HOPE FOR THE AGORA

Agora Network Ministries
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Monthly

Hope for the Agora is a podcast hosting conversations about the stigma of mental health in the church. Agora Network Ministries seeks to bring hope and healing to those suffering with their mental wellness through honest discussions and resources that educate and equip individuals and churches toward mental flourishing as well as create an environment where those struggling find Christ-like support. Find out more at www.agoranetworkministries.com

  1. Jun 15

    S7 EP6 Understanding Grief and Loss

    Understanding and working through grief and loss can be complex. Allen talks with Dr. David Sherbino on this complex topic. Dr. Sherbino has served at Tyndale Seminary for decades.He has taught pastoral ministry, spirituality, and grief care.He coordinates graduate programs in Spiritual Formation...And helps lead work connected to grief, loss, and pastoral care through Tyndale. He has spent years helping people navigate suffering...And helping ministry leaders care well for hurting people.Links:https://www.tyndale.ca/faculty/david-sherbinoHope For The Agora Podcast: https://hopefortheagora.comAgora Network Ministries: https://agoranetworkministries.com

    56 min

  2. May 2

    S7 EP5 Adult ADHD: Deficit or Super Power?

    This podcast episode featured a conversation between Allen and Laura Bruno, a psychotherapist who recently received an ADHD diagnosis as an adult after 20 years in the mental health field. Laura shared her journey of discovery, including key symptoms like always being late, racing thoughts, perfectionism, and misophonia, which led to her therapist's revealing statement that she was "not neurotypical." She discussed how medication (Vyvanse) and therapy significantly improved her quality of life, allowing her to experience calmness in simple moments like rinsing berries. Laura emphasized viewing ADHD as a strength rather than a deficit, describing how her unique brain wiring enhances her ability to connect with clients and provides intuitive insights. She shared practical strategies including using Trello for organization, creating daily "fire lists" of priority tasks, and adopting a curiosity-based approach rather than judgment when discovering new aspects about herself. The conversation highlighted how late-in-life ADHD diagnoses can provide clarity and language for experiences that were previously misunderstood, and how faith can play a role in reframing neurodivergence as part of God's unique design for each person.https://www.laurabrunopsychotherapy.comHope For The Agora: https://hopefortheagora.comAgora Network Ministries: https://agoranetworkministries.comMore about ADHD in adults:Medline Article: https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/adhd-across-the-lifespan-what-it-looks-like-in-adultsADHD as a Super Power:https://www.endeavorotc.com/blog/adhd-as-a-superpower-building-on-your-strengths/

    45 min

  3. Apr 3

    S7 EP4 Knowing Your Identity: Guest Lorie Hartshorn

    Allen and Lorie focus in on Lorie's personal journey, the opportunities she was blessed with and the teaching she now does encouraging women (and men) in growing in their identity with Christ. Lorie Hartshorn is a Canadian Christian author, speaker, and former television host best known for her work with women navigating faith, identity, and real-life struggles. Her book Found is very focused on discovering your identity in Christ. She hosted A Better Way on Crossroads/YES TV, which focused on stories of transformation, hope, and practical faith. Lorie also hosts her own podcast called, The FOUND Podcast

    40 min

  4. Mar 6

    S7 EP Healing What's Within -- Interview with Chuck DeGroat

    Allen speaks with Chuck about the story behind his new book, Healing What's Within: Coming Home to Yourself -- and to God -- When You're Wounded, Weary and Wandering. Chuck shares the inner turmoil that led him to eventually write the book.His insight and understanding of the deepest needs in our lives for healing and understanding is rooted in the healing power of drawing close to God in our darkest moments to find hope in our emotional, mental and physical healing journey.Chuck DeGroat is a professor at Western Theological Seminary. Professor of Counseling and Christian Spirituality and Founding Executive Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Western Theological Seminary Holland MI. He is also a faculty member for the Soul Care Institute.https://www.chuckdegroat.net/Healing What's Within on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0688j1UTYou can leave your questions or comments below or contacthopefortheagora@gmail.com agoranetworkministries.com

    41 min

  5. Feb 6

    S7 EP2 Alzheimers Journey_The Longest Goodbye with Shelly Calcagno

    Allen talks with Shelly Calcagno about her and her family's journey through her mother's Alzheimer's. Shelly shares why she wrote the book The Longest Goodbye and how it can bring hope to those on the same journey.The Longest Goodbye by Shelly Calcagno -- on Amazon.ca shellycalcagno.comHer podcast is called A Space for Grace

    45 min

  6. Jan 9

    S7 EP 1 Navigating Dementia

    Allen interviews Glenn Taylor, a pastor and psychologist with 60 years of counseling experience, about his book "Navigating Dementia." Taylor shares his background in pastoral counseling and psychology, noting that he has worked with Christians, particularly pastors and missionaries, in multiple countries. The discussion focuses on Taylor's recent book, which provides insights into understanding and navigating dementia, drawing from his extensive experience in counseling and psychology. https://GlennCTaylor.ca Book: Navigating Dementia

    46 min

  7. 12/04/2025

    S6 EP9 There is Hope For the Wounded. An Interview with Liz Honeyford

    The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for healing, confronting personal traumas, and maintaining authenticity in our lives and ministry, while highlighting the challenges pastors face in seeking help and the need for spiritual practitioners to model vulnerability and integrity. Links: Healing Care Canada

    53 min

  8. 11/08/2025

    S6 EP8 Discipleship and Mental Health

    Allen talks about how true discipleship takes us into the deeper woundings in our lives where Jesus can bring healing. Without this part of the discipleship journey we will encounter barriers to our walk with the Lord. Working definition of discipleship "Discipleship is helping people move from unbelief to belief in the power of the gospel in every area of life." QUOTES: Brene Brown “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” Henri Nouwen Making one’s own wounds a source of healing, therefore, does not call for a sharing of superficial personal pains, but for a constant willingness to see one’s own pain and suffering as rising from the depth of the human condition that we all share. LINKS: Healing Care Canada Agora Network Ministries

    33 min
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About

Hope for the Agora is a podcast hosting conversations about the stigma of mental health in the church. Agora Network Ministries seeks to bring hope and healing to those suffering with their mental wellness through honest discussions and resources that educate and equip individuals and churches toward mental flourishing as well as create an environment where those struggling find Christ-like support. Find out more at www.agoranetworkministries.com

Information

  • Creator
    Agora Network Ministries
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Agora Network Ministries
  • Show Website
    HOPE FOR THE AGORA