Emotional abuse doesn't always show on the outside—but it can reshape your soul. In this honest, faith-filled episode, Dr. Nancy Meyer shares how to stay grounded when the wounds are invisible but real.

From the trauma of losing custody to becoming an Ironman triathlete and writing Defying Fear, Nancy offers wisdom for staying spiritually and emotionally healthy even when life breaks you down. Whether you're in leadership or recovery, this conversation offers tools for healing, clarity for your journey, and strength to keep going.

What We Cover:

• Recognizing subtle emotional abuse

• How trauma shows up in close relationships

• Health and healing through endurance sports

• Five personal lessons about fear

• How to accept pain without staying stuck in it

• Healthy rhythms for long-term emotional wellness

• Why faith, identity, and forgiveness matter

🎧 Subscribe & listen anywhere: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

Resources: Defying Fear (Book) – https://www.defyingfearbook.com Sue's blog & writing – https://www.sueschlesman.com WEAG Church – https://weag.church

In this episode of Stress Test, hosts Shane and Sue Schlesman sit down with Stephen Blandino, author of Insanely Practical Leadership, to unpack the must-have skills every leader needs. Stephen delivers actionable insights on topics like personal growth, spiritual leadership, time management, decision-making, building influence, navigating conflict, and coaching others. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into leadership, this conversation offers practical strategies to help you lead with confidence and clarity—no fluff, just real-world advice. Ready to level up your leadership game? Tune in now! Don't forget to subscribe for more leadership tips and insights, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Connect with Stephen Blandino: https://stephenblandino.com

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Thanks for tuning in to the Stress Test Podcast. Our mission is to help leaders navigate their stressors. From leading change and handling conflicts to safeguarding personal health, we delve deep into the realities leaders face daily. Rather than focusing solely on strategies, we value the power of authentic stories and shared experiences. Our goal is to protect your heart, in every sense.

Where to Watch Stress Test :

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stresstest_podcast

Where to Listen: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stresstest-the-heartbeat-of-a-healthy-leader/id1686131164

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5kCxhD73xPNZ1LWWXHsgJV

Learn more about Pastor Shane and Sue: https://weag.church/

Explore Sue's blogs and books: https://www.sueschlesman.com/

Follow Sue on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Sueschlesman/

Keep up with the Stress Test Podcast on social media:

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

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

Subscribe for more insights and remember – you're not alone in this journey. Let's navigate leadership stress, together!

Join us for an insightful episode of 'Stress Test' featuring Peter Pinon, a licensed professional counselor with 14 years of experience. Peter shares his journey from growing up in a pastor's household to becoming a mental health coach specializing in counseling pastors. In this episode, Peter discusses the importance of love, connection, and competence, and offers practical advice for leaders on managing stress while maintaining mental and emotional health. Discover how to balance survival mode with thriving mode and learn strategies for maintaining authenticity and support in ministry. Don't miss this deep dive into mental wellness and leadership with Peter Pinon!

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Get the Book: https://stresstest.audiencetap.com/qc/6UHyuCLdMv

Thanks for tuning in to the Stress Test Podcast.

Join hosts Shane and Sue Schlesman as they welcome Pastor Dave Stone. This episode dives deep into Dave's personal and professional journey, sharing insights from his 30-year ministry at Southeast Christian Church. Dave opens up about his struggles with workaholism, the pressures of leading a mega-church, and the transition to mentoring other pastors. He also shares touching stories of faith, leadership, and the importance of maintaining healthy rhythms in ministry. Special highlights include a discussion on the inspirational movie 'Ordinary Angels' and practical advice for pastors in transition. A must-watch for ministry leaders and anyone looking to be encouraged in their faith journey.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we dive deep into the world of mental health, stress management, and emotional well-being with guest expert Jeremy Lanning. Discover the importance of self-care, the art of navigating life's pressures, and the distinction between tension and stress. Jeremy shares his personal journey, from his military background to becoming a revered mental health professional, and offers invaluable insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of talking to oneself positively, and practical tips for anyone struggling with stress. Whether you're a pastor facing the unique stresses of ministry or anyone looking to find balance in a hectic world, this conversation is filled with wisdom, practical advice, and transformative perspectives on mental health. Don't miss out on this vital discussion on surviving and thriving amidst life's stressors.

https://JeremyJLanning.com

In this episode we are joined by Jacy Smith, founder of Thrivery, she shares her personal story of transformation, revealing how moving beyond expectations led her to a life filled with purpose and the empowerment of women worldwide. Get ready to be inspired and learn how to embrace your own path to authenticity and purpose.

Connect with Jacy - @THRIVERY Thrivery - https://thrivery.life

Transform the way you work, minister, & live. Before your stress kills your calling, your family, or you. Find the heartbeats for healthy living. https://Deathbypastoring.com

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Thanks for tuning in to the Stress Test Podcast. Our mission is to help leaders navigate their stressors. From leading change and handling conflicts to safeguarding personal health, we delve deep into the realities leaders face daily. Rather than focusing solely on strategies, we value the power of authentic stories and shared experiences. Our goal is to protect your heart, in every sense.

Where to Watch Stress Test : Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stresstest_podcast

Dive into the inspiring journey of Kyle and Marcia, a dynamic duo balancing the complexities of ministry, family, and personal growth. Discover how they navigate leadership challenges, embrace change, and find strength in vulnerability. From the highs of expanding their reach through multisite churches to the lows of personal grief and leadership stress, Kyle and Marcia offer an honest look at the realities of pastoral life. Join us as they share valuable lessons on resilience, the power of authentic leadership, and the unbreakable bond of family within the ministry. Don't miss this deep dive into the lives of two remarkable leaders—where faith, family, and leading through stress converge.

GET OUR NEW BOOK and Transform the way you work, minister, & live.Before your stress kills your calling, your family, or you. Find the heartbeats for healthy living: https://deathbypastoring.com/

Connect with Kyle and Marcia: https://onechurch.com/kyleandmarcia/

Sam Chand kicks off our book release by addressing the stress of unrealistic expectations, isolation and the weight of being the spouse of a pastor.

Join us and find your partners for pain and celebration.

Get the Book at: www.deathbypastoring.com

We are joined by Pastor Travis Jones of Motivation Church in Richmond, Va where he talks about how to create rhythms in a busy life and how to prioritize health over growth.

Connect with Pastor Travis - https://www.motivation.church/about

Thanks for tuning in to the Stress Test Podcast. Our mission is to help leaders navigate their stressors. From leading change and handling conflicts to safeguarding personal health, we delve deep into the realities leaders face daily.

Rather than focusing solely on strategies, we value the power of authentic stories and shared experiences. Our goal is to protect your heart, in every sense.

Where to Watch Stress Test :

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stresstest_podcast

Where to Listen:

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stresstest-the-heartbeat-of-a-healthy-leader/id1686131164

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5kCxhD73xPNZ1LWWXHsgJV

Learn more about Pastor Shane and Sue: https://weag.church/

Explore Sue's blogs and books: https://www.sueschlesman.com/

Follow Sue on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Sueschlesman/

Keep up with the Stress Test Podcast on social media:

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

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

Subscribe for more insights and remember – you're not alone in this journey. Let's navigate leadership stress, together!

In this special episode of Stress Test, the Pastor Shane offers his heartfelt advice for maintaining mental and spiritual health within high-stress roles in the ministry, relating it to his experiences with other ministry leaders. He emphasizes the importance of rest and restoration in the spiritual journey, referring to passages from Psalm 23 to illustrate the spiritual and practical implications. By letting the Lord shepherd us, we can find peace and regulative balance in our lives which will in turn flow into every aspect of our ministry work. The episode is an invitation to fellow ministry leaders and anyone battling stress, to find rest, renewal and powerful ministerial impact in their shepherd, Jesus Christ.