Mental Health and Ministry

Walking With Others Through Pain & Loss

In this episode, Austin and Tim talk with Dr. Jeff Forrey about how Church Initiative is equipping churches to respond to traumatic experiences with the hope of the gospel.
Drawing on his personal experience and his background in helping others, Dr. Forrey offers insight into how the church can walk alongside people in seasons of pain and loss.
Dr. Forrey serves as the Senior Writer and Content Developer for Church Initiative, the publishing ministry behind video-based programs like DivorceCare and GriefShare.
©2025 Identity and Purpose, PLLCidentitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

Forgiveness and Releasing the Weight of Offense

In this episode, we sit down with Anne Rana, licensed professional counselor and co-director of The Joshua Center, a non-profit counseling organization with five locations across Arkansas. Together, we explore the topic of forgiveness—what it truly means, how we can extend it to others, offer it to ourselves, and walk alongside those navigating their own forgiveness journey.
 
©2025 Identity and Purpose, PLLCidentitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

Transforming Pain: Facing Trauma on the Journey to Healing

*Please note: the trauma of childhood sexual abuse is discussed in this interviewTransforming Pain: Facing Trauma on the Journey to HealingIn this episode, we talk with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author and Professor of New Testament & Its Origins at Ozark Christian College. Shane shares his personal journey through trauma and the healing process—one that calls for moving toward the very pain it creates.Shane's newest book: Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation is out now and widely available.His book Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life, which is referenced in the podcast, is also widely available. Find Shane and more about his work and ministry at shanejwood.com
 
©2025 Identity and Purpose, PLLCidentitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

Global Workers and Counting the Cost

In this episode, we talk with Lindsey Mason—a counselor and former global worker—about the unique mental and emotional challenges faced by missionaries serving over seas. Drawing from her personal experience and current counseling work, Lindsey shares common struggles global workers often face unprepared, and offers insight into how the how churches can become safer, more supportive communities for those who serve around the world. Interview with Lindsey Mason, LPC©2025 Identity and Purpose, PLLCidentitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

Identity and Ministry

Austin and Tim welcome back Debbie Pridemore, a counselor and spiritual director, to talk about how we can often conflate our identity with our ministry role. They discuss the consequences of misplaced identity, how to recognize and respond to the warning signs.
Interview with Debbie Pridemore, LPC, LMFT Debbie is a Mental Health counselor with a Masters in Theology, and is also a Certified Spiritual Director who works with pastors and church staff teams. You can find her at pridemorecounseling.comYou can find her published prayer journal at ctainc.com
© Identity and Purpose, PLLCidentitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org

Addressing Moral Failure in Ministry

In this episode, we sit down with Rodney Holmstrom for an honest conversation about how to address—and prevent—moral failure in ministry. Rodney brings a wealth of insight from his experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor, a campus recovery pastor with a local church, and Global Field Director for Celebrate Recovery. You can hear more from Rodney on the Celebrate Recovery Official Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org
© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Casualties of Ministry

Season Premiere: Casualties of MinistryIn this 2nd season kickoff episode, hosts Tim Stoner and Austin Brown introduce the new season and unpack what they mean by “Casualties of Ministry.” They share honest reflections and personal stories about stepping away from traditional vocational ministry—and the mental, emotional, and spiritual weight that came with it.https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org
© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Ask a Counselor: the Enneagram, EGRs, and book recommendations

Austin and Tim answer a few listener questions about using the Enneagram, caring for EGRs ("extra-grace-required") in the church, and provide a few reading recommendations.In this episode:
The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile  
Love Thy Neighborhood podcast (episode #74)
 
Tim's recommendations:
The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James, Russell Friedman 
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 
Austin's recommendations:
Hello, Anxiety by Heidi Dennis 
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk 
 
https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org
© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Emotions 101

Emotions 101Interview with Dr. James Hawkins, LPC (aka Doc Hawk)
https://www.dochawklpc.com/
https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org
© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Depression 101

Depression 101Interview with Carol Dutton, LPC-S, LMFT-S
https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org
© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Addiction 101 (Part 2)

Addiction 101 - Part 2 of 2Interview with Dr. Chad and Angela ImhoffDr. Chad Imhoff is an Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist.Angela Imhoff is a Certified Life Coach and Celebrate Recovery ministry leader.Connecting Couples Podcast: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/resources/
For info about Take My Hand premarital program: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/workshops/Celebrate Recovery group and state rep finder: https://celebraterecovery.com/groups-and-state-reps
https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org
© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Addiction 101 (Part 1)

Addiction 101 - Part 1 of 2Interview with Dr. Chad and Angela ImhoffDr. Chad Imhoff is an Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist.Angela Imhoff is a Certified Life Coach and Celebrate Recovery ministry leader.Connecting Couples Podcast: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/resources/
For info about Take My Hand premarital program: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/workshops/Celebrate Recovery group and state rep finder: https://celebraterecovery.com/groups-and-state-reps
https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcastcontact: podcast@identitypurpose.org
© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Story: Ministering with OCD (An Interview with Pastor Brian Bishop)

An interview with Pastor Brian Bishop, who shares about his journey with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast
contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org
© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Grief 101 (Part 2)

Grief101, Part 2 of 2 
Interview with Ginny Herman, LPC, LMFTGinny is the owner of Maple Hills Counseling and has advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
 
https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast
contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org
© Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Grief 101 (Part 1)

Grief101, Part 1 of 2 
Interview with Ginny Herman, LPC, LMFTGinny is the owner of Maple Hills Counseling and has advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
 
https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast
contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org
© Identity and Purpose, PLLC