The Mental Fight

In this episode of The Mental Fight, Kimberly speaks with author and therapist Gina Birkemeier about how generational trauma and family systems shape the way we think, cope, and relate to God and others. Gina shares how faith and trauma-informed therapy have informed her own healing and professional work. They discuss inherited beliefs, why naming trauma matters, and how boundaries can support growth without requiring estrangement from family.

Gina Birkemeier is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), award-winning author, and international speaker. Her work explores the intersections of generational trauma, faith, psychology, biology, and epigenetics. She offers evidence-based care rooted in neuroscience and Christian faith and has guided thousands of people toward lasting change.

Her book, Generations Deep: Unmasking Inherited Dysfunction and Trauma to Rewrite Our Stories Through Faith and Therapy, invites readers to examine family patterns and rewrite their stories. It draws on Gina's personal and professional experience and includes writing prompts, questionnaires, and assessments.

Gina has appeared on Fox Radio, The Best of You Podcast, The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast, and Viva la Mañana, a television show in Guatemala. She holds a master's degree in psychology and theology and is pursuing a doctorate in Counseling, Education, and Supervision, with an emphasis on trauma studies. She lives in Missouri with her husband and their two fur babies, Max and Leo. She is a mom of six and a Gigi to seven.

Follow Gina on Instagram: myoutloudvoice

Get her book: Generations Deep: Unmasking Inherited Dysfunction and Trauma to Rewrite Our Stories Through Faith and Therapy

Read her Substack and visit her website.

Invite the possibilities! Fall can be a reset button for your mind, body, and faith—especially when you've spent months just trying to get through the day. Kimberly shares the small wins in her personal journey that are helping her feel freer, calmer, and more like herself again. In this episode, she dives into:

• Why saying yes on a good day can change everything
• How less screen time is helping her mental health
• How getting stuck in the past can hurt, and new connections can heal
• Why fall feels like a personal "revival" season and a new beginning

If you've been bracing for the next setback, or feeling disconnected or stagnant, this episode is for you. Kimberly offers encouragement and closes with a beautiful breath prayer to bring peace and comfort. For more encouragement, follow Kimberly on Instagram. Subscribe and read Kimberly's work on Substack. Save BIG on her favorite red light: Lumebox.

What if the labels bullies, society, or even your inner voice placed on you were never the truth about who you are?

In this heartfelt episode of The Mental Fight, we chat with author Cally Logan about breaking free from painful labels and letting God's voice have the final word over our identity. Cally opens up about bullying, low self-worth, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, body image, and her journey toward healing from an eating disorder. We also discuss what it looks like to trust God in seasons of uncertainty and waiting.

Whether you're struggling with your identity, carrying wounds from your past, or wondering what God is doing in an unfinished season, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone.

Cally Logan is the author of three books, including The Wallflower that Bloomed, winner of the 2025 Reader's Choice Christian Literary Award and the Henri Award, and a Senior Writer for Crosswalk.com. Her heart finds beauty in the mysteries of life, and in the glory all around us, in the details big and small. Storytelling is her passion, and she believes every one of us holds a unique, valuable, and hand-written story by God, and together we are part of the Grand Story He has written. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University and has taught US History and Western Civilization for a decade. Her works have been featured on outlets such as Jesus Calling, The 700 Club Interactive, Propel Women, and many more. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, watching movies, and woodworking.

Connect with Cally on IG: @callylogan

Visit her website: www.callylogan.com

Grab her latest book: The Wallflower That Bloomed

Have you ever failed at something and immediately made it mean something about who you are?

Failure can make us question our worth, our purpose, and whether we have what it takes to keep going.

In this episode, Kimberly shares honest encouragement for the moments when life doesn't go as planned. We talk about releasing shame, separating what happened from who you are, and finding the courage to try again—even when your confidence feels shaky.

If you're facing disappointment, feeling behind, feeling broken due to trauma, or afraid to take the next step, let this remind you: failure is not the end. God can still meet you here, grow you here, and lead you forward—one faithful step at a time.

For more encouragement, follow Kimberly on Instagram. Subscribe and read Kimberly's work on Substack.

In this episode, Kimberly shares a personal reflection on hope, healing, and the tiny joys of summer, inspired by her recent Substack essay. Dive in as she explores what it means to embrace a slower, more intentional season—even when you're still in the middle of your healing journey.

Together, we'll revisit the nostalgia of 90s summers, childlike wonder, and the simple moments that once made life feel magical. Because maybe the freedom we're searching for isn't found in a perfect life, but in learning to notice the beauty right in front of us.

If you've been feeling stuck, weary, or as if you've lost a piece of yourself, this episode is a gentle reminder that there is still time to make new memories, cultivate joy, and find hope again.

Here's to choosing joy, one day at a time.

For more encouragement, follow Kimberly on Instagram. Subscribe and read Kimberly's work on Substack.

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, and in this episode, Kimberly shares her personal journey with scoliosis—from being diagnosed and living with a back brace to eventually needing surgery. Living with scoliosis can impact not just your physical health, but your mental health. However, having a diagnosis can also teach resilience, strength, and perseverance in ways you never expected. Whether you're living with scoliosis, supporting someone who is, or simply facing your own health challenges, I hope this episode reminds you that your diagnosis does not define you. There is hope, healing, and purpose even in the struggles. For more encouragement, follow Kimberly on Instagram. Subscribe and read Kimberly's work on Substack.

Ever feel like your sensitivity is a burden? Here's why it's actually a strength! We often think being sensitive is a weakness, but it's time to flip that narrative.

Sensitivity means you have a deeper connection to the world, more empathy, and a unique perspective that others may not see. We're diving deeper into what it means, the perks, and the downfalls.

Embrace your feelings! They are not a flaw, but a gift that allows you to experience life more fully. Plus, we chat about why "fitting in" shouldn't be the goal.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. It's okay to feel deeply and express your emotions. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

If you loved this episode, be sure to give a five-star review and share this with a friend!

For more encouragement, follow Kimberly on Instagram. Subscribe and read Kimberly's work on Substack.

What would God say to the younger version of you? In this episode, we step into something deeply personal—a love letter from God to your younger self. The "little you" who felt anxious, unseen, overwhelmed, or not enough. Kimberly talks about how letting God into the places you've kept hidden and releasing shame, anxiety, and old wounds you may still carry can set you free. If it's not too triggering, she urges you to write your own letter and/or seek help for past trauma. This is your reminder: God never left you. Get Kimberly Phinney's prompt inspired by today's episode here. For more encouragement, follow Kimberly on Instagram. Subscribe and read Kimberly's work on Substack.

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like you have to have it all together? This episode is a reminder you might need today: you don't have to be perfect to be loved, seen, or accepted. You can come as you are. Kimberly talks about showing up in the messy middle—especially in seasons of anxiety, chronic illness, or really hard days. If you've been feeling like you're not enough…this is for you. You don't have to wait until you're "better" or "perfect" to be worthy. Come as you are, right now, today. If this encouraged you, share this episode with someone who needs this message today! For more encouragement, follow Kimberly on Instagram. Subscribe and read Kimberly's work on Substack.

If you're coming out of a hard season… this is for you. In this episode, Kimberly shares a real, honest life update—where she's been, and what this season has looked like behind the scenes.

She talks about chronic illness, balance, and mental health struggles while coming out of the fog.

You'll find vulnerability, laughter, and what's saving Kimberly's spring right now—like sunlight, deeper connection, slowing down, and holding onto hope (even when it feels far away).

This episode is a reminder that: You're not behind. And you don't have to rush your healing. God is still working. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just trying to find your way forward again…

There's hope. There's light. And you're not alone in the mental fight.

**Note: Kimberly shared that the tortilla sea salt Siete chips are AIP-approved, but I want to clarify they're not technically AIP-approved in the strict phase since they contain chia seeds.

For more encouragement, follow Kimberly on Instagram.

Subscribe and read Kimberly's work on Substack.