Run to the Hard Podcast

Chris Farrell & Curtis Christopher
  • 5.0 (30)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

In grief, we all have hidden in the shadows. We have darted from conversations. We shop alone. We eat alone. We go to church alone. We unwillingly have joined a club that we never intended to be apart of. We have an unspoken language but we understand each other. If you have experienced the grief of trauma, this podcast is for you. If you've experienced the grief of divorce, this podcast is for you. If you've experienced the death of a loved one, parent, a spouse, a child, this podcast is for you. If you wanna know how to help people right in the middle of their grief, this podcast is for you. Embark on a deeply personal journey of resilience, hope, and healing with Curtis Christopher and co-host Chris Farrell on the "Run to the Hard" podcast. In the wake of sudden tragedy and profound grief, Curtis vulnerably shares his experiences of navigating life's toughest moments after losing his beloved wife Michal to a sudden and aggressive battle to cancer. Michal lived by the mantra, "Run to the hard, run to the hurt because it's in the greatest hard that God's gonna do the greatest work" Joining a community is as easy as hitting play.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep 44: Losing Your Identity and Finding Hope with Dave Corey

    Who are you when the thing that defined you is gone? When Dave Corey lost his job, he felt like he was failing his family. His career had become his identity, and losing it led to a mental health crisis. In this conversation with Curtis Christopher, Dave shares how professional help, faith, and people who kept reaching out helped him begin rebuilding his life. He also opens up about forgiving his father, choosing to stop drinking, and learning that strength includes accepting help. Curtis shares how friends showed up after his wife, Michal, died, sometimes simply sitting with him when there was nothing to say. Together, they explore what it means to face pain, make room for change, and help someone else feel less alone. If loss has left you asking, "Who am I now?" this conversation is for you. Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicidal thoughts, a suicide plan involving firearms, childhood abuse, and alcohol use. IN THIS EPISODE • Losing a job without losing your worth. • Accepting therapy and support instead of facing pain alone. • Forgiving a parent without dismissing what happened. • Knowing when to keep going and when to walk away. • Dave's decision to stop drinking and change what he modeled for his children. • How friends can show up for someone who is grieving. • Why "I'm good" can be the beginning of a deeper conversation. • Finding purpose through service and community. CHAPTERS 00:00 "Where is God?" 00:21 Meet Dave Corey 02:16 Remembering 9/11 and the families left behind 07:51 The wake-up call that changed Dave's health 12:36 Job loss, identity, and a mental health crisis 17:41 Accepting therapy and a friend's invitation 19:16 Growing up in a military family 24:06 Forgiving his father and letting go of resentment 28:21 Curtis's own story of forgiveness 31:21 Fatherhood, friendship, and a new direction 36:51 Quitting versus knowing when to walk away 39:26 Why Dave stopped drinking 49:01 Making room for what comes next 53:11 Curtis on grief, Michal's words, and friends who showed up 56:36 Looking beyond "I'm good" 58:36 A trip to Belize and an unexpected friendship 68:51 Supporting the Michal Foundation 71:01 Helping men become better 74:16 Closing encouragement and prayer BOOK MENTIONED Discipline Determines Destiny: Because the Life You Want Won't Wait by Dave Corey. DONATE TO THE MICHAL FOUNDATION: https://www.runtothehard.com/give Rate The Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor: https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Episode: Send this conversation to someone facing loss, questioning their worth, or learning how to show up for a hurting friend. Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together"

  2. Sep 23

    Ep 43: Healing Childhood Hurt and Finding Purpose with R.D. Saunders

    A college assignment asked R.D. Saunders to write about his family. What surfaced was years of childhood pain—and a decision: "I will not be a bad father." Growing up with an abusive father who struggled with alcoholism, R.D. carried hurt he hadn't fully faced. In this conversation with Curtis Christopher, he shares how God began a work of healing in a college dorm room—and how he eventually returned to lead that same school, Ohio Christian University. Together, they explore the pain we bury, the people who help us heal, and how those experiences can shape a life of service. Curtis also shares how his late wife Michal's example helped him begin reaching toward others through his own grief. IN THIS EPISODE: • The grandfather who became the father figure R.D. needed. • The writing assignment that brought hidden hurt to the surface. • The emotional "junk drawer" where we store unresolved pain. • Why R.D. initially turned down the university presidency. • How Isaiah 61 shaped his vision for helping students heal and grow. • Why supporting someone through grief begins with listening, humility, and knowing when to seek help. Run to the Hard shares stories of grief, healing, faith, and meaningful action through life's hardest experiences. Hosted by Curtis Christopher, the podcast honors the loving memory of Michal Christopher and her call to "run to the hard, run to the hurt." Follow the show for more honest conversations about facing hard things and moving forward in faith. DONATE TO THE MICHAL FOUNDATION: https://www.runtothehard.com/give Rate The Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor: https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Episode: Send this conversation to someone carrying hidden hurt—or someone learning how to support a hurting friend. Learn more: https://www.runtothehard.com Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together"

  3. 12/16/2025

    Ep 42: She Faced Loss & Divorce, and Still Said YES to God

    This is such a special episode. Not only has Curtis' mother Ellen been through her own fair share of grief and pain, but she joins us today to talk about what it's been like to be the mother of a grieving son, and to be so close to all that has happened to Curtis, Michal, the kids, and now Crystal and her kids. This episode is packed full of faithful wisdom from a life of pursuing God. You can see why Grandma C is so popular with everyone who meets her! Join us to hear even more nuance and insights about Curtis' life and the ups and downs of the past few years. --- DONATE TO THE MICHAL FOUNDATION: https://www.runtothehard.com/give Rate The Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor: https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Episode...Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together". CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 5:56 Grandma's cancer 12:11 Grandpa's testimony 13:23 Ellen's testimony 15:13 Musical ministry opportunity 18:44 Uncle Dan 24:17 Curtis' father after Vietnam 28:39 Leaving a rough family situation 33:46 Never remarried 40:09 Life lessons from Mom 51:02 Being the mother of a son going through divorce 53:22 Meeting Michal 56:09 Michal gets sick 1:06:26 Mom started the adoption trend! 1:10:01 The joys of life 1:15:29 Prayer

  4. 10/07/2025

    Ep 39: Grief Lessons 3 Years After Losing My Wife

    Curtis reflects on year three of grief after the passing of his wife, Michal. What began as crushing sorrow has slowly transformed into a season of quiet healing, memories, and even new beginnings. Curtis opens up about how grief changes with time...how the pain softens but the love and lessons remain. From walking through loss with his fiancée Crystal to finding hope amid darkness, his story is a raw and redemptive look at what it means to heal. Whether you're in the early days of loss or years down the road, this episode will remind you that God's greatest work often begins in our deepest hurt. --- DONATE TO THE MICHAL FOUNDATION: https://www.runtothehard.com/give Rate The Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor: https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Episode...Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together". --- CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 0:51 The difference at 3 years after loss 8:04 The many waves of grief 11:08 Acceptance 13:24 Having a relationship while grieving 14:59 Charlie Kirk's passing from a grief perspective 22:28 How the kids are grieving 3 years in 31:42 Darkness and breakthroughs 36:07 New traditions 39:49 Talking to the deceased while grieving? 46:55 Practice what you preach

  5. 09/16/2025

    Ep 38: Fighting The Brain Fog of Grief To Find Purpose and Motivation Again

    Ever feel like grief has literally changed the way your brain works? You're not alone. It's like it rewires things in there. Memory issues. Compartmentalization. Checking out. Difficulty connecting. Curtis shares his raw and real experience with what he calls "grief brain" in an effort to help you know you're not alone, and hopefully to start down the path of healing. But, we also talk about finding purpose and motivation in grief, what grieving does to relationships, and how Curtis is trying to take every thought captive with examples from his life. Join us. --- DONATE TO THE MICHAL FOUNDATION: https://www.runtothehard.com/give Rate The Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor: https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Episode...Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together".   CHAPTERS 0:00 Grief Brain 8:18 Getting Stuck in "Boxes" 18:13 Motivation in Grief 22:52 Finding Purpose in Grief 28:17 Grief Makes It Hard To Connect 39:18 Seriously Taking Thoughts Captive 41:58 Not What I Envisioned Life To Look Like 47:17 God Uses The Hard Stuff To Prepare Us 52:12 Prayer   MENTIONED PTSD Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoI0rDmSDcM

  6. 06/04/2025

    Ep 33: Finding Purpose in Grief: JoBeth Evans' Story

    From the grief of being unable to have children, to the joys of adopting and building a picture-perfect life together... Straight into the depths of losing her husband to brain cancer... JoBeth Evan's story is a roller coaster, and she tells it - and lives it - with so much grace and peace. Today's episode is extra impactful because not only does JoBeth have lived experience of deep grief, BUT, she's turned that experience into a way to serve others as a certified grief recovery specialist. She helps others navigate deep grief in a way that keeps them moving forward and honoring the memory of those who are being grieved. Seeing things from the experiential AND the professional side of things allows JoBeth to offer an incredible testimony to the goodness of God, and how to walk through grief well. --- DONATE TO THE MICHAL FOUNDATION: https://www.runtothehard.com/give Rate The Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor: https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Episode...Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together". CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 0:46 God's Plans 9:28 Adoption 14:30 Things Change Drastically 21:25 Brain Cancer 23:45 The Practical Reality of Losing Your Spouse 28:15 How Much To Share 34:42 "Selfish" Grieving? 39:57 Do NOT Say This To Grieving People 41:56 Kids Grieving 49:14 Response To Dying 58:07 Grief Recovery Coaching 1:03:38 Run To The Hard - Buffalo Style MENTIONED Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jobeth.polley/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jobethevans/ NWA Grief Specialists: https://nwagriefspecialists.com/

  7. 05/06/2025

    Ep 31: Trusting God After Losing Your Parents, Marriage, and Ministry with Lonnie Potts

    Lonnie Potts is my favorite preacher. He played an instrumental role in my life as a young father, husband, and professional. I'm thrilled to have him on the podcast today, to honor him, number one, but also to give you hope that when all seems lost...God gives a way forward. Lonnie shares what it's like to experience crushing failure as a Christian, and to turn to God for redemption and healing. Within a very short time, Lonnie lost both parents, his marriage, and the ministry he'd worked so hard to build. But God is good, and failure does NOT define you. --- DONATE TO THE MICHAL FOUNDATION: https://www.runtothehard.com/give Rate The Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor: https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Episode...Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together". CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 4:04 The Joy (and Challenges) of Church Growth 17:17 Tell Stones vs Tomb Stones 23:33 Starting a Church School 28:14 Lonnie Quotes 32:49 Divorce, Losing Both Parents Within Weeks of Each Other 47:28 Inspiring Stories of Failure and Faith in The Bible

  8. 04/08/2025

    Ep 29: How to Grieve Your Health After 100 Surgeries

    100 surgeries. Her body is breaking down, making things like work, driving, even turning her head to the side impossible. Yet LeeAnnw is one of the most loving, caring, positive people I've ever met. She's literally my hero because of how much she's gone through...with a smile on her face! LeeAnne's story of grief is not about losing a person, but about losing a future she thought she'd have. Losing mobility, independence...even losing a pain-free life, which most of us just take for granted. Whether you just got bad health news, or you're a caregiver to someone who has, this is an episode where we hope you'll be inspired and come to lean ever more on the Lord. --- DONATE TO THE MICHAL FOUNDATION: https://www.runtothehard.com/give Rate The Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor: https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Episode...Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together".   MENTIONED Podcast with LeeAnne's husband Josh Ep 28: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UApYSOFikXk

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5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

In grief, we all have hidden in the shadows. We have darted from conversations. We shop alone. We eat alone. We go to church alone. We unwillingly have joined a club that we never intended to be apart of. We have an unspoken language but we understand each other. If you have experienced the grief of trauma, this podcast is for you. If you've experienced the grief of divorce, this podcast is for you. If you've experienced the death of a loved one, parent, a spouse, a child, this podcast is for you. If you wanna know how to help people right in the middle of their grief, this podcast is for you. Embark on a deeply personal journey of resilience, hope, and healing with Curtis Christopher and co-host Chris Farrell on the "Run to the Hard" podcast. In the wake of sudden tragedy and profound grief, Curtis vulnerably shares his experiences of navigating life's toughest moments after losing his beloved wife Michal to a sudden and aggressive battle to cancer. Michal lived by the mantra, "Run to the hard, run to the hurt because it's in the greatest hard that God's gonna do the greatest work" Joining a community is as easy as hitting play.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Farrell & Curtis Christopher
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Run to the Hard Podcast

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