and her mother, Diana Dalles, co-authors of the book You Are Not Your Trauma. Together, they share their powerful journey through trauma within their family, including substance abuse and the profound impact it had on their lives. They discuss the challenges they faced, the healing process, and how they found strength and resilience through their faith. Caroline and Diana's story is one of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome even the darkest of times. Their insights offer valuable lessons on dealing with trauma and finding a path to recovery. Whether you are going through similar challenges or know someone who is, this interview will provide encouragement and a reminder that healing and transformation are possible. Join us for this heartfelt conversation and be inspired by their journey towards wholeness and redemption. Don't forget to share this episode with friends on social media and explore more resources available at Fresh Hope (https://freshhope.us/). Tune in to additional episodes on our website: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/. Click here If you would like to learn more about our Trauma Healing groups.   

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Jesslyn McCutcheon, who has lived with bipolar 1 disorder for the past 24 years. Jesslyn shares her journey of coming to terms with her mental illness and realizing her calling to minister in this area. Last year, she began speaking at different churches about creating stigma-free environments and the importance of spirituality and faith in mental health. Jesslyn is an active advocate for NAMI, speaking for their IOOV and NAMIFaithnet programs, and is studying to become a mental health coach through the American Association of Christian Counseling. She is also working on her first book. Jesslyn’s story is a powerful testament to living a fulfilled life despite serious mental illness, emphasizing that with God’s plan, nothing can stand in the way of achieving your goals and dreams. For more about Jesslyn and her work, visit her website at jesslynmccutcheon.com. Don't forget to share this episode with friends on social media and explore more resources available at Fresh Hope (https://freshhope.us/). Tune in to additional episodes on our website: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/.  

In this enlightening episode, Pastor Brad sits down with Chris Morris, the author of Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons from Suicidality and Depression. Chris shares his deeply personal journey, recounting how he discovered God at the age of 15 while battling depression and suicidal thoughts. Through years of struggle, Chris has gained profound insights into mental health and the transformative power of faith. He emphasizes the critical role of support from family, friends, and the church in navigating these challenges. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with hope, resilience, and practical wisdom for anyone facing similar battles. 

In this episode of the Fresh Hope for Mental Health podcast, Pastor Brad sits down with special guests Mark and Janet Soppitt, who bravely share their journey through a 7-year depression that nearly cost them everything, including Mark's life. Through their unwavering faith and resilience, they emerged from the darkness, rebuilt their lives, and now serve as trauma healing facilitators with the Canadian Bible Society. Mark's album "Take My Life and Let It Be" reflects their journey, while their vision for a life coaching business aims to support ministry couples in crisis. Join us as we glean insights into overcoming adversity and finding restoration through faith. Don't forget to share this episode with friends on social media and explore more resources available at Fresh Hope (https://freshhope.us/). Tune in to additional episodes on our website: https://freshhopeformentalhealth.com/.

Welcome back to the second part of our podcast series, "30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse." If you haven't listened to the first part yet, we highly recommend starting there to catch up on the insightful discussion we had on the critical roadblocks to personal growth and fulfillment. Today Pastor Brad continues his exploration of these roadblocks, offering invaluable insights for recognizing and overcoming them. Dive deeper into the remaining 15 ways we inadvertently sabotage our own lives and explore how these roadblocks hinder personal growth and fulfillment. Don't forget to catch up on the first part of our series if you haven't already, available on our website at Fresh Hope for Mental Health. 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 info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.      

In the first installment of our two-part series, "30 Ways to Make Your Life Worse," Pastor Brad delves into the critical topic of roadblocks to recovery. By dissecting these roadblocks, Pastor Brad offers invaluable insights into recognizing and overcoming them. Don't miss this enlightening episode as we explore 15 ways we inadvertently sabotage our own lives this week, with another 15 to follow in the next installment. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how we can navigate towards a more fulfilling existence. 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 info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com.

In this enlightening episode, Pastor Brad delves into the crucial topic of maintaining positivity amidst life's challenges, offering invaluable insights through 8 thought-provoking questions. As life often presents obstacles and trials, having practical tools to navigate them becomes essential. Among the questions explored are: "Is this truly worth becoming upset over at this moment?" and "What lessons can I extract from this experience?" Tune in to this podcast to discover the remaining questions and empower yourself with strategies for fostering resilience and optimism in the face of adversity. 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 info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com.

In this podcast episode, Pastor Brad engages in a conversation with Peggy Rice, who shares her journey of encountering Fresh Hope during a challenging battle with depression. Peggy recounts how she sought peer-to-peer support for mental health struggles and discovered Fresh Hope, a turning point in her life. Currently residing in Colorado, Peggy now volunteers as a Hope Coach Trainer. Hope Coaching, a program offered by Fresh Hope, extends a lifeline to individuals navigating crises or battling with hopelessness. For those seeking connection with a Hope Coach, the podcast encourages them to visit https://freshhope.us/hope-coach-connector/ for more information. If the idea of becoming a Hope Coach resonates with you, the podcast provides an opportunity to make a difference. You can explore the path to becoming a certified Hope Coach and helping others by clicking here: https://freshhope.us/product/hope-coach-training/ . 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 info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com.

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 info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com. Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free 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 WorshipOutlet.com. 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

Danei Edelen is the founder of NAMI Brown County in Ohio. “I am a wife, mother, founder of NAMI Brown County, and 2020 Ohio News Media Hooper Award winner for my original column related to mental health. https://mentalhealthwarrior.life/ We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com. Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free 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 WorshipOutlet.com. 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.

Christmas can be a difficult time for many people, especially when it reminds us of the loss of a loved one or past traumatic experiences. In this podcast Pastor Brad shares some insights on how to deal with Christmas in a better way. Don't forget to share this podcast with someone who needs hope this Christmas season. We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com. Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free 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 WorshipOutlet.com. 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.

In this episode Pastor Brad discusses with Kevin Abbot and Brian Runge the experience of participating in a Healing the Heart Wounds of Ministry retreat. Don't miss this interview to learn more and don’t forget to share it with your pastor or a friend of yours in ministry. Kevin Abbott serves as the Associate Director/Chief of Staff for the Union Baptist Association in Houston, TX. He has been a pastor and a leader in churches throughout the state of Texas for the past 25 years. His heart and passion is to encourage, care for, and coach pastors and church leaders. Kevin leads The Resilient Pathway citywide movement serving over 1,000 pastors in the Houston metro area coming alongside church leaders to introduce and create experiences that foster the “Five Habits of Leaders Who Finish Well.” through pastor groups, quarterly gatherings, yearly retreats, and coaching networks. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and will graduate with a DMin in Lifelong Leader Development at Fuller Seminary in 2024. He is the husband to his wife Mindy and a proud father of three beautiful children, Callie, Abigail & Joshua. ‌ Brian E Runge serves as the Director of Ministry Relations for Salem Media Group in Houston, Texas. Brian has served with Salem Media in Ministry Relations since 2006 and before that as a pastor in campus ministry and Lutheran Churches in Oxford, Mississippi (The University of Mississippi) , Normal, Illinois (Illinois State University), Shalimar - Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, and in Houston, Texas. Brian graduated from Iowa State University in 1980 with a degree in Interpersonal Communication and a minor in Classical Greek. He graduated in 1985 with a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis Missouri. Brian and his wife Jill have 3 grown sons and 11 grandchildren. 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 info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com. Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free 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 WorshipOutlet.com. 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.