Our Stigma

Seth Perry
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Mental Health
  • Weekly

"Our Stigma" is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, "Our Stigma" is worth exploring. Learn more at http://ourstigma.com/

  1. Oct 20

    Recovery Professionals Churches Aren't Using - Featuring Lisa Retezan

    In this episode of Our Stigma, Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore how churches can better support people facing addiction and mental health challenges by partnering with peer recovery professionals.  They are joined by Lisa Retezan, founder of WayMakers to Recovery and a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist who uses her lived experience to help others find hope, connection, and lasting recovery. The conversation examines how Certified Peer Recovery Specialists and Recovery Community Organizations can provide practical support when someone is ready to seek help, especially during brief moments when hope and motivation are strongest. Together, they consider why churches should view peer recovery support not as an added expense, but as a powerful investment in creating communities where people can find healing without judgment.  About the podcast: Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring. Other resources: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ "Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey. Music: Pond5. Episode release date: September 1, 2026. Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/  "Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/  Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

    Recovery Professionals Churches Aren't Using - Featuring Lisa Retezan

  2. Oct 13

    The Unhoused People Churches Refuse to See - Featuring Emanuel Roberts

    In this episode of Our Stigma, Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore how churches can better see, welcome, and support people experiencing homelessness.  Joined by Emanuel Roberts of the Minneapolis based Recovery Community Organization Anything Helps, they discuss the barriers that often lead to homelessness and the unique ways faith communities can respond. The conversation challenges churches to move beyond charity and heroics toward genuine relationships. This episode offers practical ways congregations can reduce stigma, prevent isolation, and make sure unhoused people are not invisible within their communities. About the podcast: Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring. Other resources: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ "Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey. Music: Pond5. Episode release date: September 1, 2026. Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/  "Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/  Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

    The Unhoused People Churches Refuse to See - Featuring Emanuel Roberts

  3. Oct 6

    Should You Tell Your Church About Your Mental Health - Featuring Pastor David Bjorklund

    In this episode of Our Stigma, Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore the difficult question of whether people should openly share their mental health experiences within their churches.  They are joined by Pastor David Bjorklund, who speaks openly about mental health and shares how vulnerability has shaped his ministry and relationships with others. The conversation examines the risks of disclosure, the shame that can surround mental health treatment, and the ways churches can create safer spaces for people to ask for help before reaching a crisis. Together, they challenge congregations to treat mental health care with the same openness and compassion given to physical health while providing meaningful spiritual, peer, and professional support.  About the podcast: Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring. Other resources: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ "Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey. Music: Pond5. Episode release date: September 1, 2026. Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/  "Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/  Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

    Should You Tell Your Church About Your Mental Health - Featuring Pastor David Bjorklund

  4. Sep 29

    Clergy Substance Use Is More Common Than You Think - Featuring Pastor Ed Treat

    Joined by Pastor Ed Treat, Executive Director and Founder of the Center of Addiction & Faith, they explore why clergy substance use can remain hidden and how church systems can sometimes enable the problem. The conversation examines the unique pressures clergy face and the need for faith communities to have clear resources and support systems in place when substance use becomes a concern. Together, they discuss how churches can replace secrecy and stigma with compassion, accountability, and meaningful pathways toward recovery. About the podcast: Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring. Other resources: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ "Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey. Music: Pond5. Episode release date: September 29, 2026. Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/  "Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/  Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

    Clergy Substance Use Is More Common Than You Think - Featuring Pastor Ed Treat

  5. Sep 22

    The Lie Anxiety Tells People of Faith - Featuring Khou Vang

    In this episode of Our Stigma, Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore the anxiety many people experience while feeling pressure to appear fine within their faith communities.  They are joined by Khou Vang, a peer recovery leader who works to reduce stigma around substance use and build culturally responsive pathways to healing in Southeast Asian and Hmong communities in the Twin Cities. In this episode we explore the importance of education, normalizing mental health care, and knowing when anxiety has become serious enough to seek support from a qualified mental health professional. About the podcast: Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring. Other resources: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ "Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey. Music: Pond5. Episode release date: September 1, 2026. Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/  "Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/  Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

    The Lie Anxiety Tells People of Faith - Featuring Khou Vang

  6. Sep 15

    Generational Trauma A deeper look - Featuring Rosie Peters

    In this episode of Our Stigma, Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore generational trauma and the ways stigma, culture, family, and community can shape how trauma is understood across generations.  Joined by poet, author, storyteller, and activist Rosetta “Rosie” Peters, they discuss Indigenous culture, resilience, sobriety, and the importance of preserving cultural traditions. Rosie shares stories from her journey getting sober and reconnecting with her culture, Dakota language, and family, offering a personal perspective on how those connections have shaped her healing. The episode explores how reclaiming culture, language, and family can become powerful parts of recovery, resilience, and breaking cycles of generational trauma. About the podcast: Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring. Other resources: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ "Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey. Music: Pond5. Episode release date: September 1, 2026. Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/  "Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/  Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

    Generational Trauma A deeper look - Featuring Rosie Peters

  7. Sep 8

    Naloxone Goes to Church - Featuring Dr. Francisco Herrera

    In this episode of Our Stigma, Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore how churches are responding to the opioid crisis and the growing role of naloxone in faith communities.  They are joined by Dr. Francisco Herrera, a theologian and advocate who works to expand naloxone training, harm reduction, and opioid crisis education throughout Illinois. The conversation examines how churches can move beyond simply making naloxone available by offering compassionate follow up, recovery support, medical resources, and meaningful connection after an overdose. Together, they challenge the stigma surrounding addiction and ask how churches can better understand the deeper inequities and circumstances behind opioid use and overdose. About the podcast: Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring. Other resources: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ "Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey. Music: Pond5. Episode release date: September 1, 2026. Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/  "Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/  Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

    Naloxone Goes to Church - Featuring Dr. Francisco Herrera

  8. Sep 1

    A Mental Health Diagnosis Is Not a Moral Failure — Featuring Kody Green

    In this episode of “Our Stigma,” Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker challenge the harmful idea that mental health diagnoses are a moral failure or something a person should simply “fix.”  Joined by mental health advocate, author, and motivational speaker Kody Green, they explore the stigma surrounding schizophrenia, mental illness, and even accusations of demonic possession within faith communities. The conversation highlights the power of peer support and the importance of empowering people with lived experience to help educate, encourage, and support others facing mental health challenges. Together, they discuss how churches can replace judgment with compassion and create communities where people with mental health conditions are seen, supported, and welcomed. About the podcast: Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring. Other resources: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ "Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey. Music: Pond5. Episode release date: September 1, 2026. Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/  "Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/  Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

    A Mental Health Diagnosis Is Not a Moral Failure — Featuring Kody Green
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

"Our Stigma" is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, "Our Stigma" is worth exploring. Learn more at http://ourstigma.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Seth Perry
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Our Stigma