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The grief, pain, and shock of a cancer diagnosis is a heavy burden to carry – whether it’s you or a loved one. In today’s episode, you’ll hear a personal story of how one woman leaned on God. Today’s episode features Fern Buszowski, a cancer survivor who faced a challenging diagnosis with stage 3 oral cancer in 2020. In addition to being a cancer survivor, Fern is a retired pastoral counsellor as well as the author of an award-winning book “Embrace Life, Embrace Hope: Cultivating Wholeness and Resilience through the Unexpected”. She has been married to her husband, Steve, for 46 years and she is the mother of two married adult daughters and 5 grandchildren. Fern also is featured in the video series Embrace Hope, produced by Focus on the Family Canada.  Episode notes: Embrace Life, Embrace Hope by Fern E.M. Buszowski Embrace Hope video series Chronic Health Challenges digital booklet Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult. Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Many couples struggle in their marriage at one time or another. But what’s the difference between a marriage with understandable challenges, and one with destructive qualities?  Today’s episode explores the differences between a disappointing marriage, a difficult one, and a relationship that’s destructive. Please note that this episode discusses abuse. Listener discretion is advised.   Episode notes: The Emotionally Destructive Marriage by Leslie Vernick Hope Restored Journey to Us 8 truths to hold on to in a destructive marriage Understanding Abuse in Marriage video series Understanding Abuse Digital Booklet Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult. Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

While addiction is a tragic cycle for the individual who suffers from the disease as well as for their loved ones, these seemingly hopeless cycles can be broken and replaced with hope and healing. For today’s episode, I’m joined by Lori Patrick, executive director of Adeara Recovery Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. She counts it a privilege to make a way for women who are often dismissed or forgotten. Lori is joined by Natasha Varma, clinical lead at Adeara. Please note that due to the subject matter of this interview, listener discretion is advised. Episode notes: Healing the Scars of Addiction by Gregory L. Jantz Ph.D. Understanding and Navigating Addiction PDF booklet Celebrate Recovery Adeara Recovery Centre Freedom Session Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult. Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Welcome to The Thriving Family: a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. I’m your host, Jean-Paul Beran. This is the space where family, faith, and culture intersect.  Whether you’re new to the show or have followed since the beginning, I’m so glad you’re here. As a follower of Christ, I’m thankful for the hope we have that one day our heavenly father will wipe away every tear and restore everything that has been broken. At the same time, this side of heaven can be incredibly difficult, and God created us with a wide range of emotions to be able to process our very human experiences. For this new set of episodes, we are having tough talks. To help us tackle these topics, we brought in guests who can speak into the realities of ministry challenges, life-altering diagnoses, addiction recovery, pregnancy loss, single parenthood, the unexpected death of a child, divorce, sexuality, familial estrangement, and more.  These talks are indeed tough, but each episode will leave you with hope for a brighter future.   Episode notes: Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult. Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

God’s heart is with the brokenhearted, and that includes those who are struggling with the pain of divorce. Today’s episode explores the topic of divorce, hard hearts, and being made in the image of God. If you or someone you know is struggling in this area, this episode explores only the scriptural understanding of divorce. For practical support on this topic, we have other resources available or you can contact our in-house counselling team to book a free one-time phone consultation. Please note that due to the content of this episode, listener discretion is advised.  Episode Notes: One More Try by Gary Chapman Hope Restored Journey to Us Understanding Abuse in Marriage video series Unpacking Biblical Separation and Divorce video series Focus on the Family Canada’s position on marriage and divorce Free, one-time consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada over the phone. Give our head office a call at 1-800-661-9800 to request a consult. Support the podcast: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/podcastgiving Sources and further reading C. John Collins, “Malachi 2:16 again,” Covenant Theological Seminary, accessed February 26, 2024. Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb, “Does the Bible say women should suffer abuse and violence?” author’s blog, September 4, 2014. David Instone-Brewer, Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context, Eerdmans, 2002. Douglas Jacoby, “Instone-Brewer on divorce and remarriage,” author’s blog, accessed February 26, 2024. Sharon James, “Divorce and remarriage in the Bible: The social and literary context (book review),” Themelios, Volume 29 Issue 1, September 2003. Russell Moore, “Divorcing an abusive spouse is not a sin: Not only is it morally justified, it also aligns with Christ’s heart for the vulnerable,” Christianity Today, March 24, 2022. Kyle Pope, “‘He hates’ or God hates (Malachi 2:16),” Focus Online, February 4, 2020. Daniel R. Watson, “Who hates . . . divorce? A text-critical examination of Malachi 2:16,” Midwestern Journal of Theology, Volume 10 Issue 1, Spring 2011. © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Esther plays a pivotal role in the Bible. But who is the woman behind the story? Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, we will look at Esther, one of the better known names from the Bible. While the story of Esther is compelling, it brings confusion with it. Since God isn’t explicitly mentioned, many are left to wonder what to do with this book of the Bible. As you listen, you’ll understand how it plays a crucial role in our understanding of God’s sovereign nature.  Focus on Faith and Culture e-newsletter Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2018 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Unexpected pregnancies can leave women and their partners with questions, fears, and feelings of isolation. Today’s guest saw this, which is why she’s so passionate about her role in which she walks alongside those who need this support.  Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. Today’s episode features Dr. Laura Lewis. Dr. Lewis served as the Executive Director of Pregnancy Care Canada from 2016 to 2026, a national, faith-based network of over 80 pregnancy care centres and online support. A former family physician with 22 years of experience, she observed first-hand the need for compassionate care, clear information, and practical support for those facing unexpected pregnancies. She remains passionate about equipping individuals and communities to respond with both truth and grace. This episode addresses the sensitive subject of abortion. Listener advisory is advised. Pregnancy Care Canada Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

As followers of Christ, it can sometimes feel like we are a minority in a secular world, and struggle to engage culture. But we can learn a great deal from someone who walked this road: the apostle Paul. Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, we are taking a look at an example of evangelism in a highly secularized culture – the apostle Paul’s address in Athens. We can learn a lot from him to understand how best to engage people with the Gospel in a culture that’s much like our own. Focus on Faith and Culture e-newsletter Free The Good News of the Gospel booklet Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast Sources from today's episode: Darrell L. Bock, Acts, (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Baker Academic, 2007. F.F. Bruce, The Book of the Acts, (New International Commentary on the New Testament), Eerdmans, 1988. R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, (Preaching the Word), Crossway, 2014. I. Howard Marshall, Acts, (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries), IVP Academic, 1980. Ben Witherington III, The Acts of the Apostles, (Socio-Rhetorical Commentary), Eerdmans, 1997. © 2025 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Focus on the Family has offices in countries all across the globe. When we get together, it’s truly like a family reunion. Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, host Jean-Paul Beran got to sit down with friend and colleague Graeme Schnell, CEO of Focus on the Family Africa. Our respective ministry offices may be on opposite sides of the globe, but we share a heart for families.  Focus on the Family Africa Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved

Navigating today’s political landscape can feel overwhelming, but we don’t need to lose hope in our pursuit of a better country. Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. In our highly polarized and divided world, we feel immense pressure to encamp ourselves on one side and with one tribe. This is leading many to claim political homelessness. While that may cause despair for some, as Christians, we can actually find encouragement in this position. In today’s faith-filled episode, you’ll understand why being politically homeless reminds us to seek the good of the city we’re living in while keeping our eyes and hearts on God’s Kingdom. Article: Political homelessness: Charting a path to a better country Focus on Faith and Culture e-newsletter Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast Sources from today's episode: Amy Julia Becker, “For those of us who feel politically homeless,” author’s blog, February 15, 2022. Chelsea Langston Bombino and Katie Thompson, “Hope for the politically homeless,” The Banner, September 14, 2020. Olivia Elder, “Sincerely, a politically homeless Christian,” Gordon Review, May 10, 2022. Matt Forde, Politically Homeless, Quercus Publishing, 2022. David French, “The spiritual blessing of political homelessness,” The Dispatch, October 18, 2020. John Ivison, “Do we need a new party for the politically ‘homeless’?” National Post, February 11, 2022. Leah MarieAnn Klett, “Scott Sauls on embodying Christ’s gentleness in culture; why Christians should feel politically ‘homeless’,” Christian Post, September 17, 2020. Aaron Schafer, The Politically Homeless Christian: How to Conquer Political Idolatry, Reject Polarization, and Recommit to God’s Greatest Two Commandments, Foundation Publishing House, 2020. Sarah Styf, “The politically homeless Christian,” Red Letter Christians, February 4, 2020. Tish Harrison Warren, “Black, Christian and transcending the political binary,” New York Times, October 28, 2022. © 2023 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Video games often get a bad reputation as isolating and a waste of time. But what if we looked at how gaming can build deep, meaningful connection and discipleship between youth and mentors? Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, you’re in for a fascinating conversation with Jamie and Jessica Harris, founders of the ministry Satellite Gaming. Satellite Gaming points students to Jesus Christ by building relationships through video games. Jamie is so passionate about video games, but this passion is eclipsed by his heart for youth and teens, and reaching this often overlooked demographic through discipleship. Join us for an in-depth conversation about faith, family, parenting, and the bright side of video games. Note: This episode does not constitute an endorsement of aforementioned video games, television shows, or movies by Focus on the Family Canada. Check out reviews at Plugged In to help you determine what is appropriate for you or your family. Satellite Gaming Plugged In Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

In an increasingly divisive world, the most radical thing we can do is seeing our fellow humans as made in the image of God. Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, we’ll dive deep into a phrase that may be familiar to you: “made in the image of God.” But what does this actually mean? And how does this impact how we view the world and live our lives? Focus on Faith and Culture e-newsletter Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2018 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Strong leaders help guide effective teams, but even the strongest, most impactful leaders need to be led. Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, you’ll hear from Tim Schindel, who took the time to sit down for an inspiring conversation. He loves to cast vision, build teams, set goals, and reach them while having a lot of fun along the way. Seeing the need and an opportunity to serve, Tim founded Leading Influence in 2006 to fulfill the vision of providing excellence in pastoral care to politicians across Canada. Join us for an exciting, faith-filled conversation. Leading Influence Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.

Followers of Christ are widely familiar with the 12 disciples in the Bible, but another group made a significant impact worthy of the spotlight: the women in the book of Acts. Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. For today’s episode, we’re going to look at a few stories of prominent women in Scripture, specifically in the book of Acts. These women are not the stuff of Sunday School picture books. They’re real, they’re diverse, and more than anything, they help us understand God’s plan for his church. Article: Recovering the stories of silenced women in ancient literature Focus on Faith and Culture e-newsletter Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2017 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved. Sources from today's episode: Darrell L. Bock, Acts, (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Baker Academic, 2007. F.F. Bruce, The Book of the Acts, (New International Commentary on the New Testament), Eerdmans, 1988. R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, (Preaching the Word), Crossway, 2014. I. Howard Marshall, Acts, (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries), IVP Academic, 1980. Ben Witherington III, The Acts of the Apostles, (Socio-Rhetorical Commentary), Eerdmans, 1997.

In a world that says marriage and monogamy are outdated, these words are radically countercultural: “I do.” Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast. Today, you’re in for an inspiring conversation with Andrea Mzorek and Peter Jon Mitchell from Cardus, where they discuss the research that shows why marriage still matters. Cardus is a non-partisan think tank dedicated to clarifying and strengthening, through research and dialogue, the ways in which society’s institutions can work together for the common good. Andrea has worked in journalism and think tanks in Europe and Canada. She writes and speaks about marriage, childcare, and women's issues. Prior to joining Cardus, she was executive director of the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada. Peter Jon is program director of Cardus Family. He has been researching and writing about Canadian families and public policy for nearly two decades. Join us as Andrea and Peter Jon talk about their fascinating new book I Do: Why Marriage Still Matters. I…Do? Why Marriage Still Matters Cardus Free, one-time phone consultation with a registered counsellor at Focus on the Family Canada. Give our team a call at 1.800.661.9800 to book a consult. Support the podcast © 2026 Focus on the Family (Canada) Association. All rights reserved.