Episodes

Part 2 - Holy Week Events In this 2nd of a 3-part Bible study on the Easter events, Caroline reads select events from Holy Week from the Gospel of Mark including the betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Caroline, a musician and composer, also shares her heart and her song that bridges the gap between Palm Sunday and the crucifixion. I Will Lay My Palm Branch Down (c) Caroline S Cooper V. 1 From a joyful celebration to a lonely night of pain, The time had come. You chose to face ...

Part 1 – Palm Sunday In this first of three Bible lessons on Easter events, Caroline reads the Palm Sunday story. She then takes a look at events immediately before and after Jesus rode into Jerusalem for Passover. Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Crisis Lines Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988 SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357] National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453 National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-37...

Preparing to write This episode is part 2 in a 2-part series. If you have not listened to part 1, Episode 13, please check it out for some great information to help you prepare for writing. You will learn six reasons why writing your story can be beneficial based on what we read in the Bible. That episode also identifies three principles to aid in the writing experience so you will produce an authentic, inspiring, and hope-filled story. Those principles are: (1) be honest, (2) have courage, and...

In this 2-part series, Caroline encourages you to write your story. You don’t have to be a writer or have a big vocabulary to take on this assignment. You are already the expert! Although, you may be surprised at what you learn about yourself in the writing process. In part 1 of How to Write Your Story, Caroline presents six reasons why writing can be beneficial based on what we learn in Scripture. Caroline also presents three important principles that can guide you as you write. Be honest H...

What does the church think about mental health? In this first episode of 2023, Caroline has a discussion with a long-time friend that addresses one of the main purposes of the Mental Health and Faith podcast — taking a closer look at mental health and the church. Their conversation includes the following topics: How does the church address mental health? Or does it? What is the difference between long-term mental illness and situational mental health conditions? Situational vs. clinical cond...

Mental Health Resources at Mental Health America of the Heartland Sue Crain Lewis is the President/CEO of Mental Health America of the Heartland, the local office of the nationwide Mental Health America nonprofit. Sue’s compassion is her strongest attribute in serving the needs of persons living with mental illness as well as their families and the community at large. “Recovery is inevitable with the right treatment and supports.” — Lewis With services ranging from offering educational worksho...

September is Recovery Month! Sometimes this designation gets overlooked because September is also Suicide Prevention Month. But one way to address rising suicide rates is to help people learn to live a life of recovery. In this podcast, Caroline shares definitions of recovery that include one unique perspective of recovery as “to again protect myself.” She also talks about practical activities that can represent the recovery lifestyle. DID YOU DO THE ASSIGNMENT CAROLINE MENTIONED IN THE PODCAS...

Restoring Families Caroline continues her interview with Holly Haynes with the Faith-Based Counseling Training Institute (FBCTI). In this episode, Holly shares the final four steps of FBCTI’s 7-step approach to reconciliation. Check out episode 10 for the first three steps! The 7 Steps to Reconciliation Be a peacemaker and make the first move Ask God for wisdom Begin with your part of the problem Listen Show gratitude and gratefulness Fix the problem, not the blame Focus on reconciliati...

Restoring Families Caroline’s guest, Holly Haynes, shares the importance of having a relationship with God as a foundation for restoring relationships with people. Holly shares Faith-Based Counseling Training Institute’s 7-step approach to restoring family relationships. In this episode, Holly gives foundational information and reveals the first three steps with Scriptural support, stories, and insights. (In part two, the final four steps will be discussed.) The 7 Steps to Restoration Be a pe...

Caroline and Dr. James Clark continue their conversation on dealing with conflict in families. This episode is about creating change that lasts in order to have a stronger family — a kind of change that only God can bring. The podcast includes a real-life, inspiring story of how one individual took a journey from resentment of pain inflicted by her family to forgiveness and restoration of the relationship. This powerful podcast is based on Dr. Clark’s new book, “Dealing With Conflict Biblically...

As the holidays approach, many families anticipate family gatherings with excitement and joy. Unfortunately, some people may be dreading the obligatory holiday gathering. In this interview with Dr. James Clark, we will learn practical steps to take to reduce, and hopefully eliminate, potential family conflict. We will also learn to ask for and offer forgiveness in a way that includes personal responsibility, integrity, and, hopefully, restoration of the relationship. This powerful podcast is ba...

This podcast features an interview with Kirsti Millar, licensed counselor and suicide prevention specialist at ReDiscover in the Greater Kansas City area. Kirsti shares important information about forming relationships and having conversations with youth at risk of developing suicidal thoughts or completing suicide. This is crucial information in today’s world. Caroline begins the podcast by sharing some encouraging words and sombre statistics. After the interview portion, the podcast concludes ...

Caroline interviews Terri Cooley-Bennett, a social worker with over 30 years of experience in the field. . . and Caroline’s sister. September is suicide prevention month. Terri shares valuable information on warning signs and how to respond to an individual at risk. They also discuss the role faith can play in the recovery and healing process. You’ll want to listen to the end to hear Terri finish sharing a case study of one of her clients who had thoughts of suicide. Life is worth living! NATIO...

In this second of two episodes on encouragement, Caroline shares the last five suggestions from her resource on how to encourage friends. While originally written for encouraging someone with depression, the tips provided are applicable for encouraging individuals in many different circumstances. We live in a broken world, and God has called us to encourage and comfort one another. Visit Caroline’s podcast website, Episodes Resources page, to download the “10 Ways to Encourage Depressed Friends...

In this first of a two-part episode, Caroline shares the first five suggestions from her resource on how to encourage friends. While originally written for encouraging someone with depression, the tips provided are applicable for encouraging individuals in many different circumstances. We live in a broken world, and God has called us to encourage and comfort one another. Visit Caroline’s podcast website, Episodes Resources page, to download the “10 Ways to Encourage Depressed Friends” handout. ...

Living With a Mental Illness In this first episode of Caroline S. Cooper’s Mental Health and Faith podcast, she introduces herself to her listeners by sharing a little of her journey to become the writer, speaker, and podcast host that she is today. She tells of childhood trauma, untreated mental illness, and the power of God. Caroline includes important lessons on how to approach life in this broken, sinful world. It is possible to have joy and live a full, productive life! To end the episode,...