Native Exiles

In this heartfelt and reflective season finale, we wrap up our deep dive into mental health with a conversation that ties together key themes from throughout the series. We revisit powerful insights on anxiety, depression, and the challenges of emotional well-being, reflecting on how faith and community can provide real hope and healing. Looking back at the season we explore that we are integrated beings—mind, body, and spirit—and how understanding this unity is essential to mental and emotio...

In this profound and hope-filled conversation, award-winning theologian Dr. Kelly M. Kapic joins us to explore the intersection of mental health, anxiety, and theology. Drawing from his acclaimed book You’re Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God’s Design and Why That’s Good News, Kapic challenges the cultural narrative that treats human limitations as flaws to be fixed. Instead, he invites us to see our finitude as part of God’s good design—a truth that offers deep relief in the face of anx...

In this episode, we explore the deep and often challenging experience of grief through the lens of faith. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be in the world but not of it, and that includes how we respond to those in grief and how we navigate it ourselves. Our guest, grief counselor Cindi Sinnema, shares insights on how we can walk alongside others who are grieving, as well as practical guidance for those who are personally facing loss. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or struggling...

In this episode, we sit down with author and pastor Patrick Miller to explore his book, Joyful Outsider, through the lens of mental health. As our culture changes rapidly, many of us feel isolated, overwhelmed, and disconnected—but what if embracing our role as outsiders could lead to peace and joy? Patrick discusses how Jesus invites us to experience the “joy of missing out” (JOMO) instead of succumbing to the pressure of fitting in or chasing after approval. We dive into practical ways to n...

In this deeply personal episode, Steve Brooks, one of the regular hosts on Native Exiles, opens up about his struggle with religious OCD and the profound doubts he faced regarding his salvation, despite growing up in a strong Christian family. Steve takes us through his journey of wrestling with fear and uncertainty, which first surfaced while living internationally in Taiwan. He shares the emotional toll of trying to find peace through unhelpful solutions, and how God's intervention, through...

In this powerful conversation, Rachael Clinton Chen, a trauma care practitioner and co-host of The Allender Center Podcast, joins us to discuss the deep impact of spiritual abuse and the church’s responsibility in creating safe spaces for healing. With a heart devoted to addressing the harm of abuse, especially spiritual abuse, Rachael shares her insights on trauma, embodiment, and spiritual formation, and how the church can be a place of reclamation rather than harm. As a contemplative chari...

In this thought-provoking episode with Curtis Chang, we explore a radical shift in how we view anxiety—not as a problem to be solved or eliminated, but as an opportunity to draw nearer to Jesus. Curtis delves into how anxiety often marks the people who approach Jesus, and how it can serve as the catalyst for spiritual growth. We discuss the contrasting approaches of the church and the world to anxiety, with prayer as the church's method of elimination and prescription as the world's solution....

In this powerful re-release of one of our most impactful episodes, Steve and Wyatt sit down with Dr. Dan Allender, renowned psychologist and author, to unpack the complex role of shame in marriage and deep relationships. Dr. Allender brings his expertise to the table, shedding light on how shame silently shapes the dynamics of intimate partnerships, often leading to disconnection, resentment, and emotional isolation. Through this conversation, we explore how shame takes root, how it impacts c...

Doctor Gregory Jantz joins Wyatt to discuss a holistic approach to mental health that considers our spiritual, physical, and mental design as created beings. Additionally, Dr. Jantz share practical resources to quantify anxiety and begin the journey towards healing. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or looking to help others who may be, Dr. Jantz has something to say for everyone involved in this conversation. Doctor Gregory Jantz is an acclaimed author, speaker, and researcher in...

Join us as we continue our conversation about mental health. In today’s episode, Pastor Wyatt welcomes Tristan Collins, author of "Why Emotions Matter" to the studio. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church. In it, we discuss following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that seems to be moving in the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without dis...

Mental health conversations and challenges permeate our society. In today’s episode, Pastors Wyatt and Steve explore how faith and psychology intersect against common misconceptions in our culture and churches. We are excited for the next few months as we take a deep dive into the topic of mental health. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church. In it, we discuss following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk...

In the wake of a historical election, Pastors Wyatt and Steve share some practical steps followers of Jesus can take to engage in political even after we’ve cast our votes. Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging...

Keith and Patrick from the podcast Truth Over Tribe join Wyatt on a Sunday Morning to share a framework that explains how we can respond to our changing society's sense of morality and political climate. Keith and Simon are pastors and authors helping follower of Jesus think through living out the Kingdom of God in our modern world. Their first book, Truth Over Tribe, focuses on our political moment and how Jesus challenges our sense of tribalism. They also just release a new announcement for...

Scott Revealy joins Wyatt to discuss the political implication of following Jesus. With another presidential just around the corner, followers of Jesus shouldn’t ignore worldly politics. Instead Scott advocates for a gospel-inspired approach to voting and civic engagement. Scott Revealy is first an experienced pastor with over thirty years of experience. Scott is also a professor at Western Theological Seminary, where he teaches classes on politics and faith. Additionally, Scott hosts ...

We hope you enjoy this bonus episode with Truth Over Tribe. We were lucky enough to have Keith and Patrick from https://choosetruthovertribe.com/ with us, to cover all types of political conversations. Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to ...