The GoodHard Story Podcast

I deeply believe that good therapy has been the ultimate enhancement to my faith journey. It’s helped me replace false narratives with the truest story of who God is, what he’s done for me, and how much he loves me. And if you’ve listened to my podcast for any amount of time, you know I love interviewing a therapist…maybe it’s my way of getting a free session, ha!Today we have the privilege of hearing from Monica DiCristina, a counselor, speaker, and writer who struggled for years with her mental health before finding healing through therapy. I left our rich conversation with an understanding of why naming my pain is the first step toward healing, getting comfortable with other people’s pain, and tools for coping with moments of anxiety.Show NotesMake a donation to Hope Heals at hopeheals.com/support.What we mentioned:Your Pain Has a Name: A Therapist’s Invitation to Understanding Your Story and Sorting Out Who You Are from What Hurts by Monica DiCristina - https://a.co/d/enk65rtAdam Young on The GoodHard Story Podcast - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/NWE5Yzg2YzAtNjE4Yy00M2M1LThkMDYtZTk2YTVhNWQ0MWVjThe Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Greg Lukianoff Jonathan Haidt - https://a.co/d/6y9n8GJWhere to Find Monica:Website: https://monicadicristina.comInstagram: @monicadicristinaStill Becoming PodcastGet More from Katherine:For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me: https://hopeheals.com/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664bebWant a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, a monthly digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from me and a curated roundup of the Internet’s most redemptive content: http://eepurl.com/gGUnlfGet to know Hope Heals:⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/spaces⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.com/Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

“Living awake” sounds great when it comes to the beautiful stuff, but it’s much harder to live fully awake when the losses and disappointments and heartbreaks won’t stop coming. If that sounds like your life, then you need to hear every minute of this conversation with my friend Jess Connolly—pastor, writer, and parent. We talked about how to begin the healing process, recovering from church hurt, parenting teenagers with trust, and finding your place in the kingdom of God. I left refreshed and you will too.Show NotesWhat we mentioned:Episode 85: Sex, Conflict, and Covenant with Nick Connolly - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-85-sex-conflict-and-covenant-with-nick-connolly/id1437912225?i=1000712379382All My Knotted Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore - https://a.co/d/5ignBRQThe GoodHard Podcast Episode 105: Beth Moore on Walking with God - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-105-beth-moore-on-walking-with-god/id1496882479?i=1000724538891The Fully Awake Women’s Club - https://jessconnolly.substack.com/Jess on Instagram - @jessaconnollyJess’s website -https://www.jessconnolly.com/Scriptures we referenced:Psalm 40Romans 5:3For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me: https://hopeheals.com/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664bebWant a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, a monthly digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from me and a curated roundup of the Internet’s most redemptive content: http://eepurl.com/gGUnlfGet to know us:⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/spaces⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.com/Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

When I became physically disabled in my mid-twenties, much of the world became inaccessible to me—including faith spaces. I’ve now spent nearly two decades making a seat at the world’s table for people living with disabilities, which is why I feel such deep kinship with my guest today. His life is about making space at the table, too.Jemar Tisby is a best-selling author, historian, and professor who is leading the church in the pursuit of racial justice. We’re talking all accessing your God-given purpose, creating inclusive communities, seeking the kingdom of God, and raising resilient kids. This conversation is rich with wisdom and I hope you’ll join us at the table for it.What we mentioned:The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby - https://a.co/d/5nb0fppHow to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice by Jemar Tisby - https://a.co/d/58D4cY7The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance by Jemar Tisby - https://a.co/d/aXphkaPThe Witness - https://thewitnessinc.com/Footnotes by Jemar Tisby (Substack) - https://jemartisby.substack.com/The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron - https://a.co/d/5iS6rVGStories of the Spirit of Justice by Jemar Tisby - https://a.co/d/58D4cY7Jemar on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jemartisbyScriptures we referenced:Galatians 3:28Ephesians 4:1-16Joshua 1:1-9Matthew 22:37More about Katherine & Hope HealsFor more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me: https://hopeheals.com/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664bebWant a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, a monthly digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from me and a curated roundup of the Internet’s most redemptive content: http://eepurl.com/gGUnlfGet to know us:⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/spaces⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.com/Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

There will be moments in our lives that change us forever—terrible moments, epic moments, and maybe even ordinary moments. My second-chance story and my life’s calling spun out of the worst moment of my life. And, somehow, God made it into something really, really good.My guest today is Zach Meerkreebs. He was at the center of the Asbury outpouring, an historical spiritual movement that changed lives around the world. That moment marked Zach, but it’s not the only moment that has drawn him into deeper wonder, surrender, and humility. During our time together, he shared about how the loss of his daughter and being let go from his first job in ministry have been as important as any revival to his spiritual formation and friendship with Jesus.What we mentioned:Lower: Igniting Spiritual Awakening Through Radical Humility by Zach Meerkreebs - https://a.co/d/fBFvr7IAbout Staughn Coleman - https://www.commonerscommunion.com/aboutThe Daily Examen - https://www.jesuits.org/spirituality/the-ignatian-examen/Barnabas Collective - https://www.barnabascollective.org/Zach on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zachmeerkreebs/Scriptures we referenced:Philippians 2:6Matthew 7:6John 15:15-16Esther 9:1Ecclesiastes 7:2Psalm 139:1-24About Katherine & Hope HealsFor more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me: https://hopeheals.com/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664bebWant a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, a monthly digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from me and a curated roundup of the Internet’s most redemptive content: http://eepurl.com/gGUnlfGet to know us:⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/spaces⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.com/Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals

This season of The GoodHard Story Podcast has been rich beyond belief. Every episode was inspired by a question or suggestion YOU sent to me, so thank you! Because of your thoughtful contributions and vulnerability, we’ve had dozens of life-giving and heart-changing conversations with people who are living their good/hard lives with clarity, intention, courage, faith, and (of course) transcendent hope.I am so grateful that you shared so many hours of the past year with me, friends.So many of these episodes have been a balm to my own soul, and I don’t want to forget all the goodness I’ve found here. So to celebrate the final episode of this season, I’m rounding up my ten favorite takeaways. (And they were SO hard to choose!) I plan to preach these truths to myself when I need them most and I hope you can do the same!The GoodHard Story Podcast team will be taking a much needed summer break, but we’re already planning the most glorious lineup for Season 5. We’ll be back with all-new conversations in September! Remember, our catalog of over 100 episodes is always available in your favorite podcast app for you to savor (or binge!) in the meantime.Show Notes:Ep. 68 with Debra Fileta - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/88d861cf62c5b4da4d75c7785fc488bcSoul Care: Find Life-Giving Rhythms, Live Restored, Avoid Burnout, Discover Unspeakable Joy by Debra Fileta - https://a.co/d/8SV3xKCEp. 71 with Adam Young - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/127f135d0f8f4b67fd2d4b5de256ad7cEp. 76 - 5 Reasons You Are Worthy of Receiving Care - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/cd2cbb41bb24b4579194d998830fb778Ep. 78 with Ken and Joni Tada - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/137f31e9a3346ad15652b286b65cc0ccEp. 81 with Dan Allender - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/52f3e1bcc8767db0cb460dc734ba528bStory Work Conference - https://theallendercenter.org/event/storyworkconference/Ep. 82 with Lysa TerKeurst - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/e37e33f2946bef380ca85f60b7b0f792Ep. 85 with Brook Hensley - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/73c154ab9a616c9219a36816624e92f1Ep. 93 with Mary Austin Hall - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/9ef2f04fc5f02e71b20fa5b7aa2a6014Ep. 94 with Dr. John Swinton - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/565eb21c7e2a0b580d942c64560f312fEp. 98 with Philip Yancey - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/7ff1ca2eb98b273f3d5479dc5504d9f3Where the Light Fell: A Memoir by Philip Yancey - https://a.co/d/47InSUWLearn more about Hope Heals: https://hopeheals.com/Learn more about MEND Coffee and Goods: https://www.mendcoffee.com/Make a donation: https://hopeheals-bloom.kindful.com/Hope Heals Hangouts: https://hopeheals.com/hangoutsScriptures referenced in this episode:Genesis 50:20Galatians 6:5***There's so much more to the story. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664bebWant a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet’s most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenoteGet to know us:⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.org/Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

Seasons of suffering can take so much from us—our health, a loved one, our sense of security. There’s a more expansive loss that runs through all those other kinds of loss: we lose our ability to imagine a good future. We only remember pain and hurt, which means we anticipate a future filled with more pain and hurt. I don’t think it has to be this way. Even when the worst things happen, it’s possible to dream new dreams. And it’s possible to imagine a good future for ourselves and for the people we love.Today we’re talking to a woman on the leading edge of imagining—and creating—good futures. Amy Julia Becker is an author, speaker, and one of my very favorite thought leaders in the faith and disability space. Hours after giving birth to her first daughter, Princeton grad Amy Julia received the unexpected news that her little girl had an intellectual disability. Amy Julia’s lived experience paired with her brilliant mind and love of Jesus make her an invaluable guide as you and I take the next step toward a future filled with hope.Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation:A refreshing redefinition of “the good life”One thing you can do when life takes a totally unexpected turnProof that the life you didn’t expect can still be a life you loveTons of practical resources and recommendations for taking your next stepIf you need inspiration to begin imagining a good future, this episode is for you.Show Notes:The GoodHard Story Ep. 94 with Dr. John Swinton - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/565eb21c7e2a0b580d942c64560f312fA Good and Perfect Gift: Faith, Expectations, and a Little Girl Named Penny by Amy Julia Becker - https://a.co/d/hHW7XfsHope Heals Camp - https://hopeheals.com/camp/The Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World by Andy Crouch - https://a.co/d/hpkQxOOThe GoodHard Story Ep. 98 with Philip Yancey - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/7ff1ca2eb98b273f3d5479dc5504d9f3Where the Light Fell: A Memoir by Philip Yancey - https://pod.link/1496882479/episode/7ff1ca2eb98b273f3d5479dc5504d9f3Re-Imagining Family Life with Disabilities Workshop - https://amyjuliabecker.com/workshop/The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells Us About the Relationship Between Parents and Children by Alison Gopnick - https://a.co/d/70JXPiSAmy Julia’s Substack - https://amyjuliabecker.substack.com/Amy Julia’s podcast - https://amyjuliabecker.com/podcast/Amy Julia on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amyjuliabecker/Scriptures referenced in this episode:***There's so much more to the story. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664bebWant a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet’s most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenoteGet to know us:⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.org/Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/