All Episodes

Both the Church and mental health professionals play important roles in serving the holistic health (spirit, soul, and body) of the people in our churches and communities. However, historically, the Church has either A. tried to help people struggling with significant mental/emotional health issues without ever consulting professionals or B. passed it off to professionals and absolved themselves of any involvement. Neither extreme is healthy! It’s very difficult for a church to find the balance, but that’s exactly what Christ’s Church of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ, has done. Today’s guests, Rachael and Tyler, are on staff at CCV, and they share with us what they’ve learned about what it looks like for the Church to partner with local professionals to serve the holistic health of a community. Also, in this episode… What it can look like for a church to offer care and support How the culture at CCV and their community has been impacted by leaning into the mental health conversation Christ Church of the Valley is open-handed with their content and what they’ve learned. If your church or organization wants to brainstorm or ask questions, they’d love to connect. Tyler Kurbat – TylerKurbat@ccv.church Rachael Schmidt – RachaelSchmidt@ccv.church

Grief is a strong reality for many people right now. If you aren’t walking through a season of grief, you likely know someone who is. Most people associate the word “grief” with the death of a loved one, but there are many things throughout our lives that we grieve. On this episode, Mercy Canada Program Director, Rachelle Ashbee, shares some of her own journey through grief and what she’s learned. Also, in this episode… How to allow community to care for and meet us in our grief Allowing grief to shape who we are and who we are becoming How to not get stuck in grief

On this episode of MercyTalk (being shared during National Eating Disorder Awareness Week), we talk about disordered eating with one of our Mercy graduates and current staff member, Mary Ellen Alexander. Mary Ellen shares about her experience with disordered eating, including how she’s been able to overcome her struggle and is now able to help [...] The post What You May Not Know About Disordered Eating appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

On this episode of MercyTalk, we have a conversation about the goodness of God with the Founder & President of Mercy Multiplied, Nancy Alcorn. We talk about some of the various perspectives that exist about God’s character and how He operates and exercises His sovereignty in the world, specifically as it relates to pain and [...] The post “God is Good and Does Good” with Founder & President Nancy Alcorn appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

On this episode of MercyTalk, we discuss what it looks like to navigate between virtual and relational lives in a way that’s healthy and life-giving with Dr. Brooke Keels. For a significant portion of the past two years, almost every aspect of our lives was moved to the online space. However, society has begun shifting [...] The post Navigating Virtual Life Back to Relational Life appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

On this episode of MercyTalk, we are sharing a conversation that Melanie Wise had with Adam and Karissa King on their podcast, “Dear Young Married Couple.” It was a great conversation about how the biblical principles shared in Mercy’s Keys to Freedom study can transform and strengthen a marriage. Whether you’re currently married, want to [...] The post How Living in Freedom Can Impact Your Marriage appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

On this episode of MercyTalk, we finish our Advent series by discussing the themes of hope and joy with Dr. Brooke Keels. As we enter a new year, we want to posture our hearts in such a way that we maintain our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. No matter what 2021 may have held for [...] The post Advent Series: Choosing Hope and Joy in the New Year appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

On this episode of MercyTalk, we continue our Advent series by discussing the theme of love with Dr. Brooke Keels. How we understand and walk in the love of God impacts every single aspect of our lives. And ultimately, the Father’s greatest expression of His love for us is the sending of Jesus. Also, in [...] The post Advent Series: Choosing Love in the Holidays appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

On this episode of MercyTalk, we begin our Advent series by discussing the theme of peace with Dr. Brooke Keels. During the holiday season, it can be easy to find yourself in a place of anxiety and worry. In this episode, we remind you that peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence [...] The post Advent Series: Choosing Peace in the Holidays appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

On this episode of MercyTalk, we discuss faith and the fulfillment of God’s promises with a very special guest, Arianna Walker, CEO of Mercy UK. Arianna shares her story of starting the Mercy program in the UK and discovering the power of partnering with God’s promises. Also, in this episode… God’s provision for His calling [...] The post God’s Yes Needs Your Amen with Arianna Walker appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

On this episode of MercyTalk, we talk about mental health and the Church with Dr. Brooke Keels and a new guest to MercyTalk, Marshall Gallagher. Marshall is a local pastor and serves as Mercy’s Church Strategy Advisor. Why do conversations around mental health and psychology seem to be so tricky in the Church? Marshall helps us to understand how we got here and what we can do to normalize these conversations.   Also, in this episode… * The history of how the Church has dealt with mental health and how it is still shaping our approach * Why leaders in the Church might be so defensive or skeptical of psychology * Why mental health should be a significant concern in the Church and how we can do better

On this episode of MercyTalk, we dive deeper into the steps for finding the right counselor. Professional, licensed counseling combined with Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit are both vitally important on a healing journey. And in this episode, Melanie Wise will interview Dr. Brooke Keels and Kim Brown, the Director of Counseling in our Nashville residential home, to discuss how they integrate these two important things in their counseling work. Also, in this episode… * Specific questions that you can ask a prospective counselor – whether you’re looking for one for yourself or you’re trying to build a referral list – to find out if, and how, they incorporate Jesus and the Holy Spirit into their counseling. * What to do if you are unable to find a counselor who integrates Jesus into their sessions.

On this episode of MercyTalk, we discuss guilt, shame, and regret with the Executive Director of REBOOT Recovery, Evan Owens. Evan helps us understand the difference between guilt, shame, and regret, including how each can be used for both good and evil in our lives. Most importantly, Evan shares about how to move from the wounds of guilt, shame, and regret into a place of greater healing and wholeness. Also, in this episode… * Placing our feelings and emotions in their right place in our lives * Different types of guilt and why false guilt is so dangerous * Helping our children understand how to identify and navigate feelings of guilt, shame, and regret To learn more about Evan and REBOOT Recovery, check out www.rebootrecovery.com/.

On this episode of MercyTalk, we discuss how to navigate blended families with the Executive Director of Mercy Canada, Nicola Bartel. A blended family is a family where at least one parent has children that are not biologically or adoptive related to the other spouse. Either parent, or both, may have children from previous relationships or marriages. As someone who is part of a blended family herself, Nicola shares invaluable wisdom and insight on how to navigate blended family dynamics in a healthy way. Also, in this episode… * Dating after the end of a marriage * Grieving the loss of a marriage while also making space for something new * Establishing healthy boundaries and dynamics between children and stepparents

On this special episode of Mercy Talk, we revisit a conversation with 2015 Mercy graduate Ashley as she shares her story of multiple suicide attempts and her journey to finding healing in Jesus. If you or someone you know is struggling to find a reason to live, then don’t miss this very important episode as we discuss the lies of the enemy and the truth and hope found only in Jesus Christ.

Welcome back to Mercy Talk! This week as we revisit a conversation between our Senior Director of Outreach, Melanie Wise, and Laura Ryder (one of our UK staff back in 2015). Laura shares her personal experience of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and the lessons she learned about journeying with the Lord and trusting His ways. They will also talk about the connection between physical challenges and spiritual growth as well as the importance of celebrating all of the steps on the way to the breakthrough. Listen and be encouraged!

Hey everyone and welcome back to another episode of Mercy Talk! Today, we’re revisiting a conversation between Jen Otero and Melanie Wise as they walk through the how of overcoming rejection. They’ll also discuss the importance of identifying rejection at the root level and the branches that it can create as well as practical steps to forgiveness and renewing the mind. If you want to find out more about the HOW of overcoming fear, then check out the full series from March of 2018!

Welcome back to another episode of Mercy Talk! In today’s discussion with Rachael Thomas and Dr. Brook Keels, we revisit a topic that has oftentimes been misunderstood in the church. This is a forum in which to ask ourselves, “How can we be motivated to better respond from a place of love?” (1 Peter 4:8). Join us today as we discuss the way the church has traditionally approached mental health, common misunderstandings of mental health terms, and how we can better serve those asking for mental health help.

Hey Mercy Talk friends! In today’s “Best of Mercy Talk” episode, our Senior Director of Outreach, Melanie Wise, and Jen Otero jump into a conversation all about preventing compassion fatigue. They’ll lay the foundation for what “safeguarding oneself” even means and dispel some of the myths that keep us from establishing healthy boundaries. Tune in!

Welcome back to another episode of Mercy Talk! On this episode of “The Best of Mercy Talk”, join hosts Jen Otero and Melanie Wise as they unpack HOW to overcome fear! They also discuss generational patterns, power in taking responsibility, and how our thoughts, words, and actions are big factors in overcoming what we’ve been running from. Don’t miss this incredibly practical episode!

This summer, we’re walking through some of our favorite Mercy Talk episodes and today, we’re sharing a conversation from Melanie Wise and Jen Otero as they discuss anger at God. They also remind us of the truth that God is not disappointed in our anger towards Him and how to face those emotions so we don’t stay there. Be encouraged today…don’t miss it!

Hey everyone and welcome to another Mercy Talk! Today we’re revisiting a conversation between Brooke Keels and Rachael Thomas as they discuss the importance of community when it comes to battling shame. They’ll also discuss living vulnerably with others, the practice of disregarding shame, and why modeling vulnerability within our communities matters! Don’t miss this incredibly encouraging episode!

Hey everyone and welcome to another Mercy Talk! Today we’re revisiting a conversation between Brooke Keels and Rachael Thomas as they discuss the importance of community when it comes to battling shame. They’ll also discuss living vulnerably with others, the practice of disregarding shame, and why modeling vulnerability within our communities matters! Don’t miss this incredibly encouraging episode!

In today’s episode of Mercy Talk, we’ll revisit a conversation between Melanie Wise and Jen Otero as they discuss safeguarding yourself through self-care. They’ll also break down what self-care actually is and the lies that prevent us from implementing it into our daily lives. Feeling weary and worn? Take a few minutes to listen to [...] The post Best of Mercy Talk – Safeguarding Yourself Through Self-Care appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

Hey everyone and welcome back to another episode of Mercy Talk! Over the summer, we’ll continue to revisit and share some of our favorite episodes from Mercy Talk with you! On today’s episode, we revisit a conversation between Jen Otero and Dr. Brooke Keels as they discuss parental boundaries and how to set them with [...] The post Best of Mercy Talk – Parental Boundaries appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

Hey everyone and welcome to another episode of Mercy Talk! If you haven’t heard yet, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes from Mercy Talk over the years and sharing them this summer! On today’s episode, we’re looking back at a conversation between our Senior Director of Outreach, Melanie Wise and Jen Otero as they [...] The post Best of Mercy Talk – Heartache and Suffering appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

Hey Mercy Talk friends! Today, we’re excited to kick off our new summer series, “The Best of Mercy Talk”, as we revisit some of our favorite conversations from over the years! Join us today as we dive into the story of one of our UK Mercy Executives, Arianna Walker. We’ll listen as Arianna shares the [...] The post Best of Mercy Talk – Lead Your Soul appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

On today’s episode of MercyTalk, we have a conversation with our Founder and President, Nancy Alcorn, about some of her story and some of the things that God has taught her – not only when she started Mercy back in 1983 but as she has continued to lead this organization for the past almost 38 [...] The post Saying ‘Yes’ to God with Nancy Alcorn appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

Hey everyone, and welcome to another episode of Mercy Talk! Today, we’re continuing our conversation on counseling by focusing on steps we can take to find the right counselor. What kinds of questions should we be asking in our search, and what types of parameters should we have set in place, so we know we’re [...] The post Steps to Finding the Right Counselor appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.

Hey everyone, and welcome to another episode of Mercy Talk! Over the next two weeks, we’ll be turning our attention towards the topic of counseling!! While it’s no secret that we’re huge fans of counseling here at Mercy, today, we wanted to break down how we here at Mercy see the role of prayer in [...] The post Using Prayer in Counseling appeared first on Mercy Multiplied.