In this episode, Ben and Jim sit down with Brian Wolcott, Athletic Director and Dean of Students at Lansing Catholic High School, to talk about his healing journey and how he went through the stages of change. Brian was successful academically, athletically, and socially in high school and went on to play division 1 college baseball. But as time went on, he began to realize that he was no longer able to mask the inner pain that lived just below the surface. Through the help of faithful friends, Brian got on the healing road and found new life through the grace and strength of God. His story is an encouragement to everyone who feels helpless in the face of emotional, psychological, or spiritual challenges, as well as all those who are faithfully helping others walk out their healing journey.

This episode is the first in a two part discussion.

You can connect with Jim and Ben at facebook.com/healingroadpodcast and visit their website at healingroadpodcast.com.

In this episode, Ben and Jim discuss the fifth and overarching stage of change: Maintenance. Whatever plan of action we take, we will always make mistakes and run into road blocks. This stage is all about continuing to renew our commitment and re-examine our plan, and could be considered the most important stage of change.

You can connect with Jim and Ben at facebook.com/healingroadpodcast and visit their website at healingroadpodcast.com.

In this episode, Ben and Jim discuss the fourth stage of change: Action. This stage is all about putting our hands to the plow and not looking back (Lk 9:62), exercising our "willpower muscle" to put our plan of change into action, and being patient with ourselves and resilient when we make mistakes.

You can connect with Jim and Ben at facebook.com/healingroadpodcast and visit their website at healingroadpodcast.com.

In this episode, Ben and Jim continue their discussion of the third stage of change: Planning. They talk about the importance of getting input and wisdom from others, how everyone's path is different, the importance of taking ownership of the process and the plan, and how ownership allows us to grow in maturity. Ben and Jim also share a couple of plans that have helped them to grow in different areas of their lives.

You can connect with Jim and Ben at facebook.com/healingroadpodcast and visit their website at healingroadpodcast.com.

***We had some technical difficulties recording this episode the first time so it’s being published a week later.  Thanks for your patience :)

In this episode, Ben and Jim discuss the third stage of change: Planning. This stage marks the move from thinking about change, considering whether it's possible, to taking action. Learn how to overcome common roadblocks you may face during this stage, and hear Jim share a testimony about a change in the way he thinks about God the Father.

You can connect with Jim and Ben at facebook.com/healingroadpodcast and visit their website at healingroadpodcast.com.

In this episode, Ben and Jim discuss more ways to live a more reflective life including journaling, mindfulness, and books/movies that have helped them gain more clarity about their lives.

You can connect with Jim and Ben at facebook.com/healingroadpodcast and visit their website at healingroadpodcast.com.

Show Notes:

Film - The Mission: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mission_(1986_film)

Film - Dead Poets Society: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Poets_Society

Book - The Seven Storey Mountain: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Storey_Mountain

Book - Till We Have Faces: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Till_We_Have_Faces

Book - The Chosen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chosen_(Potok_novel)

Book - The Promise: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Promise_(Potok_novel)

Talk - The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality: https://dynamiccatholic.com/the-seven-pillars-of-catholic-spirituality-cd-free-copy

In this episode, Ben and Jim discuss the second stage of change: contemplation. This stage is arguably the most important, because it allows us to set off on the right foot and is really about a way of life.  Some have called it "The Examined Life"; but whatever name we give this stage, it is all about taking an active and reflective approach to our lives.  Growing in our ability to reflect on our lives with God is integral to finding any lasting, positive change.

You can connect with Jim and Ben at facebook.com/healingroadpodcast and visit their website at healingroadpodcast.com.

In this episode, Ben and Jim discuss one of the biggest reasons why we don't pursue change: denial. Join us as we look at why we deny the problems and challenges we face in our lives, offer some tips on finding a healthy sense of our own weakness, and face the reality of the human condition.

You can connect with Jim and Ben at facebook.com/healingroadpodcast and visit their website at healingroadpodcast.com.

Show Notes:

Link: Examination of conscience based on the Beatitudes

Link: Examination of conscience based on the Ten Commandments

Book: The Examen Prayer, by Fr. Timothy Gallagher

In this episode, Ben and Jim introduce the five stages of change that they will cover during Season 2. These stages can be seen throughout all of human experience and offer us helpful insights as we seek to grow and find healing.

Some of the questions we will discuss during Season 2: What gives us the energy to change? How do we get off on the right foot? Why do we give up when we began with so much enthusiasm? Why do some people not even try to change? How does God fit into all of this? What kind of spiritual resistance do we face when we try to change? How can we be equipped to combat it? Stay tuned as we tackle these important questions and more!

You can connect with Jim and Ben at facebook.com/healingroadpodcast and visit their website at healingroadpodcast.com.

Show Notes:

Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change

Precontemplation (not ready)

Contemplation (getting ready)

Preparation (ready)

Action

Maintenance

In this episode, Ben and Jim discuss two fundamental dispositions in life: surviving and thriving. At times we may feel stuck in "survival mode." But we know that we were made for more; that we were made to thrive in body, mind, and spirit. This "drive to thrive" is built into us as humans, and is reflected in the discoveries of psychology and the written Word of God in Scripture.

This is the tenth and final episode of Season 1: Healing is Possible. Jim and Ben will return with Season 2 of The Healing Road Podcast the week of April 15.

You can connect with Jim and Ben at facebook.com/healingroadpodcast and visit their website at healingroadpodcast.com.

Show Notes:

Piaget’s theory of cognitive development

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Kohlberg's stages of moral development

Erikson's stages of psychosocial development

Kegan’s comparison of models