In this profound and hope-filled episode of the Rooted Podcast, hosts Josie and Symone sit down with Dr. David Kirby — clinical psychologist, soul care pastor at Vertical Church in St. Paul, adjunct professor at the University of Northwestern, and author of the Jack Sutherington fiction series. Dr. Kirby opens up about his early struggles with anxiety, how God divinely interrupted his plans for ministry, and how he now integrates faith and psychology to bring healing to others. Together, they unpack the deep relationship between emotional health and spiritual growth, the roots of anxiety, and the vital importance of connection — with God, with others, and even with ourselves. From practical steps to overcome loneliness to a heart-centered discussion on love, relationships, and what both men and women truly need, this conversation invites listeners to move toward others and toward God — never away. Whether you’re wrestling with fear, navigating relationships, or seeking deeper intimacy with God, this episode offers truth, compassion, and hope.

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00:00 – Meet Dr. David Kirby — psychologist, pastor, professor, author

02:00 – From seminary into psychology

04:00 – How God pursued him at 17

07:00 – God as Our GPS

08:00 – Why so many believers drift from God

13:00 – All healing and all wounding is relational.

18:00 – Why pursuing connection matters more than success.

25:00 – Understanding anxiety through the “well, volcano, and leakage” model.

32:00 – How thanksgiving shifts anxiety into peace and presence.

39:00 – What men and women need

44:00 – Being teachable and humble

48:00 – Storytelling through his Jack Sutherington series

51:00 –  How to connect with Dr. Kirby 

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1. “Don’t give up. Always move toward someone until someone hears you or sees you — including God himself.”
2. “God’s divine interruptions often redirect us toward our true calling.”
3. “All mental illness is, at its core, relational.”
4. “If you’re not paddling toward God, you’ll eventually start to drift away.”
5. “Jesus is not the Sunday school answer — He’s the only answer that truly works.”
6. “Thanksgiving is relational; it reminds us that someone is with us — God Himself.”
7. “Women need to be chosen and cherished. Men need to be respected and trusted.”
8. “You can be right, or you can be married — humility sustains relationships.”
9. “You are precious to God. You are not meant to be alone.”

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• Vertical Church - https://www.verticalchurchstpaul.com
• Designer Therapy for Life (Dr. Kirby’s blog) - https://www.designertherapyforlife.com
• Dr. Kirby Book Fictional Book Series - https://www.davidgkirbyauthor.com/books

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