Asking Why

In this episode of the Asking Why podcast, host Clint Davis speaks with Elizabeth Johnson, a licensed professional counselor, about her journey into therapy, the importance of self-care, and the challenges faced by mental health professionals. They discuss the significance of addressing trauma, the impact of grief, and the necessity of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life. Elizabeth shares her experiences working in community mental health and the lessons learned from her clients, emphasizing the value of self-worth and the healing power of therapy.

In this conversation, Clint Davis and Brook Moser explore the themes of intentional parenting, spiritual formation, and the challenges of navigating personal trauma while raising children. Brook shares his journey of healing and the importance of creating an ecosystem of forgiveness within the family. They discuss the impact of technology on parenting, the significance of historical Christian practices, and the long road of sanctification. The conversation emphasizes the need for presence, humility, and the power of simple practices in fostering a healthy family dynamic.

Website: https://www.intentionalparents.org/

In this conversation, Clint Davis and Lance Welch discuss the importance of legacy, financial health, and the intentional transfer of values, vision, knowledge, and wealth to future generations. They explore Lance's personal journey, the challenges of parenting, and the significance of being intentional in raising resilient children. The discussion emphasizes the need for families to define their values, create a vision for their legacy, and understand the role of wealth as a tool for positive impact. Practical insights and exercises from Lance's book, 'The Legacy Navigator,' are shared to help families navigate these crucial topics.

Website: https://www.thelancewelch.com/

In this conversation, Clint Davis interviews Haley Brooke, a musician and worship leader, about her journey in music and her unique perspective on secular and Christian music. Haley shares how she grew up in a conservative household and initially had a legalistic view of secular music. However, she had a shift in perspective during her junior year of college and realized that secular music can also be a way to reach people who may never step foot in a church. Haley also discusses her decision to have dreadlocks and the challenges she faced in breaking away from societal norms. She emphasizes the importance of being prayerful and seeking counsel when making decisions that go against the grain.

Dr. Joe Malone discusses his new book, 'Women's Sexual Wellness,' which focuses on promoting sexual health and wellness for young women. The book aims to provide knowledge and guidance to help young women make informed decisions about their sexual health and avoid unwanted pregnancies. Dr. Malone emphasizes the importance of understanding the biological differences between men and women and how they impact relationships and sexual wellness. He also addresses topics such as the effects of hormonal birth control, the dangers of the hookup culture, the impact of pornography, and the benefits of early marriage and motherhood. The book highlights the link between sexual integrity and overall well-being, including a reduced risk of reproductive cancers. Dr. Malone encourages a biblical approach to relationships and emphasizes the importance of sexual self-control and self-mastery. The conversation explores the importance of valuing traditional family structures and the impact of modern cultural shifts on physical and mental health. It emphasizes the benefits of marriage, childbirth, and raising a family in a healthy and natural way. The discussion also highlights the negative effects of casual sex, cohabitation, and the hypersexualization of society. The speakers advocate for teaching children about healthy sexuality and the value of waiting until marriage. They stress the need for open conversations, education, and the integration of theology and science to promote human flourishing.

In this episode, Clint Davis and Brandy Walker discuss the topic of grief. Brandi shares her personal journey with grief and how it led her to become passionate about helping others navigate through it. They define grief as the emotional response to loss, which can include various types of losses such as death, divorce, career changes, and more. They emphasize that grief is a complex and individual process, and the duration of grief can vary depending on factors such as the intensity of the relationship to the loss and personal resilience. They also discuss the societal challenges in dealing with grief and the importance of providing support and understanding to those who are grieving. Grief is a complex and universal experience that can be triggered by various types of loss. It is important to acknowledge and validate the emotions of those who are grieving, rather than trying to fix or minimize their pain. People often struggle with knowing how to support someone who is grieving, but offering a listening ear, a comforting presence, and practical help can make a difference. It is crucial for the church to create a supportive community where people feel seen, heard, and understood in their grief. Unhelpful statements and actions can exacerbate the pain of grief, so it is important to be mindful of what we say and do. Grief can have physical and emotional consequences if not processed and addressed, including physical illness, irritability, sleep disturbances, and strained relationships. It is important to seek support and process grief in order to move towards healing and find meaning in the loss. Grief is a lifelong journey, but with time and support, it is possible to find healing and remember with love rather than pain.

In this conversation, Clint Davis and Amanda Cruse discuss equine therapy and the importance of being present and authentic in relationships. They explore the challenges of owning and caring for horses, as well as the unique dynamics of working with horses in therapy. They also delve into the concept of congruence and the tension between being consistent and evolving as individuals. The conversation touches on themes of self-worth, vulnerability, and the need for healthy boundaries. They discuss the impact of technology and media on our lives and the importance of curating our experiences to align with our values. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing our worth and finding our identity in God rather than external factors. In this conversation, Clint and Amanda discuss the importance of connecting with our bodies and the role of equine therapy in helping us do so. They emphasize that the physical is good and that God designed us to function with our thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. They highlight the need to move beyond information and into transformation, as well as the importance of being present in the moment and paying attention to what is happening in our bodies. They also explore the concept of hypocrisy and the need for heart change in our relationship with God and others.

In this conversation, Clint Davis and Caitlyn Anders discuss the topic of teen suicide. Caitlyn shares her personal experience as a teenager struggling with suicidal thoughts and how she found help and support. They discuss the importance of open communication and listening to teenagers who express suicidal thoughts, as well as the role of parents in providing support and understanding. They also explore the factors that contribute to the increase in teen suicide rates, such as pressure, stress, social media, and the changing dynamics of the modern world. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to be aware of their children's emotional well-being and to seek professional help when necessary. As well as the importance of seeking support and counseling as parents when dealing with a child who is struggling with mental health issues. They emphasize the need for parents to take personal responsibility and address any potential contributions they may have made to their child's struggles. They also discuss the role of self-harm as an indicator of deeper emotional problems and the benefits of play therapy in helping children process their emotions. The conversation concludes with a reminder that parents should focus on building a strong emotional connection with their children and modeling healthy coping mechanisms.

Sarah Moreno shares her story of overcoming addiction and finding redemption through her faith. She experienced trauma at a young age, including a rape, which led her to seek solace in drugs and alcohol. She spiraled into addiction, eventually turning to heroin. Despite her addiction, she managed to maintain a job as a nurse, showcasing her resilience and ability to function. However, she reached a breaking point when she overdosed on heroin. This scare prompted her to seek help and surrender her life to God, leading to her recovery and transformation. Sarah shares her journey of addiction, recovery, and redemption. She discusses her struggles with sobriety and the difference between recovery and sobriety. Sarah talks about how her addiction led to her overdosing while working as a nurse and how she eventually became homeless. She shares the turning point in his life when she cried out to God for help and was rescued by a woman named Tammy. Sarah then entered the Teen Challenge program and found healing and purpose in helping others. She now works in intake at Teen Challenge, helping other women find hope and healing.