Episodes

Caroline’s guest, Randi Shannon, is a doctor of naturopathy who is passionate about holistic health through the spices, herbs, and practices originating thousands of years ago. In today’s episode, Randi shares insights in how to use spices to bring healing to many ailments and conditions of our bodies. Her book, The Language of the Spices, is a “full-color guide to more than 55 healing spices – how they work, what they heal, and how to use them safely in everyday cooking and natural home remedie...

Lynne Babbitt has personal experience as a step-family child and parent. As a licensed counselor and life coach, she used her experience and gained more insights by working with other step families who needed to find peace for their lives. Lynne discusses the following considerations for step-parents: the decision-maker and advice-giver roles, expectations, boundaries, and Biblical support. About Lynne Lynne Babbitt, M.A., is a Christian coach, speaker, writer, and editor. She earned degrees i...

Lynne Babbitt shares the wisdom she gained as a single parent at two different times in her life. As a licensed counselor and life coach, she used her experience and gained more insights by working with other single parents who needed to find peace for their lives. Lynne offers practical tips for prioritizing self-care, communicating with a co-parent, and dating while children are still in the home. About Lynne Lynne Babbitt, M.A., is a Christian coach, speaker, writer, and editor. She earned ...

Church and Mental Health Jeremy Smith is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in Ohio. In this episode, he first provides information about the challenges faced by many individuals in the caring profession. Jeremy also introduces the audience to ACES, which stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences. In the second half of the episode, Jeremy provides practical suggestions for pastors, ministry leaders, and others in how to care for their own needs, church staff, and others in the ch...

Church and Mental Health Jeremy Smith is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in Ohio. In this episode he shares general information about therapy and the different modalities (types of therapeutic approaches) that one may experience during a therapy session. As an integrationist, Jeremy draws from the strengths of various therapy models to find what will work best for his clients. Solution-Based Brief Therapy is a preferred approach Jeremy uses to focus on finding a solution to an...

F.I.G.H.T. “Focusing in Growth & Holding Together” is Jessica “Kelly Je” Kelly’s ministry. Her mission is to to provide a judgment-free community that offers support, education, and resources, particularly within the African American community, to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, we believe that healing is a journey, and we are here to uplift, empower, and guide individuals toward growth, transformation, and resilience. Kelly Je’s story is ...

And the Sea was No More In his new book, And the Sea Was No More, Dave Nienhuis shares his journey of trauma to healing using stories in the biblical text. Dave says, “I wrote this book for me. I needed to discover a faith language that could account for the reality of meaningless suffering. That language was revealed to me in the story of Scripture. And now I want to pass it over to others.” In this compelling interview and discussion Dave shares the contrast between darkness and “the deep,” a...

Cognitive Distortions – Part 2 Inspired by a poster at a psychiatric treatment ce2nter, the two episodes on “detour thinking” will explore the cognitive distortions and relevant scriptures. A cognitive distortion can be defined as a distorted thought or cognitive distortion is an exaggerated pattern of thought that’s not based on facts. It consequently leads you to view things more negatively than they really are. In other words, cognitive distortions are your mind convincing you to believe ne...

Cognitive Distortions Inspired by a poster at a psychiatric treatment center, the two episodes on “detour thinking” will explore the cognitive distortions and relevant scriptures. A cognitive distortion can be defined as a distorted thought or cognitive distortion is an exaggerated pattern of thought that’s not based on facts. It consequently leads you to view things more negatively than they really are. In other words, cognitive distortions are your mind convincing you to believe negative thi...

Part 2 – Brian’s Story Continues In part two of this two part series, Brian Mathrusse shares how our creator God gave him assurance that there is hope and recovery is possible. This required turning away from the unhealthy habits Brian had lived with for many years, and making the decision to work through his addiction and mental health issues. Brian’s story reminds us that substance abuse and mental illness do not discriminate. Even individuals who come from well-respected families and enjoy ed...

Part 1 – Brian’s Story Begins In part one of a two part series, Brian Mathrusse begins his story of substance use and mental health challenges that, in part, were influenced by situations that occurred in his growing up years. Brian’s story reminds us that substance abuse and mental illness do not discriminate. Even individuals who come from well-respected families and enjoy educational success can find themselves making decisions that are not easily overcome. Part two will continue from where t...

Empower the Warrior Within This episode features an interview with the authors of Empower the Warrior Within: Using God’s Word to Win the War. Debra Schwietert and Annie Bifulco had a providential meeting through their mutual therapist’s anxiety group. The original author, Rex Briggs, MSW, developed the secular anxiety program many years ago. The principles in his program are also found in the Bible. Before retiring, Rex recruited Annie and Debra to create a Christ-centered program using his or...

Based on personal experience and with information provided at the Disability and the Church Conference, hosted by Key Ministry, Caroline S. Cooper encourages churches to explore establishing disability and mental health ministries. PLEASE POST OR SEND ME COMMENTS! We are in this together, and Caroline would love to receive your comments on how the church is doing to provide for the needs of the disability community and individuals experiencing mental health challenges. For more information abo...

Painful Pancreatitis On March 12, 2026, I had a sudden onset of pancreatitis. This condition produced excruciating pain, greater than any other pain I’ve experienced. While I at first felt abandoned by the Lord, I knew his promise to never leave me nor forsake me. About halfway through my 6-day hospital stay, I began to experience the comfort of God as he presented four important lessons I could learn to help me persevere. In this podcast, I share my story and present the four ways God taught m...

Our Relational Reset, Episode 73, begins with love. In this final episode in the 4-part series to reset our lives in 2026, Caroline reads and discusses two sections in Scripture that can help you renew your relationships with others in a God-honoring way. 1 Peter 2:13-3:12 reveals how we should approach others – with respect and love 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 expands on what it means to love others. If you have not listened to the other episodes in this story, check them out! 1/8/26 Reset: Spirit...

Welcome to 2026! The first four episodes in January will focusing on a 2026 Reset – resetting our spiritual, mental & emotional, and physical beings as well as resetting relationships. Here’s the schedule. Please share your comments! And don’t forget to subscribe. 1/8/26 Reset: Spiritual Health 1/14/26 Reset: Mental & Emotional Health 1/21/26 Reset: Physical Health 1/29/26 Reset: Relational Health Episode 73 offers motivation for pursuing physical health as an essential aspect of holistic h...

Welcome to 2026! The first four episodes in January will focusing on a 2026 Reset – resetting our spiritual, mental & emotional, and physical beings as well as resetting relationships. Here’s the schedule. Please share your comments! And don’t forget to subscribe. 1/8/26 Reset: Spiritual Health 1/14/26 Reset: Mental & Emotional Health 1/22/26 Reset: Physical Health 1/29/26 Reset: Relational Health Episode 71 offers insights on how God can bring peace and delight into your life even in the m...

Welcome to 2026! The first four episodes in January will focusing on a 2026 Reset – resetting our spiritual, mental & emotional, and physical beings as well as resetting relationships. Here’s the schedule. Please share your comments! And don’t forget to subscribe. 1/8/26 Reset: Spiritual Health 1/15/26 Reset: Mental & Emotional Health 1/22/26 Reset: Physical Health 1/29/26 Reset: Relational Health This first episode will give you suggestions from Scripture for resetting your spiritual life....

Linda McDougal, LPC Linda is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with children from 3-19 for more than 10 years. Her varied experience includes songwriting, creating a local Christian newspaper, and working as a substitute teacher. Child-Teen Therapy for 8-19 year olds In Part 2 of a 2-part series, Linda shares important therapies she uses with 8-19 year old youth, listed below. For general information about various diagnoses and treatments, check out the information available f...

Linda McDougal, LPC Linda is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with children from 3-19 for more than 10 years. Her varied experience includes songwriting, creating a local Christian newspaper, and working as a substitute teacher. Child Therapy for 3-8 year olds In Part 1 of a 2-part series, Linda shares how she works with children from ages 3 to 8. She describes four different modalities (approaches or methods) of working with these young children. Click on a modality to learn...

Charlene Giles Charlene Giles is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a passion to minister to people who are ready to grow in their relationship with God and others. According to her website, she is recently retired from her leadership position at Asbury Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For over 28 years she was responsible for the care and marriage ministries of one of the largest Methodist churches in Oklahoma. On today’s episode, Charlene boldly encourages Christians to seek help from t...

Meet Lea! Lea Turner is a registered nurse, pilates instructor, and certified grief coach. She has also walked the long road of grief and wants to share what she has learned with others through her writing, speaking, and consulting work. As a result of her journey to publish her first book, Lea and her partner, Kim Mosiman, formed Writer to Writer to help other writers thrive in the publishing world. They offer coaching and book launching services. Check out Lea’s book, Freedom to Feel, on Ama...

Caroline and her guest, Angela Wesson, have a candid, informative, and passionate discussion about Angel’s COPS KC nonprofit and how the body of Christ is called to serve others. COPS is the acronym for Counselors Obediently Preventing Substance Abuse. (See below for links to information about addiction and recovery.) SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: COPS KC is holding an event to celebrate Recovery Month. It will be held Saturday, September 20, from 11 AM – 2 PM at the COPS office: 3800 Agnes Ave, Ste.2,...

Many years ago, when I begin considering serving the Lord as a Christian writer and speaker, he gave me a mission to focus my efforts. My full mission statement reads as follows: I will offer encouragement for life in a complicated world by inspiring people to choose hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Today’s episode is in preparation for a new weekly blog and monthly newsletter titled Encouragement for Life. What else would I name it? My first atte...