In The Seams

In this episode, Broken and Mended founder and executive director David Heflin gives an update on the podcast and ministry, highlighting the upcoming conference on Oct. 10th. David shares his observations about chronic pain in Africa after his recent trip to Kenya and Tanzania and makes spiritual application about how to be strong by being weak.

Episode Links:

https://brokenandmended.org/

https://brokenandmended.networkforgood.com/events/102571-2nd-annual-broken-and-mended-conference-2026 (Conference Registration)

David's book Purpose in Pain: https://a.co/d/0cBpERmz

Host: David Heflin

Editor: John Shields

Dan Finch shares his inspiring journey through life-threatening illnesses, faith, and perseverance. His story highlights how leaning into faith during life's most challenging moments can foster resilience and hope, offering encouragement to those walking their own difficult paths.

Main Topics Covered:

• Dan Finch's health journey: pulmonary fibrosis and liver cirrhosis
• How faith strengthened during life's crises and uncertainties
• The impact of family and community support in battling chronic illness
• His experience with lung transplant and subsequent health challenges
• The significance of honesty and vulnerability in spiritual and family life
• The financial and emotional strains of chronic illness management
• Writing and sharing a faith-based book as a legacy and source of hope

In this episode:

• Dan recounts the moment he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and the abruptness of life changes
• The emotional journey of telling his children about his prognosis
• How his faith grew stronger through prayer and trust in God during medical crises
• The miraculous timing of his lung transplant aligning with his grandson's birthday
• Practical insights on navigating medical and financial struggles while managing health
• The importance of support systems, especially a faith-based community

Resources & Links:

• Building Faith While Walking Through Fire — Dan Finch’s book (search link for purchase)
• UNOS Organ Donation Registry

Additional:

• Register for the upcoming virtual conference on October 10th — Conference Registration
• Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories and resources
• Broken and Mended Website
• David's new book: Purpose in Pain

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

In this episode, we welcome Mandy Farmer back to the show to share her remarkable journey through grief, chronic illness, and finding hope in God's grace. Mandy discusses her new devotional book, "Dissonant Chords, Joyful Harmony," and offers insights on lament, the power of music, and authentic faith during suffering.

Main Topics Covered:

• Mandy’s journey through grief after losing her husband to pancreatic cancer
• How faith has helped her face chronic illness and grief authentically
• The unique structure & inspiration behind her devotional book, blending music & scripture
• The importance of lament and honesty about pain in the church
• Practical ways to find hope and spiritual renewal during suffering
• Mandy’s writings and resources,
• Her upcoming projects: a workbook, social media presence, and potential future books on suffering and the bride of Christ

• Dissonant Chords, Joyful Harmony — Mandy's new devotional book blending music and scripture
• Thefarmersplace.com — For her children's books and other updates
• Chosen: Sacred Journeys with a Faithful God — Mandy’s story about God choosing her amid grief (Mandy is one of several contributors).
• Purpose and Pain: Rediscovering God's Purpose Through the Pain of Chronic Illness — David's new book on hope and purpose in suffering
• Broken and Mended
• Mandy's Substack — Personal reflections and daily grief updates
• Mandy's Previous Interview with In The Seams

Connect with Mandy:

• Facebook | Instagram |

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andrés Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

In this episode, Sarah Reid shares her inspiring story of living with chronic illnesses like POTS, ME-CFS, and fibromyalgia from a young age. We explore how her faith and community support help her navigate daily challenges, and she offers encouragement for others facing invisible health struggles. Plus, discover her innovative projects, including books and the annual Be Potsitive Conference, aimed at empowering young adults with chronic illness. Main Topics:

• Sarah’s health journey and diagnosis timeline from childhood to age 23
• The impact of chronic illnesses like POTS and ME-CFS on young adult life
• The significance of faith and scripture during illness, especially the Psalms
• The importance of supporting and connecting with others through community
• Her creative projects: children's book "Leo and Charlotte" and rom-com "Salty for You"
• Strategies for managing social media and outreach with limited energy
• Raising awareness about invisible illnesses and mental health resources
• Details about the upcoming Be Potsitive Conference and its mission

Book mentioned by Sarah: Searching For Sea Glass https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Sea-Glass-Journeying-Devotions/dp/1777721407

Be Potsitive Conference (this is a link to last year's conference, but be on the lookout for this year's conference soon): 2nd Annual Be POTSitive Conference Tickets, Saturday, August 9, 2025 • 5 PM - 8:30 PM | Eventbrite

Connecting with Sarah (Sarah's Linktree to all of her social media accounts and books):

bepotsitive Official: Instagram | Linktree

Connect with Broken and Mended: www.brokenandmended.org

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

In this episode, David Heflin welcomes LA Sprague, the founder of "Christians with Chronic Illnesses," to discuss her inspiring journey with POTS, her faith, and her new podcast aimed at encouraging believers facing health challenges. They explore the impact of chronic illness on dreams, faith, and relationships, emphasizing the importance of community, vulnerability, and divine trust.

Main Topics:

• LA’s personal journey from aspiring missionary and musician to living with POTS
• Understanding POTS: symptoms, challenges, and management strategies
• The emotional and spiritual impacts of chronic illness
• The inception and purpose behind "Christians with Chronic Illnesses" podcast
• Building community and providing a safe space for honest faith discussion
• The significance of trust and understanding in marriage amid chronic illness
• The role of gratitude and divine interaction during health struggles
• Future plans: music album, community growth, and resource development

Resources & Links:

• Christians with Chronic Illnesses Support Group on Facebook
• LA Sprague's Music on Spotify
• The Supernatural Case of an Accidental Time Traveler by Paul Trumbo
• Broken and Mended Ministry
• Support and Donate to Broken and Mended
• Information about POTS

Connect with LA Sprague:

• Instagram
• Email: [email protected]

Note: Listen to LA's podcast "Christians with Chronic Illnesses" for inspiring stories, faith encouragement, and community support — available on all major podcast platforms.

Tveen Verano shares her family's emotional journey from a joyful, ordinary life to the shock of a childhood cancer diagnosis. Her story highlights the power of faith, community, and the importance of spiritual resilience amid unimaginable hardships. Main Topics Covered:

• The emotional impact of childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment
• How faith and scripture sustain families during crises
• Practical ways to support loved ones in their struggle
• The role of community and prayer in healing and hope
• Balancing joy and grief in the midst of suffering

In this episode:

• Tveen recounts her son Alex's diagnosis and initial shock
• The importance of faith and Scripture, especially Psalm 16:8
• The emotional and spiritual processing during crisis moments
• The significance of community support, prayer, and a positive mindset
• Navigating sibling reactions and family dynamics
• Hope and remission
• Advice for supporting others facing illness
• The importance of balanced support groups and spiritual formation

Resources & Links:

• Psalm 16:8
• Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louis Giglio
• Unmet Expectations by Lisa Hughes
• Broken and Mended support group ministry
• Neuroblastoma Information
• Episode w/Lara Silverman

Connect with Tveen Verano:

• https://www.instagram.com/tveenverano.rd/
• https://www.youtube.com/@tveenverano9283

Thank you for listening. Join us next time on In the Seams for more stories of faith, perseverance, and hope.

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

In this episode, Miles Washburn shares his inspiring story of battling Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare and severe autoimmune disorder, and how, through this experience, God inspired a mission to support fellow patients. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, faith, and making a difference.

Key Topics

Miles’ background as an athlete and his life before GBS

The rapid onset of GBS symptoms and diagnostic process

Understanding Guillain-Barré syndrome: causes, symptoms, and misconceptions

The emotional and physical impact of GBS on daily life and recovery

The importance of faith, purpose, and mental resilience during health crises

Miles’ initiative: climbing Mount Ventoux as a fundraiser for GBS patients

How community support and sponsorships aid in recovery efforts

Practical advice for navigating chronic illness and misconceptions

The power of faith and purpose in overcoming adversity

How listeners can get involved and support Miles’ fundraising campaign

Timestamps

(0:00) Welcome and introduction: why GBS awareness matters

(1:25) Miles’ personal story and background before illness

(3:28) How GBS struck unexpectedly and the initial signs

(7:22) The diagnosis journey: from symptoms to hospital stay

(13:38) Understanding Guillain-Barré syndrome and variants

(19:39) The rapid impact of GBS: life-altering overnight effects

(26:42) Common misconceptions and misunderstandings about GBS

(33:09) Comparing personal health journeys and fatigue

(34:12) Finding purpose: Miles’ calling to help others through his experience

(40:02) The Mount Ventoux challenge: a symbol of resilience and faith

(48:33) How to participate: fundraiser details and donation info

(53:22) Closing remarks: spreading awareness and encouraging others

Resources & Links

Miles for GBS Facebook Page

Miles’ Fundraising Website

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Foundation

1 Peter 4:10 - (Key Verse)

What If? by Bill Humphreys - Amazon

Broken and Mended

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

From www.restoreofada.com:

Dana Hargus, M.Ed., LPC

Founder

Dana Hargus is the Founder of Restore of Ada. She was raised in the Ada area and holds a bachelor's degree in education and special education, and a master's degree in school counseling. After successfully working with students with behavioral and developmental issues, she returned to earn her degree in counseling. She has been working as a counselor for over twenty years. Dana owns Biofeedback and Counseling Inc. of Ada, which serves the Central Oklahoma area with twelve counselors. Restore utilizes biofeedback, relational coaching, and nutritional therapy as an adjunct to (or independently of) traditional talk therapy. When talk therapy is not enough, Restore may help.

In this episode, David Heflin and Dana Hargus discuss the possibilities of biofeedback as a promising intervention beyond "talk therapy." Can the brain be retrained to respond differently to our chronic pain and related anxiety?

Dana also shares how her Christian faith has informed her life and career, and provides a foundation for how she helps others. She shares about her new and unique program in Ada, Oklahoma (Restore of Ada) and her online program available to anyone (Restore +).

https://brokenandmended.org/

Broken and Mended Vice President, Andres Ruiz joins David Heflin to recap the "Broken Apart, Mended Together" conference featuring Dave Furman, Aren and Trina Bahadourian, Shannon Cramer, and Vaneetha Risner.

Before debriefing each of the sessions, David talks with Andres about his chronic illness journey, how he got connected to Broken and Mended, and what his role is today. Then, David and Andres talk about each session: key scriptures, themes, and quotes from the Oct. 18th conference.

You can find the original YouTube links here: https://brokenandmended.dm.networkforgood.com/emails/important-conference-information

Links to previous podcasts with conference speakers Aren an Trina Bahadourian and Shannon Cramer: https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1635956/ https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1537466/

Lara Silverman's book mentioned in the podcast: https://www.amazon.com/Singing-Through-Fire-Finding-Surprising/dp/B0FMQZ264W

Diamonds Conference information and registration: https://diamondsconference.org/2025-fall-conference

Broken and Mended $50,000 campaign

https://brokenandmended.networkforgood.com/projects/262074-50-000-campaign-fall-2025

Main website: https://brokenandmended.org/

Hosts: David Heflin and Andres Ruiz

Edited by John Shields

In this episode, David interviews Lara Silverman, the author of the newly released memoir, Singing Through the Fire. Lara was a high-power attorney just entering the best and most exciting time of her life when she was struck with severe vertigo, nausea, and pain.

This mysterious illness eventually claimed her career and left her bedbound. But God was still at work in Lara's life. As she gained some of her mobility back, God brought a love story into her life with Matt Silverman. The only problem was that Matt was ill, too, very ill. Matt had terminal cancer. Her story is one of faithful lament and resilience as she and Matt fought to experience joy every day and everything that God gave them.

The interview focuses specifically on a theology of suffering and living with eternity in view. If you are suffering or struggling with grief or both, this interview will encourage you to hold on to hope.

Singing Through Fire: A Memoir of Finding Surprising Joy in Life's Darkest Trials: Silverman, Lara: 9798218714994: Amazon.com: Books

Lara's YouTube channel: The SILVERMAN show - YouTube

Lara's other social media links: https://www.facebook.com/lara.palanjian.silverman/

Instagram

Broken and Mended Conference Registration: Broken and Mended Incorporated - Broken and Mended Conference 2025

In The Seams interview with fellow Armenians and mutual friends (and Broken and Mended conference speakers!) Aren and Trina Bahadourian: https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1635956

Broken & Mended Chronic Pain Support Ministry

Clip From The Chosen mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDvcEkjthA

Host: David Heflin