Advertise on podcast: Hanging Onto Hope Podcast

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Brenda J. and Karen B. are honored to welcome Lauren Rose back to the Hanging On To Hope podcast. Lauren works with Called to Peace Ministries, led by Joy Forrest, and is now a life coach focusing specifically on helping women rebuild their lives after domestic abuse. As a survivor of domestic violence and coercive control, Lauren shares part of her story and the experiences that led her to become a life coach. She also shares domestic violence statistics to raise awareness of the severity of this issue. Lauren helps women navigate separation and divorce as Christians, heal from what they have experienced, and rediscover who they are. Through her coaching, she helps women understand who God created them to be and explore where they go from here. In this episode, they discuss grief, forgiveness, finding your purpose, listening to your body, and the importance of rewiring the brain. This conversation offers encouragement and hope for women moving forward after abuse.  https://calledtopeace.org https://livefound.org/meet-lauren/ https://hangingontohope.org

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Brenda J. and Karen B. are honored to welcome Lauren Rose back to the Hanging On To Hope podcast. Lauren works with Called to Peace Ministries, led by Joy Forrest, and is now a life coach focusing specifically on helping women rebuild their lives after domestic abuse. As a survivor of domestic violence and coercive control, Lauren shares part of her story and the experiences that led her to become a life coach. She also shares domestic violence statistics to raise awareness of the severity of this issue. Lauren helps women navigate separation and divorce as Christians, heal from what they have experienced, and rediscover who they are. Through her coaching, she helps women understand who God created them to be and explore where they go from here. We also discuss the importance of finding your voice and sharing your story with safe, trusted, trauma-informed people who support your healing. This conversation offers encouragement and hope for women moving forward after abuse. https://calledtopeace.org https://livefound.org/meet-lauren/ https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen B. are honored to welcome Jo to the Hanging On To Hope podcast for another episode in our Real People, Real Voices series—a series dedicated to giving survivors a safe place to share their stories, find healing, and have their voices heard, some for the very first time. In this powerful episode, Jo shares how a church community believed her when she disclosed the abuse and came alongside her with practical support. As one of Brenda's very first advocacy cases from beginning to end, this story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when survivors are believed, supported, and not left to walk alone. Jo's journey is heartfelt, eye-opening, and filled with hope. https://hangingontohope.org

On this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. are joined by Nina Batista, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and educator who helps survivors of narcissistic abuse. She works with individuals, families, and groups navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, and relationship challenges. In this episode, Nina goes over the many negative health effects that can occur from being in a relationship with a narcissist or abusive person. The episode concludes with listener engagement questions and practical takeaways that offer education, hope, and clarity for survivors. https://ninabatistacounseling.com https://hangingontohope.org

On this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. are joined by Nina Batista, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and educator who helps survivors of narcissistic abuse. She works with individuals, families, and groups navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, and relationship challenges. Nina shares a little of her own story and how she became passionate about helping survivors of narcissistic abuse. She explains what narcissism is and defines terms like DARVO, trauma bonding, and gaslighting. They also discuss whether narcissists know what they're doing, the physical impact of narcissistic abuse, and how survivors can begin making sense of experiences that once felt confusing and overwhelming. The episode concludes with listener engagement questions and practical takeaways that offer hope, healing, and clarity for survivors. https://ninabatistacounseling.com https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen W interview Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn on their book Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved. Celestia is Co-Founder of Mending the Soul, author of twelve books and workbooks, and a professional trauma counselor.  Drawing from twenty-five years of teaching and training experience in areas of abuse and healing, secondary trauma, intimacy and bonding, biblical sexuality, and soul care, Celestia ensures that all Mending the Soul curricula and trainings are psychologically-informed and using best practice models. Nancy is the artist in Explore, a Mending The Soul facilitator, and abuse survivor. The four women take a deep dive into the book and it is extremely educational and healing. https://mendingthesoul.org https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen W interview Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn on their book Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved. Celestia is Co-Founder of Mending the Soul, author of twelve books and workbooks, and a professional trauma counselor.  Drawing from twenty-five years of teaching and training experience in areas of abuse and healing, secondary trauma, intimacy and bonding, biblical sexuality, and soul care, Celestia ensures that all Mending the Soul curricula and trainings are psychologically-informed and using best practice models. Nancy is the artist in Explore, a Mending The Soul facilitator, and abuse survivor. The four women take a deep dive into the book and it is extremely educational and healing. https://mendingthesoul.org https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen W interview Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn on their book Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved. Celestia is Co-Founder of Mending the Soul, author of twelve books and workbooks, and a professional trauma counselor.  Drawing from twenty-five years of teaching and training experience in areas of abuse and healing, secondary trauma, intimacy and bonding, biblical sexuality, and soul care, Celestia ensures that all Mending the Soul curricula and trainings are psychologically-informed and using best practice models. Nancy is the artist in Explore, a Mending The Soul facilitator, and abuse survivor. The four women take a deep dive into the book and it is extremely educational and healing. https://mendingthesoul.org https://hangingontohope.org

Sneak peek into episodes 94, 95, and 96, Explore, A Guided Journey To Being Loved With Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn

Brenda J and Karen B interview Steven Tracy, co-founder and co-author of Mending the Soul.  Mending the Soul is a healing from abuse resource that meets in small groups and discusses six different types of abuse. We dive into deep discussion with Steven and get his expert opinion. https://mendingthesoul.org https://hangingontohope.org

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="85840783-ead1-4ff3-82cd-4cec1794f8c1" data-turn-id-container="85840783-ead1-4ff3-82cd-4cec1794f8c1" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome back to the show Carissa Raderstorf. Carissa is an ordained minister, board-certified pastoral counselor, and founder of Reset Ministries. She oversees Reset Retreats, Reset Together, personalized coaching, and intensive story work. Passionate about helping people experience emotional healing, relational growth, and a deeper connection with God, Carissa holds an M.A. from Olivet Nazarene University and graduate certificates in counseling and executive coaching from the Townsend Institute. In this encouraging episode, Brenda, Karen, and Carissa discuss why being present with someone in pain is often one of the most powerful gifts we can offer. Many of us feel pressure to fix problems, give advice, or provide the perfect spiritual answer, but Carissa explains why simply showing up and sitting with someone in their grief, trauma, disappointment, or loss can be far more meaningful. They explore why so many people struggle with being present, how building healthy relationships before difficult seasons creates a foundation of support, and why even introverts need caring connections. Carissa shares practical, easy-to-understand ways to support others, discusses the "relational nutrients" that help people heal, and explains how our own experiences can grow our empathy and deepen our ability to bear one another's burdens. Whether you're supporting a loved one through a difficult season or learning how to become a more compassionate presence in the lives of others, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and practical encouragement for everyone. https://resetministries.us https://hangingontohope.org   *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="6d17116b-c5f1-473d-9366-7e4fd208dbba" data-turn-id-container="6d17116b-c5f1-473d-9366-7e4fd208dbba" data-testid="conversation-turn-3" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user">

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="85840783-ead1-4ff3-82cd-4cec1794f8c1" data-turn-id-container="85840783-ead1-4ff3-82cd-4cec1794f8c1" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome back to the show Carissa Raderstorf. Carissa is an ordained minister, board-certified pastoral counselor, and founder of Reset Ministries. She oversees Reset Retreats, Reset Together, personalized coaching, and intensive story work. Passionate about helping people experience emotional healing, relational growth, and a deeper connection with God, Carissa holds an M.A. from Olivet Nazarene University and graduate certificates in counseling and executive coaching from the Townsend Institute. In this encouraging episode, Brenda, Karen, and Carissa discuss why being present with someone in pain is often one of the most powerful gifts we can offer. Many of us feel pressure to fix problems, give advice, or provide the perfect spiritual answer, but Carissa explains why simply showing up and sitting with someone in their grief, trauma, disappointment, or loss can be far more meaningful. They explore why so many people struggle with being present, how building healthy relationships before difficult seasons creates a foundation of support, and why even introverts need caring connections. Carissa shares practical, easy-to-understand ways to support others, discusses the "relational nutrients" that help people heal, and explains how our own experiences can grow our empathy and deepen our ability to bear one another's burdens. Whether you're supporting a loved one through a difficult season or learning how to become a more compassionate presence in the lives of others, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and practical encouragement for everyone. https://resetministries.us https://hangingontohope.org   *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="6d17116b-c5f1-473d-9366-7e4fd208dbba" data-turn-id-container="6d17116b-c5f1-473d-9366-7e4fd208dbba" data-testid="conversation-turn-3" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user">

Brenda J. and Karen W. are honored to welcome Teresa Hayes, founder and executive director of Unfinished Grace, and certified in TRLC and CLC. In this powerful episode, Teresa shares her personal story and how God led her to launch her nonprofit created to provide a FREE tool for healing and restoration for women everywhere. Teresa offers coaching services, unplanned pregnancy support, mentoring, healing groups, retreats, and resources designed to help women move forward in God's grace and purpose. Her heart is to help women build healthy rhythms, overcome obstacles, navigate difficult transitions, and move from endings into new beginnings. Unfinished Grace serves women struggling with shame, trauma, abuse, unhealthy lifestyles, difficult choices, or addiction-related pain. Their mission is to help women move from "gracefully broken to gracefully restored." In this conversation, Teresa shares what the ministry offers, how they collaborate with other nonprofits to connect women with needed support, and why this ministry is so close to her heart. This is a powerful and hope-filled must-listen episode. https://unfinishedgrace.org https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen W. are honored to welcome Teresa Hayes, founder and executive director of Unfinished Grace, and certified in TRLC and CLC. In this powerful episode, Teresa shares her personal story and how God led her to launch her nonprofit created to provide a FREE tool for healing and restoration for women everywhere. Teresa offers coaching services, unplanned pregnancy support, mentoring, healing groups, retreats, and resources designed to help women move forward in God's grace and purpose. Her heart is to help women build healthy rhythms, overcome obstacles, navigate difficult transitions, and move from endings into new beginnings. Unfinished Grace serves women struggling with shame, trauma, abuse, unhealthy lifestyles, difficult choices, or addiction-related pain. Their mission is to help women move from "gracefully broken to gracefully restored." In this conversation, Teresa shares what the ministry offers, how they collaborate with other nonprofits to connect women with needed support, and why this ministry is so close to her heart. This is a powerful and hope-filled must-listen episode. https://unfinishedgrace.org https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen B welcome Dr. Ingrid Faro, interim president and professor of Old Testament at Northern Seminary, to the show. With an extensive academic background, including leadership roles at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and the Scandinavian School of Theology, Dr. Faro brings both scholarly insight and pastoral depth to the conversation as we discuss her book, Redeeming Eden: How Women in the Bible Advance the Story of Salvation. In this episode, Dr. Faro explores the powerful stories of women throughout Scripture—from Eve, Hagar, Tamar, Hannah, and Bathsheba to key figures in the New Testament—highlighting their resilience, faith, and role in God's redemptive story. The conversation also touches on deeper themes from her work, including the nature of evil and how these biblical narratives reshape our understanding of women and their experiences, including trauma. This is a thoughtful and eye-opening discussion that brings new depth and perspective to familiar stories. https:www.ingridfaro.com https://hangingontohope.org