Episodes

Surprise! We're still on summer break, but we're popping in with this episode. I get the chance to talk to award-winning author Jonathan Merritt about why people are using sacred language less, why that matters, and what we can do about it. We'll see you in a few weeks for Season 3, kicking off in September! Things we mention in this episode/other resources:- Studies in Words by C. S. Lewis- If you're interested more in the connection between our language and the way we view the world, I (Rober...

It's summertime! Like last year, I'll be taking the summer off from the show. In this short episode, I talk a little bit about the reasonings behind that, as well as give you some recommendations of things to read and listen to over the next few months! This episode of CXMH is brought to you by Stigma Fighters. Learn more at StigmaFighters.com. Things I mention in this episode:- How To Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety by Dr. Ellen Hendriksen- Dr. Hendriksen's ...

June is Men's Health Month, so this week I'm rebroadcasting an episode we did about exactly that! Dr. Bart Andrews & pastor/author Nate Pyle join us to talk about all things related to men's mental health. Check out more info below, along with original show notes! Things we mention in this episode/other resources:- Here's the CXMH store I mention in the intro, and here's a direct link to the brand new 'Church & State' design.- Dr. Thomas Joiner's book Lonely at the Top: The High Cost of Men's S...

Folks, it's been a tough week. The deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain by suicide filled the headlines, and the CDC released a new report that suicide rates have been rising across the Unites States. As a result, I wanted to rebroadcast this episode from last year on Suicide Prevention for new listeners or long-time listeners who might find it helpful again. I'll also rebroadcast a bonus episode I did on Suicide Prevention resources later this week, so keep an eye out for that. Here's some...

Heads up: this one's got some language. Everyone's favorite bad missionary, Jamie Wright, stops by to talk about her new book, the problems with missions, and how her self-worth and mental health impacted her over the years. Connect with Jamie on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or buy The Very Worst Missionary: A Memoir or Whatever on Amazon. This episode of CXMH is brought to you by Stigma Fighters. Learn more at StigmaFighters.com. Quotes: “I scraped together my value from being...

Happy Memorial Day! (go to counseling.) This week, Robert's back as your host to talk with Hannah Brencher, who you might remember from episode 14. Hannah talks about her latest book, the power of being here in a 'getting there' world, and how much her community mattered when she went through a hard season of depression. We also talk about old boyfriends, the Bachelor, and Hannah's process of finding community when she moved to Atlanta. Things we mention in this episode/other resources:- Hear m...

This week, our guest host is trauma therapist Aundi Kolber! She talks about how grief is the bedrock of mental health, why smaller traumas & losses are still so important, what it means to really feel our feelings, and how learning how to respond honestly to smaller day-to-day moments sets the stage for encountering larger events. Things Aundi mentions in this episode/other resources:- Hear more from Aundi on episode 32 - Trauma, Attachment, & Creating Safety.- Hear more about grief on episode ...

We're taking a break from guest hosts this week (a break from a break? I don't know, roll with me) to talk with Austin Channing Brown. Austin's new book I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness is phenomenal, and we talk about a lot of the same topics here: what does 'racial reconciliation' really mean? What can we learn from talking honestly about our past? What's the difference between individual bigotry and institutional racism? Can niceness be harmful? Why did Austin's par...

We're gonna keep it rolling with guest hosts: this week we're visited by Kristen Kansiewicz, a counselor who works in the church setting and writes extensively about the topics of integrating faith & mental health. (If you're unfamiliar with Kristen, you should check out the previous episodes of CXMH she's been on!) Kristen talks about different types of stigma, what our reactions to mental illness tend to be, how these play out in church communities, and what we can do about it. (Note: this au...

Did you like last week's episode? Then you're in luck! Dr. Holly Oxhandler returns as this week’s guest host, sitting down with Dr. Jon Singletary again to talk about the Enneagram some more. This week, they talk about how the Enneagram can be applied to communities using the thinking/feeling/doing centers, how each of these centers impacts communities’ responses to various issues (including promoting mental health), and where the Enneagram & mental health may intersect. (I'd recommend listenin...

Great news! Robert’s out on podternity leave, so Dr. Holly Oxhandler is this week’s guest host. She sits down with Dr. Jon Singletary to talk about the Enneagram in part one of a two-week series. This week, they talk about how the Enneagram helps you learn about yourself including an overview of the Enneagram, what each number means, how they can impact our faith journey and self-awareness, and what to do once we recognize our Enneagram number. Things we mention in this episode/other resources:...

Have you ever wondered what would happen if your favorite fictional characters visited a mental health professional? Have no fear, Jedi Counsel is here! Dr. Katie Gordon & Brandon Saxton host a podcast that explores mental health in your favorite characters, as well as being researchers and psychologists. We talk about Darth Vader (narcissistic personality disorder?), Rick & Morty (can a pickle attend family therapy?), and more. Things we mention in this episode:- CXMH episode 15 on Suicide Pre...

This week, I talk with Carlos Rodríguez. Carlos is an author, non-profit activist, former pastor, and founder of Happy Sonship. We talk about hiding behind masks, using theology to avoid working on ourselves, and Carlos shares his story of finding a more authentic faith. Connect with Carlos on HappySonship.com, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. Support Happy Sonship's non-profit work through the Happy Givers store. Buy Carlos's books on Amazon - Drop The Stones: When Love Reaches the ...

This week, I chat with LCSW and author, Sharon Martin. We talk all about perfectionism, how it impacts our interpersonal relationships, ways to show ourselves more compassion, and more! Sharon is a therapist in San Jose, CA who’s worked with adolescents, the homeless, juvenile offenders, veterans, and individuals struggling with substances, trauma, and mental illness. Her writing on emotional wellness, healthy relationship, and parenting have been featured in Redbook, Bustle, About.com, The Huf...

This week I talk with therapist, author, & new co-host of The Liturgists, Hillary McBride. We talk about self-image, creating a new narrative for ourselves and the generations after us, how parenting just needs to be 'good enough', and tons more. Other things we mention:- Episode 32 of CXMH featuring Aundi Kolber.- The Liturgists episode on Embodiment (we don't actually mention this, but you should check it out.)- the APA task force on the sexualization of girls Join the exclusive Cxmhunity Fac...

This week, I spend some time thanking people who help made CXMH possible recently and than talking about what's coming up for CXMH! After that, I talk with Rudy Caseres, an award-winning writer, speaker, & mental health advocate. He shares about his story, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and wanting to be the next Pope. Join the exclusive Cxmhunity Facebook group to interact with the hosts, guests, and other listeners by pledging just $1/month on Patreon! Connect with Rudy on his websit...

This week, I talk with Aundi Kolber, a trauma-informed therapist and writer. We talk about mental health work as social justice, various types of trauma, attachment, and the importance of creating safety in our communities. Quotes:- "God didn't make me to experience abuse." (tweet) - "Have the courage to do your own work. You can't take people where you haven't been." (tweet) - "One of the most healing parts of my own recovery was experiencing God in a safe way." (tweet) - "Sometimes, because w...

I know, 'recast' may or may not be a real word. In the wake of the Parkland shooting, I've once again seen countless comments online & from public officials placing most of the blame on mental illness. In response, I thought it was important to rebroadcast our discussion with Gabe Howard from late 2017 where we discussed the link between violence and mental illness, if there is one, and how we can react well when people make comments like the ones above. Join the exclusive Cxmhunity Facebook gr...

Happy Valentine's Day week! Unless you hate Valentine's Day, in which case just have a great week. This week, I talk with Dr. Holly Oxhandler, the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and an Assistant Professor at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Holly studies religion/spirituality, health and mental health, and is especially interested in whether and how mental and behavioral health therapists discuss their client’s religious/spiritual beliefs in treat...

Congrats to whoever won the Super Bowl, since I'm writing these show notes before it happens. This week, I talk with life & leadership coach, author, & speaker Amy Simpson. We talk extensively about Amy's book Troubled Minds: Mental Illness & The Church's Mission, and we talk a lot about her experiences growing up with her father as a pastor and her mother being diagnosed with schizophrenia. She shares how those experiences impacted her, what she wishes would've been available to help her, and h...

This one's got it all! I talk with Dr. David Susman, a clinical psychologist, blogger, and award-winning mental health advocate, and he has a lot to offer! Based on Dr. Susman's most popular posts, we talk about the most common reasons people don't get mental health treatment: things like stigma, financial costs, availability of mental health professionals, and more. We also talk about practical ways to help remove those barriers. Things we mention in the episode:-8 Reasons People Don't Get Tre...

This week, Steve hijacks the show! He talks with Brittney Moses, a clinical Psychology student, app developer, and writer at the intersection of faith & mental health. She has some amazing things to say and share with us. Also, apparently Steve's inner critic is named 'Robert,' which I find highly offensive. Things mentioned in this episode:-Brittney's 7 Day Anxiety Detox E-Series can be found here.-Read Brittney's post, 'Setting Boundaries with Your Inner Critic' here. Connect with Brittney o...

Happy MLK day weekend! This week, we're joined by pastor, blogger, and author Scott Sauls to talk about his new book, From Weakness to Strength: 8 Vulnerabilities That Can Bring Out the Best In Your Leadership. We talk about topics like ambition, isolation, criticism, envy, anticlimax, opposition, restlessness, and insecurity, as well as how these things can go from vulnerabilities to strength. Connect with Scott on his website, Facebook, or Twitter. Get From Weakness to Strength on Amazon, and...

Trigger Warnings: In this episode, we talk about depression and suicide, including a specific case. This is a jam-packed one, folks. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Margaret Rutherford: author, podcast host, blogger, and psychotherapist. We cover a ton of topics including Seasonal Affective Disorder, Perfectly Hidden Depression, perfectionism, and more! Connect with Dr. Margaret Rutherford on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or listen to her podcast: SelfWork. -Dr. Rutherford's Facebook live vide...