Shows
BRIGHTEREp. 14 From Death to LIFE: Part 2 of Steph's Postpartum TestimonyToday’s episode is the second part of Steph sharing her postpartum journey after her second born. In this part Steph shares how God helped reorder her perspective and thought life. This episode reminds us that we serve a redemptive God; he doesn’t hold back blessings from us based on our records. When we choose to fix our eyes on Jesus, the difficulties of this world don’t feel as heavy, for His burden is light!Includes: the podcasts origin, visions, endometriosis, Aslan, unmerited favourTimeline:1:15 - Moving back home & finding stability as a f...2021-12-0735 minBRIGHTEREp. 13 Psychosis & Suicidality at 5 Weeks Postpartum: Part 1 of Steph’s TestimonyIn today’s episode Steph shares her postpartum story after the birth of her second born. You’ll hear Laura and Steph discuss the common difficulties of the early postpartum phase including the differences between postpartum depression and the baby blues. In this first part of their conversation Steph goes into detail about how she went into crisis, the aftermath and the immediate support that followed. Stay tuned for next week’s episode to hear the second part of our conversation, where Steph shares more on God’s unmerited favour over her life!Includes: sleeplessness, suicide, postpartum psychosi...2021-11-3038 minBRIGHTEREp. 12 Finding Relief in a Diagnosis and How God’s Word Equips Us for Dealing with Mental Health Struggles: Part Two of Our Conversation with Becky MathieuToday’s episode is part two of our conversation with Becky Mathieu where we’re continuing to discuss children’s mental health. We talk about the relief that comes with receiving the correct diagnosis, while also mentioning the risks in ignoring concerns. In this episode we return back to the gospel; remembering that despite the consequences of the fall God is still sovereign and has a plan for each child.Includes: Peace despite diagnosis, broken pelvis, the one stone left unturned, the can’t versus won’t approach, thankfulnessScriptures included: Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Proverbs 4:23, Romans 12:2, Philippian...2021-10-1933 minBRIGHTEREp. 11 Children's Mental Health, What's Normal & How Parents Can Walk Through It: Part 1 of Our Conversation with Becky MathieuIn today’s episode, we kick off Season Two of the Brighter Podcast with special guest Becky Mathieu. She is a Child and Youth Worker, Registered Psychotherapist, and after-hours on call chaplain. In part one of our conversation with Becky, we go over some of the most common issues that children face in mental health, as well as what’s “normal”, and the worries and fears parents go through.Includes: common children’s mental health issues and what behaviours to look out for"Kids do well if they CAN, not if they want to" - Dr. Ross G...2021-10-1233 min
BRIGHTEREp. 10 Recap of the SeasonIn this episode, Steph and Laura reflect on the first season of the Brighter Podcast, share some laughs, and chat through what their hopes are for the next season. Even in this casual conversation, Steph and Laura remind listeners that they are not alone in their struggles and that God has designed us to be in relationship with him.Includes: ways to share the podcast, thoughts on the next season, Owen Wilson, the intended purpose of the podcast: resource of encouragementTimeline:2:15 - Reflecting on recording the season4:00 - Update on...2021-08-0332 minBRIGHTEREp. 09 What the Church Offers and What Practical Love Looks Like for the Struggling: Part 2 of Our Conversation with Leonard TerryToday’s episode is part two of a conversation we had with Leonard Terry, where we continue the discussion on mental health and the church. Leonard shares insights on what the church has to offer people that can’t be found anywhere else, as well as personal stories of salvation and what it means to actually love someone affected by mental illness. We were all brought to tears during this conversation, and we believe that these words and discussions will have power to liberate you on your journey, wherever you are at.Today’s episode will also conclu...2021-07-2734 minBRIGHTEREp. 08 Church Culture on Mental Illness Throughout the Decades, Suicide, Vulnerability, and Shame-Based Faith: Part 1 of Our Conversation with Leonard TerryToday’s episode is a very special conversation with Open Door’s own Leonard Terry. Listen in as Steph and Laura ask Leonard about his personal journey of faith, how secular and church culture on mental illness have shifted over the decades, and the impacts of shame-based faith. You can look forward to part two releasing next week, where we discuss even more personal stories of victory, grief, and salvation. Even as Leonard continues his journey of faith into his 70’s, he has managed to stay relevant, insightful, and loving on an ever-shifting conversation of mental health. You do not wa...2021-07-2030 minBRIGHTEREp. 08 Church Culture on Mental Illness Throughout the Decades, Suicide, Vulnerability, and Shame-Based Faith: Part 1 of Our Conversation with Leonard TerryToday’s episode is a very special conversation with Open Door’s own Leonard Terry. Listen in as Steph and Laura ask Leonard about his personal journey of faith, how secular and church culture on mental illness have shifted over the decades, and the impacts of shame-based faith. You can look forward to part two releasing next week, where we discuss even more personal stories of victory, grief, and salvation. Even as Leonard continues his journey of faith into his 70’s, he has managed to stay relevant, insightful, and loving on an ever-shifting conversation of mental health. You do not wa...2021-07-2029 minBRIGHTEREp. 07 - Practical Tips for DepressionJuly 13, 2021 Length 25:43In this episode, co-hosts Steph and Laura share practical tips for getting through the most difficult days when experiencing a depressive episode. Together they share personal examples of when they’ve used these tips. When we decide to accept where we’re at on these days and remember that God is WITH us, it helps to lift some of the heaviness we’ve placed on ourselves.One specific topic we did NOT cover in today’s episode is how to navigate working situations when depressed. We are planning to release an episode on mental h...2021-07-1325 minBRIGHTERBonus Episode: Depression Audio GuideIn this bonus episode Laura and Steph share scriptures, songs, poems, and prayers to uplift our minds in the midst of depression. This is a ten minute episode designed to bring hope to your darkest hours. Listen to it as a meditation, as you drive, or as you go about your day to affirm grace and peace from God in your heart. We pray that wherever you’re at, this helps to draw you closer to God and remind you that you will get to the other side of this. Please see our podcast webpage on the Open Door we...2021-07-1310 minBRIGHTEREp. 06 Supporting Those Who Struggle (Helpful Ideas You Might Not Have Heard)In today’s episode, co-hosts Steph and Laura discuss ways to be an effective support person to someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or mental illness. They share practical tips, like paying attention to tone of voice and when to give advice. They also focus on the importance of boundaries and understanding that it’s not our job to fix people’s problems. We can encourage and come alongside them-- but ultimately, everything we do needs to point to our saviour Jesus (not US!).Includes: Importance of boundaries, why preaching at someone isn’t effectiv...2021-07-0628 minBRIGHTEREp. 05 Is Mental Illness a Fad? Looking at History And Modern Day Treatment of the Mentally IllIn today’s episode, co-hosts Steph and Laura address a listener’s prompting question: is it just a fad to have a mental illness in today’s society? They take a broad look at the history of Western culture and medical treatment towards mental illness, and how it’s changed. When we consider the current moment in culture in the context of history and the gospel, it’s easier to understand: culture’s source of hope is always moving, but with God we have an everlasting and never-changing source of hope-- Jesus’s redemption for us.Includes: Western mental...2021-06-2927 minBRIGHTEREp. 04 Time to Get Help? When, How, and All the Reasons That Might Be Holding You Back from Getting HelpIn today’s episode, Steph and Laura share from personal and professional experience on how to know when it’s time for help, and the wide variety of options we each have when finding support. They also discuss reasons why someone may resist various forms of help, including pride, fear, and misunderstanding. If you’ve ever wondered what’s waiting for you on the other side of a first-time call to your doctor, a counsellor, or friend to tell them you aren’t O-K, this is a good place to start.If you’re listening today because you think it...2021-06-2227 minBRIGHTEREp. 03 Mental Illness, Taking Charge of Our Wellbeing, and God’s Perfecting LoveIn today’s episode, co-hosts Steph and Laura define the differences between mental health and mental illness, and if it’s a person’s fault if they’re depressed or anxious. They use the comparison of common physical issues (like a stomach ache) to help illustrate what experiencing mental illness may look like or begin as.Includes: How mental illnesses are diagnosed, how we can take ownership of our mental health by taking our thoughts captive and scriptures including Ephesians 4:21-24, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and Philippians 4:8.We mentioned Dr. Caroline Leaf in this episode. You can find her...2021-06-1525 minBRIGHTEREp. 02 Spirit, Soul, Body (Holistic Approach) & The TabernacleEp. 02 Spirit, Soul, Body (Holistic Approach) & The TabernacleDescription:In today’s episode, co-hosts Steph and Laura dive into how God made His people, and how that matters for our journey in mental health. Does mental illness occur only in your brain, biologically? If someone is mentally ill, does it mean they’re possessed? Or do they just have a lot of emotional baggage? The answers can be found in the Bible, especially when we take a closer look at an Old Testament building called the Tabernacle...Includes: How we’re saved in all as...2021-06-0832 minBRIGHTEREp. 0 Before We Get StartedWelcome to the Brighter Podcast! In today’s episode, co-hosts Steph and Laura share about their own personal journeys through mental illness, and why they started the Brighter Podcast ministry. They also discuss what you can look forward to from the podcast, and where they will be drawing most of their understanding from.Includes: personal introductions, Steph’s story, Laura’s story.Timeline:1:45 - About the podcasts beginning3:00 - Introducing ourselves15:00 - The why behind the podcast16:00 - What we’re hoping to do through this podcast--2021-06-0122 minBRIGHTEREp. 01 The Gospel & Mental Health… Impossible Combo?In today’s episode, co-hosts Steph and Laura share in-depth descriptions of basic terms (like the gospel and mental health/mental illness), how they can be framed in an understanding of the reality of God, and why it’s the most important framework for living a rich, joy-filled life in the midst of any struggle. They answer questions like: is God punishing me by giving me depression?Includes: Definition of mental health & mental illness, definition of the gospel, scriptures such as Genesis 1, Philippians 1:5-7, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 34:17-22.Timeline:3:00 - Defining mental health...2021-06-0126 min