On today's episode I speak with John-Mark about the absence of joy and the desire to escape, how caring for others made it hard for him to see his own needs, the shift from caring for others to being cared for, and why the pursuit of joy has been central to his recovery.

On today’s episode I talk with Tanja, an outreach nurse and pastoral director at Sanctuary Toronto, a welcoming community where people who are poor and excluded are particularly valued. We cover a lot of topics, everything from universalism, the constant process of letting go of privilege, and the growing awareness of the link between trauma and mental illness, to how God’s faithfulness transforms people, why “let your kingdom come” and “Lord have mercy” are her most common prayers, and how the miraculous and life’s messiness co-exist. Warning: This episode contains swearing and touches on trauma, violence, sexual violence, and drug use. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Please write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!

On today's episode I continue my conversation with Mark (and if you haven't listened to part 1 I would highly recommend it!). Mark and I talk about trying to change his sexuality and live up to a very narrow definition of masculinity, a time when suicide seemed like a hopeful option, overwhelming shame and the ways he dealt with it, and the shock of discovering God saw and fully loved him. Trigger warning: In this episode we talk about suicide and sex. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Please write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!

Today's episode is Part 1 of a 2 part discussion with Mark, a chaplain in the Canadian military and also my best friend. In Part 1 we talk about everything from religious expectation and anxiety, conversion therapy and the belief that sexuality is a choice, wrestling with God and holding on to hope, and how the liturgy help him to re-engage with his body. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Please write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!

In this episode I talk with Marianne, a registered psychotherapist, about her work with youth, the short comings in our mental health system, how faith communities can support people and families living with a mental illness, what choice looks like for someone who is struggling, and what she has learned about God through it all.  Trigger warning: In this episode we talk about suicide. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Please write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!

On this first episode of Season 2, the tables are turned! I sit down with my good friend Bianca, but I'm the one answering the questions. We talk about anxiety, miraculous conversions, religious OCD, aggressive evangelism, and why I prefer hymns (it's not just because I'm getting old). Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Please write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!

Today's episode is part 2 of my conversation with my sister, Natasha, and is the final episode of the season! In this episode we talk about the drive to control her body and how that connected with the development of an eating disorder, the hope and anxiety of recovery, learning to be OK with being uncomfortable sometimes, and what faith might look like now. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Please write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!

On today's episode I talk with my sister, Natasha, about experiencing severe anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder from an early age, how that connected with a fear of hell, what, exactly, does it mean to "invite Jesus into your heart," and how she felt the closest to God only after leaving Christian school. And, as a bonus, you'll hear my conversion story! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Please write to [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you!

Today's episode is part 2 of my conversation with Ryan, where we talk about how an acquired brain injury has impacted his life, how treating his PTSD ended up being a key part of his recovery, and learning how to show himself as much compassion as he extends to others.

Today's episode is the first part of a 2 part conversation with Ryan, a Registered Psychotherapist working at the Limestone Clinic in Kingston, Ontario. In this episode we talk about his longing for community in the midst of a mental health crisis, answering the general "how are you?" question honestly, youth addiction and generational trauma, and what it was like starting a support group in his church for people living with mental health challenges.