Hope Talks

Happy New Year!

In this episode, Haley and Dustin sit down with Cynthia Baker, life coach and author of Still Stuck. They discuss why we often get stuck accomplishing our goals — and how we can experience real, lasting change. 

Cynthia opens with her hope story of overcoming an eating disorder in seminary and how changing her mindset became the turning point toward healing. She walks through four key principles of changing your mindset, offering biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you approach goals and resolutions with clarity and hope. This is biblically-rich, encouraging conversation to start the New Year with fresh perspective and hope.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means

everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more 

(02:53) Digging Deeper—Mindset Change Over Behavior Change

(16:48) The Power of Small, Consistent Steps—Not All or Nothing

(21:35) Identify and Rewire Limiting Beliefs

(41:35) Four Principles to Getting Unstuck and the Role of Action

Cynthia Baker Resources 

Learn more about Cynthia Baker and her life coaching resources: https://cynthiabaker.com/ 

Hope for the Heart resources

Blog: When God’s Truth Silences the Enemy’s Lies – https://www.hopefortheheart.org/explore/blog/i-dont-even-remember

Blog: How to Control Anxious Thoughts - An Exercise from Philippians 4:8 – https://www.hopefortheheart.org/explore/blog/8-ways-to-control-anxious-thoughts 

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance  100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart 

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON 

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Bible verses mentioned in this episode

Lamentations 3:40 – “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.”

Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

Merry Christmas!

In this special Christmas episode, Haley and Dustin fix their eyes on Jesus – the hope of the world. They explore solid historical and biblical evidence for His deity, reflect on His titles (Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, and more), and conclude with reflection questions to stir your heart to worship the Savior this Christmas season.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life, because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more 

(02:00) : Christmas Is About Jesus—Past, Present, and Future

Hope for the Heart resources :

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance  100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart 

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON 

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Bible verses mentioned in this episode

Matthew 12:18-21 – after healing a man’s hand on the Sabbath … “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.”

John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Luke 24:40-43 – When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

1 Timothy 1:1 – Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.

Titus 2:11-13 – For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This week on Hope Talks, we welcome singer, songwriter, comedian, and storyteller Mark Lowry—best known for writing the beloved Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know?” and for his years with the Gaither Vocal Band. 

In this warm and funny Christmas conversation, Mark shares his hope story, beginning with a devastating car accident that left him with multiple broken bones and unexpectedly launched his journey as a songwriter. Forced into stillness, he encountered God’s presence in a fresh way.

Mark reflects on how he stepped into music and comedy, how “Mary, Did You Know?” was born, and why joy and humor matter so deeply in the Christian life. He also tells the stories behind several songs on his latest album, There Is Hope, offering an encouraging reminder that God is near, faithful, and working even when life feels broken. 

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more:

(10:30): Joy Isn’t the Absence of Pain—It’s the Presence of Jesus

Mark Lowry Resources

Learn more about Mark Lowry, his music and ministry: https://marklowry.com/

Check out his latest album, There is Hope: https://marklowry.myshopify.com/products/there-is-hope-cd-mark-lowry 

Hope for the Heart resources

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance  100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart 

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON 

Best-selling author, speaker, and storyteller Jon Seidl joins us again—this time post-launch of his new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. Jon shares the encouragement he’s received from the book, how he stays grounded in what truly matters, and why recovery must aim at Jesus rather than simply staying sober. 

He walks us through the four key steps that shaped his journey: abiding in Christ, finding true identity, practicing radical vulnerability, and obeying God’s leading. If you or someone you love is battling addiction or stuck in shame, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and real hope.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more 

(04:10) - Hope in Christ, Not Book Success

Jon Seidl Resources 

Learn more about Jon Seidl: https://www.jonseidl.com/

Get Jon’s book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic – https://www.jonseidl.com/confessions-of-a-christian-alcoholic-book 

Check out Jon’s blog, The Veritas Daily: https://jonseidl.substack.com/

Get Jon’s book, Finding Rest: A Survivor’s Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life -- https://www.jonseidl.com/finding-rest-book

Connect with Jon on social:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathonseidl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonseidl/

Hope for the Heart resources

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance  100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart 

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON 

In this special episode recorded at the 2025 Hope Together Conference, Haley and Dustin are joined by Air Force Lt. Col. David Tharp and Army veteran Scott Meador. Together, they share how God met them in the darkest moments—through suicidal despair, physical pain, and the lasting impact of war. Their personal stories of hope led them to create UpArmor, a Christ-centered trauma recovery training designed to help veterans, coaches, and caregivers bring biblical healing to wounded hearts.

Together, we talk about the reality of trauma, the obstacles to recovery, and how Jesus is at the center of lasting healing. Whether you’ve faced trauma yourself or want to help others, this episode will remind you that hope and restoration are possible through Christ.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Resources from David & Scott 

Learn more about Project Healing Heroes – https://www.projecthealingheroes.org/

Learn more about UpArmor trauma coaching – https://iccicoaching.com/product/up-armor-training-coaching-foundations-and-basic-training/ 

Hope for the Heart resources

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance  100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart 

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON 

In this replay episode, we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations on gratitude.

Haley kicks things off with a special Thanksgiving song, and together we reflect on what the Bible says about being thankful – even when it’s not easy. We explore some roadblocks that make gratitude difficult at times and share some practical ways to grow in gratitude and give thanks to the Lord in all things.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more :

(05:11) Gratitude in All Circumstances 

(12:27) Balancing Emotion and Gratitude 

(13:56) Gratitude and Gift Giver 

(27:05) Expressing Gratitude for Everyday Items 

(33:02) Practicing Gratitude Beyond Comparisons 

(42:30) Practicing Thanksgiving With Whole Heart 

(48:43) Gratitude and Thankfulness

Hope for the Heart resources

Free Thanksgiving Devotional: https://tinyurl.com/yu52zw6z 

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance on 100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart 

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON 

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Bible verses mentioned in this episode:

Psalm 9:1 – “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Psalm 136:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

Matthew 26:26-27 – “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.”

Luke 17:15-19 – “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights...”

Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”

The holidays can bring joy – but also remind us of old family patterns that still hurt. In this episode, Dustin and Haley talk about what family dysfunction means … and what it doesn’t mean.

Through stories of biblical families marked by dysfunction, we see how God still works through imperfect people and messy relationships. Together, we explore “unspoken rules” that often define family systems and share reflection questions to help you make sense of your past, deal with present tensions, and build new habits for the future.

If you’re feeling pressure heading into the holidays, this conversation will help you take a deep breath and find hope in the middle of family chaos.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more 

(03:17) Holiday Devotional Reflections 

(05:29) Navigating Family Expectations During the Holidays 

(10:07) Understanding Dysfunction in Family Relationships 

(17:30) Navigating Family Boundaries During the Holidays

(26:17) Staying Safe in Family Conflicts 

(33:04) Generational Faith in Biblical Lineage

(42:59) Setting Boundaries in Family Relationships

(54:58) Reorienting With Grace and Perspective

Hope for the Heart resources

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance  100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart 

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON 

Marcus Warner, president of Deeper Walk International, returns for a special episode recorded at our 2025 Hope Together Conference.

When anxiety and ministry burnout hit, Marcus couldn’t understand why … until God revealed unhealed wounds from his past. In this honest and insightful conversation, Marcus shares how unresolved trauma had shaped his life and how Jesus led him into healing and restoration.

Marcus also unpacks the impact of unhealed wounds, the role of prayer in recovery, and his simple four-step R.E.A.L. prayer model that helps people invite God into their pain and find lasting freedom.

If you’ve ever wondered why old hurts still affect your life, this episode will help you take a step toward healing and a deeper walk with God.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life.  Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more  :

Marcus Warner / Deeper Walk Resources 

Learn more about Deeper Walk International, Marcus Warner’s ministry, podcast, and books – www.deeperwalk.com  

Get the book, Understanding the Wounded Heart – https://deeperwalk.com/product/understanding-the-wounded-heart-book/ 

Hope for the Heart resources :

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance on 100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart 

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Nona Jones knows what it’s like to live with the pain of rejection and abuse … from people who should have offered love. But she’s also learned that rejection doesn’t have to define you. It can refine you.

In this conversation, Nona shares her hope story of how the love of Christ began healing the wounds of rejection and showing her that God’s acceptance is greater than any person’s approval. Drawing from her new book The Gift of Rejection, she helps us reframe our pain as preparation for our purpose.

 If you’ve ever felt unwanted, overlooked, or unworthy, this episode will help you discover that rejection isn’t the end of your story — it may just be the beginning of your purpose.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more :

(09:06) Healing Through Compassionate Community Relationships

(20:42) Recognizing Rejection-Fueled Ambition

(26:22) Finding Purpose in Rejection 

(30:14) Jesus' Rejection and Acceptance in Life

(34:17) Overcoming Rejection and Embracing Opportunity 

(37:27) Permission to Feel Pain of Rejection 

(42:59) Understanding and Embracing Emotions 

(45:32) Encouragement for Healing From Rejection

Resources 

Learn more about Nona Jones – https://www.nonajones.com/ 

Get Nona’s book, The Gift of Rejection – https://www.nonajones.com/gift-of-rejection 

Listen to Nona’s podcast, The Nona Jones Show – https://www.nonajones.com/podcast  

Hope for the Heart resources :

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance on 100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart 

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a complicated life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/ 

What makes a great leader … and what causes even good ones to stumble?

Dr. Eric Scalise, president of Hope for the Heart, joins us again on Hope Talks. Drawing on decades of leadership experience across ministry, academia, and organizational life, Dr. Scalise shares key insights into the heart of healthy and unhealthy leadership. Together, we explore three common challenges every leader faces: insecurity, isolation, and lack of accountability.

Dr. Scalise shares that the key to overcoming these challenges is finding your identity in Christ and surrounding yourself with truth-tellers—people who will both encourage and confront you in love.

Drawing from Matthew 23 and the “seven woes” of Jesus, we also uncover some biblical principles for leading with humility and authenticity. Whether you lead a team, a family, or just want to help others grow, this episode will help you lead from a place of security and grace.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means

everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more :

(01:51) Leadership Insights From Experienced Practitioner 

(17:23) The Role of Priests and Prophets 

(20:37) Accountability Partners and Insecurity 

(27:36) Constant Communication With the Lord 

(34:22) Leadership Qualities of George Washington 

(51:50) Importance of Accountability in Leadership 

(55:45) Appreciation for Leadership Conversation

Hope for the Heart resources

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance  100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart 

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON 

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Bible verses mentioned in this episode

1 Kings 4:5 - “Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and the king’s friend.”

Matthew 23:23–28 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean.  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you too, outwardly appear righteous to people, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

John 13:3-5 – “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments and, taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”