Shows
Dear Encourager: The Podcast“Anxiety Isn’t Who You Are..." w/ guest Neasel Conner, LPCIn this conversation, Keesha and Vanessa chat with Neasel Conner, a licensed therapist and founder of Beyond the Happy, to discuss the complexities of anxiety, particularly among caregivers and those with chronic illnesses. They explore how anxiety manifests, the importance of self-care, and practical techniques for managing anxiety. The discussion highlights the significance of mental health awareness and the evolving understanding of self-care in today's society.Keywordsanxiety, mental health, self-care, caregivers, chronic illness, Beyond the Happy, therapy, wellness, emotional support, women empowermentChapters00:00 Introduction to Neasel Conner and Beyond the Happy01:23 Understanding Anxiety in Caregivers and Chronic Illness Warriors06:41 The...2025-07-2529 min
Dear Encourager: The PodcastStrength in Numbers: The Power of Support for Caregivers And Chronic Illness WarriorsIn this conversation, Vanessa and Keesha discuss the critical need for caregivers to have a strong support system and care team. They explore the emotional challenges caregivers face, including feelings of resentment and burnout, and emphasize the importance of taking breaks and seeking help. The discussion also highlights the role of respite care in providing caregivers with necessary time to recharge, ultimately leading to better quality of life for both caregivers and those they care for.Keywordscaregivers, support system, care team, mental health, burnout, emotional support, caregiver dynamics, respite care, health warriors, family careChapters00:00 The Importance of Caregiver Support...2025-07-1827 minDear Encourager: The PodcastEpisode 12: The Power of Support for Caregivers and Chronic Illness WarriorsIn this compelling episode, we delve into the often-overlooked world of male caregivers, exploring the unique challenges they face. Through personal stories and insightful discussions, we uncover the emotional and practical hurdles that men encounter in caregiving roles. Join us as we highlight the importance of support systems and the need for open conversations about the struggles and triumphs of male caregivers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the diverse dynamics of caregiving.2025-07-1702 minDear Encourager: The PodcastFrom Pain to Purpose: The Birth of Dear EncouragerJoin us as we delve into the heartfelt story behind the founding of Dear Encourager. Discover how Keesha's personal health challenges and Vanessa's caregiving experiences inspired them to create a supportive community for chronic illness warriors and caregivers. Learn about their mission to provide a safe space for sharing, venting, and finding strength in shared experiences. Tune in to hear how Dear Encourager is making a difference in the lives of many. #DearEncourager #CommunitySupport #ChronicIllnesChapters00:00 The Birth of Dear Encourager07:51 The Caregiver's Perspective16:46 Navigating the...2025-07-1122 minDear Encourager: The PodcastTrailer:The Founding Journey of Dear Encourager: A Mission of SupportIn this episode, we explore the inspiring story behind the founding of Dear Encourager. Discover how Keisha's personal health challenges and Vanessa's caregiving experiences led them to create a supportive community for individuals with chronic illnesses and their caregivers. Discover their mission to create a safe space for sharing, venting, and finding strength in shared experiences. Tune in to hear how Dear Encourager is making a difference in the lives of many. #DearEncourager #CommunitySupport #ChronicIllness2025-07-1002 minDear Encourager: The PodcastYou Deserve to Feel Joy, Too | With Guest Raquel JohnsonIn this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with our dear sister and JOY Coach, Raquel Johnson, to talk about something many of us forget to prioritize—joy. Especially for caregivers, joy can feel out of reach. But Raquel reminded us that it’s not lost—it’s just waiting to be reclaimed.Keywords#joy #caregiving #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare #selfcarematters #sparkjoy #podcast #selfcarematters #selfcareroutine Because joy is not selfish—it’s sacred.Chapters00:00 Intro / Cultivating Joy01:28 Understanding Joy from a Therapeutic Perspective04:26 Finding Joy Amidst Caregiving Challenges06:33 Signs of Disconnection from Joy09:16 The Importance of Communication and Support14:30 Dai...2025-07-0426 min
Dear Encourager: The PodcastWhy So Many Men Feel Alone: Healing, Faith & Mental Health with Pastor Gaylon ClarkThis week, we’re joined by Pastor Gaylon Clark for a real conversation about men’s mental health, vulnerability, and emotional well-being. We explore why so many men struggle in silence, how faith and community offer support, and what it means to truly show up for the men we love—without trying to fix them.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Vulnerability02:04 Encouraging Open Communication04:48 Defining Manhood and Its Challenges07:50 Practical Steps for Men to Open Up10:23 Supporting Single Men in Their Journey12:31 The Role o...2025-06-2726 minDear Encourager: The PodcastBreaking Stigmas: Talking Therapy and FaithDr. Bettina Bunton joins us to talk about why therapy is essential—even for pastors.We explore how faith, healing, and mental health work together, and why the church must be a safe space for vulnerability, support groups, and emotional well-being—especially in the wake of COVID-19.If you’ve been carrying more than you show, this one’s for you.💛 Subscribe & share with someone who needs this reminder today.2025-06-2027 min
Dear Encourager: The PodcastMyth Busted… Everything You knew About Hospice Was?!Yoli Campos-Smith joins us for a real, eye-opening convo about what hospice care actually means. It’s not giving up—it’s choosing peace, support, and dignity. If you’re caring for a loved one or navigating hard decisions, this one’s for you.2025-06-1318 minDear Encourager: The PodcastNavigating Life's Challenges with Dear EncouragerIn this conversation, we talk about how Dear Encourager came to be and the heart behind its mission. It’s a space we created to support people living with long-term health challenges—and just as importantly, the caregivers walking alongside them. We open up about our own journeys, the power of community, and why raising mental health awareness, especially among men, matters so much to us. At the core, it’s about helping folks rediscover purpose even as life shifts—and reminding them they don’t have to navigate it alone.2025-06-0612 minDear Encourager: The PodcastSis, Breathe: How to Spot Mental Overload & Stand in Your PowerIn this episode, we’re diving into something that matters deeply to us—mental health and how it uniquely impacts us women. We talk about the real signs of mental overload, the pressure to do it all, and how important it is to develop healthy coping skills and lean on community support.We’ve both been there—running on empty, feeling guilty for resting, and trying to carry more than we should. But we’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. We're sharing ways to tune into your emotional awareness, embrace gratitude, and know when it’s time to seek p...2025-05-3026 minDear Encourager: The PodcastWhat They Need, What We Carry: Caregiving & DementiaIn this episode, Keesha and Vanessa shine a light on senior mental health, exploring the differences between dementia, Alzheimer’s, and mental illness. They discuss the importance of accurate diagnosis, caregiver support, and creating a personal information book to help families stay prepared. The conversation offers emotional support, self-care tools, and community resources for those navigating senior care and caregiver burnout.If this episode spoke to you, don’t keep it to yourself.✨ Like, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations on mental health, faith & healing.📲 Follow us:Instagram...2025-05-2319 minDear Encourager: The PodcastNot Just Getting Older: Our Parents Struggle with Depression TooWe often chalk it up to age.They’re moving slower. They’re more quiet. They’re keeping to themselves.But sometimes, what we think is “just getting older” is actually depression in disguise.In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Keesha and Vanessa sit down to talk about elder depression—what it looks like, why it’s so often overlooked, and how we can become more attentive to the silent suffering of our parents, grandparents, and loved ones.They explore:The emotional toll of grief and isolation in older adultsHow depressi...2025-05-1626 minDear Encourager: The PodcastBeyond Burnout: Nurses, Boundaries, and BalanceIn this episode, Vanessa Scott and Keesha Nix discuss the critical importance of mental health awareness, particularly in the nursing profession. They explore the unique challenges nurses face, especially in the wake of COVID-19, and the prevalence of burnout and compassion fatigue. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-care, therapy, and creating healthy boundaries to support mental well-being. They also address systemic inequalities in healthcare and the importance of normalizing mental health discussions. The conversation concludes with actionable strategies for nurses to prioritize their mental health and well-being.2025-05-0931 minDear Encourager: The PodcastThe ABCs of Mental Health: A Guide for Mental Health Awareness MonthIn this conversation, Vanessa emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, especially in the context of ongoing societal challenges such as the economy and the residual effects of COVID-19. She discusses the definition of mental health, the steps to maintain it, the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and introduces the ABCs of mental health as a framework for individuals to acknowledge, accept, believe, balance, and commit to their mental well-being. Vanessa encourages seeking professional help and emphasizes that it's okay to take mental health days.2025-05-0714 min