In Rooted for Growth Episode 19: How to Identify Depression – DSM-5 Symptoms Explained with Biblical Hope, Troy Whitman unpacks what depression really looks like, beyond just sadness. Learn how to recognize the key DSM-5 symptoms of major depression, hear biblical encouragement from the Psalms and other scriptures, and discover practical steps you can take to step out of the shadows. Whether you’re personally struggling or supporting someone you love, this episode offers insight, hope, and faith-based encouragement.

Episode 18: The Weight of What Ifs

Bargaining is the stage of grief where our minds replay the what ifs… If only we had done this… what if things had been different… maybe then we wouldn’t be here. It’s a heavy place where our hearts try to make sense of loss by searching for answers and deals.

In this episode of Rooted for Growth, I share a raw personal story of crying out to God in the hospital, wrestling with questions that had no answers, and learning how to move from bargaining toward deeper trust. We’ll talk about the pull between psychology and faith, and how shifting our focus from “what if” to “what now” opens the door to healing.

🌱 Whether you are in the middle of grief or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation will remind you that God meets us even in the questions.

Listen in and take a step toward hope.

Keywords/Hashtags: #GriefJourney #RootedForGrowth #Bargaining #FaithAndHealing #ChristianPodcast #GriefSupport #StagesOfGrief #SpiritualGrowth #MentalHealthAndFaith

Episode 17: Turning Anger into Growth

Anger is one of the most misunderstood emotions. Too often it gets labeled as purely destructive… but what if anger could actually point us toward growth, healing, and even purpose?

In this episode of Rooted for Growth, Troy unpacks the role of anger in our lives—not as something to suppress or explode, but as an energy that can be transformed. From psychological insights to biblical wisdom, you’ll learn practical steps to recognize your anger, honor what it reveals, and channel it in a healthy way.

Troy also shares real-life examples of how anger has fueled creativity, resilience, and forward momentum—including his own story of turning a moment of frustration into a 10-mile walk.

Whether you wrestle with anger personally or want to better understand how to walk with someone who does, this conversation will help you see anger not as the end, but as a beginning.

💬 “Anger isn’t automatically sinful. It’s what we choose to do with it that determines whether it brings healing or harm.”

Episode 16: The Oil of Joy

Grief is one of life’s heaviest valleys… but God promises that sorrow is not the end of the story. In Isaiah 61:3, He offers “the oil of joy for mourning”—a reminder that even in seasons of loss, His presence brings comfort and hope.

In this episode of Rooted for Growth, I share how joy and grief can exist side by side, and why God’s joy is not the absence of pain but the assurance of His nearness. We’ll talk about:

🌿 What it means to receive joy in the middle of mourning

If you’ve been walking through a season of sorrow, I pray this episode helps you lift your eyes to the One who restores.

#RootedForGrowth #TheOilOfJoy #WhitmanCollective

What if the greatest growth in your life didn’t come from mountaintop breakthroughs… but from small, faithful steps?

In this episode of Rooted for Growth, Troy shares how his 5 Minute Prayer Routine was born out of grief and became a daily anchor that carried him through some of his hardest days. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and even insights from psychology, he unpacks why consistency matters more than perfection, and how small acts of obedience plant seeds that grow into lasting strength.

You’ll discover:

Why God values consistency more than performance

How even five minutes in prayer can reset your heart and mind

The connection between spiritual habits and mental health

Practical steps to start building steady, faith-filled routines

“Big growth is built on small faithfulness.”

If you’ve ever felt like your little efforts don’t matter, this episode will remind you that God sees every step of faith. The small things are not wasted—they are growing roots that prepare you for tomorrow’s storms.

👉 Download the 5 Minute Prayer Routine and start your journey today: HERE

Episode 14: The Fire

Refinement doesn’t always feel good… but it is necessary. In this episode, Troy walks through the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and how God’s presence in the fire is a promise we can hold on to in our hardest seasons.

You’ll hear how trials can actually purify us, why faith matters most when life feels overwhelming, and how God uses the fire to form something greater within us. This episode blends biblical truth, a psychotherapy lens on resilience, and practical encouragement for anyone facing challenges.

Key Takeaways:

If you’ve ever felt like the heat was too much to handle, this conversation will remind you of the hope, strength, and promise of God that carries us through.

Episode 13 – The Harvest

After the digging, planting, and pruning—comes the harvest. In this episode, Troy explores what it looks like when inward growth becomes outward impact. Living rooted in Christ produces visible fruit: integrity, purpose, and a life that blesses others.

Through stories, scripture, and reflection, we’ll unpack how to:

Key Verses:

This is the season to step into the life God has been preparing you for. The world doesn’t need perfection—it needs people who are rooted, growing, and bearing fruit.

🌿 Listen now, tag @WhitmanCollective, and share your takeaway with #RootedForGrowth

Episode 12 – The Roots Deepen

Real strength isn’t always loud—it’s often hidden in the quiet, unseen places. In this episode, Troy reflects on the importance of building a solid foundation through daily spiritual practices like prayer, scripture meditation, and stillness. Inspired by The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein, we explore the idea that the joy is not in “completing” ourselves by worldly standards, but in drawing closer to Christ through consistent connection.

You’ll hear:

Key Quote:

If you’ve ever felt like something was missing in your spiritual life, this episode is for you. Let’s grow deep so we can stand strong.

🔗 Listen now, share with a friend, and tag us @WhitmanCollective using #RootedForGrowth

Episode 11 – The Wind: Learning to Move When the Spirit Moves

God’s Spirit doesn’t always come with warning signs or a mapped-out plan—sometimes, it rushes in like the wind, stirring hearts and shifting direction. In this episode, Troy unpacks what it looks like to listen for God's voice, respond in obedience, and trust His guidance even when the path ahead is unclear.

Drawing from A.W. Tozer’s The Pursuit of God and key scriptures, we explore how the Holy Spirit moves powerfully and unexpectedly—and how to live in tune with His leading. If you’ve been waiting on clarity or wrestling with hesitation, this episode invites you to breathe deep, release control, and let the Wind carry you forward.

Episode 10 – The Ax: When Good Must Be Cut for Great to Grow

Sometimes the hardest part of growth is letting go. In this episode, Troy shares a personal story about walking away from something good in order to pursue something greater—and the faith it required to take that risk. We’ll explore what it means to surrender habits, relationships, or comforts that may not be bad, but are holding you back from God’s best.

Drawing wisdom from Good to Great by Jim Collins and timeless biblical truth, this episode dives deep into the pruning process God uses to refine us. We also unpack how seemingly “good” distractions like social media or even religious routines can stunt our spiritual growth.

If you’ve ever felt the nudge to cut away the comfortable so you can chase the calling, this one’s for you.