When someone makes us feel unacceptable—whether directly or indirectly—it’s hard to feel safe or be ourselves around them. Often, we avoid those people. But what if you couldn’t? What if that person was your teacher or dorm parent, and you were just a child living under their authority? You might begin to shrink inside yourself, feeling ashamed and invisible. In this week’s episode, I’m joined by David Tso, who grew up in the U.S. government-run boarding school system designed to “civilize” Native American children. Their culture was misunderstood and suppressed—they weren’t allowed to speak their language or live as their ancestors had for generations. Forced to conform, their hearts and spirits were deeply affected by institutional racism, the scars of which are still felt today. David shares his experience with honesty and grace, offering a glimpse into the lasting impact on the Navajo people. Next week, he will return to discuss his healing journey and how God’s grace helped him reclaim his sense of worth and value. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

  Being prejudged is a deeply frustrating and painful experience. It leaves us feeling misunderstood, disrespected, and unseen—especially when someone assumes things about us before ever knowing who we truly are. Many of us have faced this at some point, and for some, it's a far too frequent occurrence. In this week's solo episode, I explore the many faces of prejudice and its profound impact on those who experience it. But it doesn’t stop there—I also take a hard look at what’s happening inside of us when these biased thoughts arise. Where do these judgments stem from, and how can we confront them? Along the way, I share personal stories, reflecting on moments when I encountered prejudice—both as a witness and when I caught myself holding those same harmful beliefs.  In this episode, you'll learn:  The origins of the word "prejudice" Why we are not qualified to be a moral judge of one another Practical examples of stigma, bias, stereotype, bigotry and discrimination Why our fear leads to unthinkable expressions of violence Why forgiveness is an absolute miracle of God when it comes to this topic To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

  Being let go from a job is never easy—it’s often accompanied by feelings of shame, fear, and uncertainty. But what happens when you're asked to leave without any explanation? The confusion can lead to self-doubt and lingering questions. This week, I’m joined again by Larry, who faced this very challenge when he was forced into retirement. The public story made it seem like it was his decision, but the truth was far more painful. Larry opens up about the emotional toll this took on him and how he found strength through faith and support from others. Whether you’ve experienced something similar or not, Larry's journey will resonate deeply and remind you of God’s presence in the most difficult times. Tune in to hear his story of faith, healing, and hope. In this episode, you'll learn:  What you can take away from the phrase "shame flows downhill" What went on emotionally for Larry in the moment of being confronted  Why Covid compounded the shame and isolation for Larry What Larry would say was the missing ingredient in how things were handled Why the end of a career hasn't been a mark of Larry's worth To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].  

  This week on the podcast, we're diving into the complex world of work and the emotions that come with it. While I’ve been fortunate to enjoy most of my jobs, I know that's not always the case for everyone. Jobs can lift us up—or drain us of energy and joy. And sometimes, the workplace can be a source of unexpected shame. I’m joined by Larry, a successful businessman with years of experience. In our conversation, Larry reflects on what he’s observed in offices with supportive atmospheres and, just as importantly, those without. What makes an employee feel safe? What fuels tension in a workplace? And does God really care about our jobs, even when they’re not tied to full-time ministry? Larry’s insights are both thoughtful and practical, and I know you’ll appreciate his perspective. In this episode, you'll learn:  What happens when leadership overvalues productivity Why fear is such a terrible motivator for change  The keys to creating an emotionally and relationally healthy workplace Examples of why leaders could feel the need to criticize their team so often Why our work can be a powerful opportunity to reflect the truth of what God thinks of people   To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that often flies under the radar but can deeply affect how we experience our jobs—shame in the workplace. We all spend a significant part of our lives working, and ideally, work should give us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But what happens when shame creeps in, turning what could be an enjoyable environment into a place we dread? Shame in the workplace can manifest in subtle ways, often becoming so normalized that we don’t even recognize it. Whether it comes from external pressures or internal expectations, it impacts our sense of self-worth and productivity. In this episode, I share personal experiences of how shame affected my own professional journey, including a time when I unknowingly let a boss take advantage of me. If you’ve ever felt a similar weight in your job, this conversation might resonate with you. In this episode, you'll learn:  The consequences of a workplace dominated by a shame culture Why a shame culture is bad for business regardless of industry The ways a good leader can unintentionally trigger shame How you can deal with shame when it surfaces at work Ways to accept constructive feedback To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

In this episode, we explore the often unexpected amount of effort that meaningful relationships require and why they are worth every bit of it. Relationships, especially in marriage, are God’s gifts to us, and He calls us to make them a priority. While we can't control the choices of our spouses, we can commit to pursuing them with genuine intention, empowered by God's guidance. I'm joined once again by Marriage and Family Pastors, Tom and Marcia Kuyper, as we dive into some challenging yet crucial topics. We discuss the complexities of hidden behaviors, the transformative power of forgiveness, and the importance of choosing obedience to God, even when it feels impossible. We also highlight how affirmation can breathe new life and hope into a marriage. This conversation reminds us that when a husband and a wife trust God with their relationships, He can work wonders. Tune in to discover how you can nurture and strengthen your most important relationships, starting with your marriage. In this episode, you'll discover:  Why vulnerability and grace are key elements to thriving in marriage  What to do when an ongoing offense feels too big to forgive  How the offended spouse can avoid controlling tendencies What is happening below the surface when one spouse withdraws Why intentional affirmation can change easily change both hearts To join the Lifted from Shame workbook test group or inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

  In this episode, we unpack the subtle yet profound ways the Holy Spirit uses our closest relationships—especially in marriage—to shape and refine us. Growth often emerges from the tensions and trials we’d prefer to avoid, yet it’s within these moments that transformation truly takes root. Joining me are Tom and Marcia Kuyper, Family and Marriage Pastors at Open Door Fellowship Church. This is a deep and candid conversation about how the hidden struggles, like shame, can quietly erode the intimacy God desires for marriages. This is the first of a two-part series that invites us to reflect more deeply on what it means to lean into growth, even when it’s uncomfortable. In this episode, you'll learn: The impact of shame and feelings of inadequacy in marriage How lies about being unworthy often lead to withdrawal The threat to marriage that comes in the desire to prove oneself and why we often fall into that pattern What it means to recognize and use emotions as signposts during conflict The crucial role humility plays in healing and restoring a marriage   Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here. Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.

Marriage can be both beautiful and challenging, especially when old wounds and harmful patterns resurface. Fear and shame often creep in, blocking the joy and connection that marriage is meant to bring. This week, we’re diving into how these struggles impact relationships—and how grace can break the cycle. In this solo episode, I explore how shame distorts the beauty of marriage as God designed it. Through a relatable story of a struggling couple, I highlight the ways these barriers take hold and, more importantly, offer steps toward healing. I also open up about my own journey—how God’s faithfulness led me to release unrealistic expectations and discover the power of giving and receiving grace within marriage. If you’ve ever wrestled with marital conflict or know someone who has, this episode offers encouragement and hope, reminding us that with God, even deep wounds can be healed. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why unity in a marriage is a depiction of God’s love and glory Scripture that reveals God’s high value of marriage How quickly the gift of marriage can feel lost The many ways a pursuit of self-interest can disrupt unity Why past trauma can lead to unrealistic standards of marriage   To join the Lifted from Shame workbook test group or inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].

In this episode, we dive into the struggles we face when life seems overwhelming and hope feels distant. How do we navigate the storms when trusting God feels impossible? Join me as I sit down againwith Jim Rosania, a successful athlete and physical trainer, who takes us deeper into his story and his journey with Parkinson’s Disease. Despite the challenges, Jim shares how his growing understanding of God’s love has transformed his outlook on life. He no longer sees himself as a victim but as someone with a purpose. Listen in as Jim discusses how his faith empowers him to face the future with strength, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. In this episode, you'll learn:  Some of the early signs of Parkinson’s for JR How God has helped him cope with the gradual loss of physical and cognitive capacity The different ways people have responded to JR's diagnosis Why JR's clients are rarely offended when he engages in spiritual discussions What dreams JR has on his heart for his career and ministry in the future   Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here. Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here.

Do you ever feel unsure of your ability to discern God's path or purpose for you? Haven't we all? And yet the shame we carry in this experience can be hard to escape.  This week, I'm joined by Jim Rosania (JR), an elite physical trainer whose illustrious career faced a significant challenge when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Despite this, Jim's story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering trust in God. Jim opens up about his career, the battles with self-doubt, and how he transformed his fears into freedom through his faith. In this episode, you'll learn How a search for affirmation from his dad left JR feeling inadequate The ways JR’s brother in law was a source of spiritual wisdom and career inspiration Why growth in Christ was so slow for JR as a young adult How JR has chosen to view his Parkinson’s diagnosis in light of God's calling Why a training session with JR is anything but typical.  To join the Lifted from Shame workbook test group or inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].