Brave Haven Podcast

Kayla and June
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Brave Haven exists to break the silence surrounding childhood sexual abuse. Through survivor stories, heartfelt reflections, and trustworthy resources, hosts Kayla and June hold space for the hard conversations—because healing begins when we dare to speak. Note: This podcast contains sensitive discussions about sexual abuse and trauma.

  1. Trailer

    What's Next for Brave Haven?

    🎙️ What’s Next for Brave Haven? In this short update episode, we share a couple announcements about the future of the podcast. We also share a quick update about the upcoming book release and how to stay connected in the meantime. ❤️ Remember to sign up for the newsletter at bravehavenpodcast.com

    1 min

  2. May 6

    E16: Brave Haven Season One Finale - Reflections, Key Themes, and What’s Next

    In this final episode of Brave Haven Season One, we take a look back at the journey so far. We share behind-the-scenes moments from recording, revisit key themes and phrases from the season, and talk honestly about what it was like to record the entire season in a condensed window of time. This season has included conversations around trauma, abuse awareness, forgiveness, justice, triggers, and what it means to walk alongside someone in pain with both truth and compassion. We also share what’s ahead for Brave Haven as we transition into Season Two. This episode is reflective, conversational, and a closing of a meaningful chapter in the life of this podcast. We’re grateful you’re here as we wrap up Season One together! 💬 In This Episode We Reflect On: Season One highlights and behind-the-scenes moments Key takeaways from stories shared throughout podcast What this season has meant personally and spiritually 📢 What’s Next for Brave Haven A short sidebar episode introducing Season Two’s direction and co-host A special interview with June this summer tied to the upcoming book release Newsletter sign-up for updates on the book + Season Two launch 👉 Sign up for updates at bravehavenpodcast.com (form is on the homepage) ❤️ Thank You Thank you for listening, learning, and walking through this season with us. We’re honored you’ve been part of these conversations. Until next time… YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONE -June and Kayla

    22 min

  3. Apr 22

    E15: "When Words Wound" - What Not to Say to Trauma Survivors (and What Actually Helps)

    When someone shares their story of abuse or trauma, the response they receive can either bring healing or create a kind of secondary suffering. In this episode of Brave Haven, we unpack the most common hurtful, dismissive, and spiritually misapplied phrases survivors often hear, and explain why they land so painfully. From minimizing comments to victim-blaming and “spiritual clichés,” we respond in real time as honestly and biblically as we can. But we don’t stop there. We also walk through what actually helps: how to support someone in suffering with presence, truth, and compassion. If you’ve ever: Wondered why certain comments hit so deeplyStruggled with what to say to someone in painBeen told to “just forgive” or “move on”Or questioned how faith fits into healing from traumaThis episode is for you. ❤️ Helpful Ways to Support a Survivor Be present (you don’t need perfect words)Listen before speakingValidate their experience (“I believe you”)Offer prayer Provide specific, practical helpExercise discernment and patience🚩 Harmful Phrases Discussed "Are you sure that happened?"“It wasn’t that bad.”“At least…”“You should be over it by now.”“God meant for that to happen.”“You need to forgive and move on.”“Don’t air your family’s dirty laundry.”“They did the best they could.”“Blood is thicker than water.”📖 Scriptures Referenced Job 2:13 – Presence before wordsRomans 12:15 – "Weep with those who weep"Galatians 6:2 – Carry One Another's BurdensPhilippians 4:8 – Redirecting anxious thoughtsRomans 3:23 – "For all have sinned"Matthew 10:37 – Allegiance to Christ Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan 📚 Resources Mentioned Henderson Series: ⁠Defining Trauma Biblically - John Henderson⁠⁠Experience and Expression of Trauma from Childhood⁠⁠Body Truly Matters and the Heart Truly Determines⁠⁠Ministry of the Word to Survivors of Childhood Trauma⁠⁠Handling the Past Biblically (Applied to Severe Childhood Abuse) - Steve ViarsJohn Delony: A Dave Ramsey personality specializing in mental health and crisis response. 🔑 Some Key Takeaways Your healing does not have a deadlineBiblical lament acknowledges real painForgiveness is a processBoundaries can be wise and godlyTelling the truth is not dishonoringSin belongs to the sinner, not the victimGod's Word speaks louder than human opinionAnd...YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONE 💛 -Kayla and June 📢 Share & SupportIf this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs language for what they’ve experienced—or guidance on how to support others well.

    41 min

  4. Apr 8

    E14: "Not Yet" - Navigating Triggers, Trust, and Communication - Part 2

    In Part 2 of this conversation, Kayla and AJ move beyond recognizing trauma triggers and into what it actually looks like to live with them inside a healthy, growing marriage. What does it take to build trust when triggers are unpredictable? How do you communicate when you're not ready to talk? And how can both spouses take responsibility without falling into codependency? Together, they share practical tools, real-life examples, and the rhythms they've developed over a decade of marriage—navigating everything from early communication struggles to the ongoing challenges of writing, parenting, and healing in real time. This episode explores: How simple phrases like “not yet” created safety in hard momentsThe role of boundaries, pauses, and “unfinished conversations”Supporting a spouse without trying to fix themRecognizing triggers early and responding with wisdomAvoiding codependency while still loving sacrificiallyHow healing evolves over time (and doesn’t just “end”)Navigating new triggers in parenting and everyday lifeWhy your spouse can be your “home field advantage,” but not your SaviorWhether you're a survivor or someone who loves one, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and practical ways to move forward together. 🎧 Listen to Part 1: “Where Did You Go?” - Recognizing Trauma Triggers in a Relationship — If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need encouragement in their own healing journey. YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONE Kayla and AJ

    31 min

  5. Mar 25

    E13: “Where Did You Go?” - Recognizing Trauma Triggers in a Relationship - Part 1

    Something kept happening in our conversations...and I didn’t have the words yet to explain why. In this episode of Brave Haven, we begin a two-part conversation about what trauma triggers can look like inside a relationship. Early in our relationship, there were moments that didn’t quite make sense. Emotional reactions that didn’t match the situation, silence where there should have been words, and questions neither of us knew how to answer yet. This episode focuses on recognizing the signs: What it looked like when I didn’t have wordsHow AJ noticed patternsThe difference between intentional behavior and trauma responsesWhy curiosity (not accusation) matters in early conversationsWe also share real, everyday moments: miscommunication, emotional shutdown, and even a simple cooking mistake. All of which revealed there was something underneath the surface. If you’ve ever wondered: “Why did I react that way?”“Why does my partner shut down or seem to disappear?”“How do you respond when something doesn’t make sense?”You’re not alone. Scripture Reference “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”— 1 Thessalonians 5:14 YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONE -Kayla and AJ

    34 min

  6. Mar 11

    E12: Understanding Trauma Triggers (Dissociation and Healing) - Part 2

    In Part 2 of this Brave Haven conversation, we explore trauma triggers, explain dissociation, and talk about how survivors can respond to trauma responses with wisdom and hope rooted in Scripture. RESOURCES: The Christian’s Guide to Psychological Terms by Marshall and Mary AsherKayla's Book Recommendation: Loving God with All Your Mind by Elizabeth GeorgeWe mentioned the “Henderson Trauma Series." Here are links to that series; in five sessions: ⁠⁠Defining Trauma Biblically - John Henderson⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Experience and Expression of Trauma from Childhood⁠⁠ Body Truly Matters and the Heart Truly Determines⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ministry of the Word to Survivors of Childhood Trauma⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Handling the Past Biblically (Applied to Severe Childhood Abuse) - Steve Viars⁠VERSES: Philippians 4:6–8 — “Do not be anxious… pray with thanksgiving… think on what is true and pure.” Matthew 6:25–34 — “Consider the lilies… do not worry.” Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear not, for I am with you.” James 1:19–20 — “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Ephesians 4:31–32 — “Put away wrath… be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving.” Romans 8:1 — “There is therefore now no condemnation.” Psalm 103:12 — “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions.” Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Philippians 4:11–13 — “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Hebrews 13:5–6 — “I will never leave you nor forsake you… the Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” John 15:13–15 — Jesus calls us His friends. 1 John 4:18–19 — “Perfect love casts out fear… we love because He first loved us.” 1 Corinthians 1:27 Thank you for joining us! YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONE Love, June and Kayla

    24 min

  7. Feb 25

    E11: How Trauma Triggers Show Up - Part 1

    In this episode of Brave Haven, we talk about some of our personal triggers and how they affect us. This isn’t about internet “offense,” but the deeper reactions that can surface when a place, smell, object, or person reminds us of past trauma. This is a two-part conversation. In Part 1, we share personal experiences. In Part 2, we continue the discussion and explore: How triggers can change over time What dissociation looks like What Scripture has to say about walking wisely in these moments YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONE Love, Kayla and June

    30 min

  8. Feb 11

    E10: Is It the Worst It’s Ever Been?

    In every generation, people say the same thing: “The world has never been this bad.”But Scripture says something different: there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). In this episode, we look at how cultures throughout history have normalized what God calls evil, why you cannot trust culture to define what is good, and why believers have always been called to live counterculturally. This truth brings unexpected peace to parents, survivors, and anyone trying to follow Christ in a confusing world. We also wrestle with a difficult and deeply personal question from an early reader:If God has a plan for our lives, did He mean for abuse to happen? Today is part history lesson, part theology, and part practical encouragement. The answer for believers is not fear of culture, but faithfulness to God’s Word. Scriptures: Genesis 6:5 (Noah) Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel) Genesis 12 (Sarai and Abram) Genesis 18 and 19 (Sodom and Gomorrah) Genesis 22 (Isaac, Abraham's faith that God would provide v8) Genesis 50:20 (What you meant for evil) Leviticus 18:3, 21, 27, 29 (Do not do as they do) Numbers 11:29 (Moses's wish) Deuteronomy 12:4, 8, 30-31 (Do not do as they do) Judges 17:6 (no king, everyone did as they saw fit), 18:1 (no king), 19:1 (no king), 21:25 (no king, everyone did as they saw fit) 1 Kings 16-21 (Jezebel) Job 38-41 (God speaks) Proverbs 14:12 (There is a way that seems right, but leads to death) Jeremiah 17:9 (Heart is deceitful) Daniel 1-6 (Daniel in Babylon) John 17:17 (God's Word is Truth) Romans 8:28 (The good of those who love Him) Romans 9:20-21 (Clay to Potter, also in Isaiah 45:9, Jeremiah 18:6) Ephesians 6:4 (Bring them up, also in Proverbs 22:6) James 1:13-15 (God is not tempted by evil, nor does he tempt us with it, we are enticed to sin by our own evil desires) 1 John 4:4 (Greater is the One in you) June's statement, "God hates evil acts against children, and human to human: Matt 18:6 says better a millstone around your neck and drowned than to cause a child to sin. The seven things God hates: Proverbs 6:16-19 (arrogance, lying, murder and violence against the innocent, malicious intent or evil schemes, feet swiftly running to evil, maligning character falsely, and causing strife in relationships). Kayla quoting, "They couldn't control Christ's birth or death." Christ's birth, God was sovereign and in control: Christ's line (Matt 1) was repeatedly threatened: Abram & Jacob both gave wives under false pretensesAbraham and Jacob's wives had them both sleep with concubines (Gen 16 & 30)Judah's sons and Tamar (Gen 38)Boaz had to say yes to Ruth (Ruth 3)Solomon's women from other nations (1 Kings 11)Couldn't kill Him when they wanted to: Matthew 2:1-23, Matthew 12:14-15, Luke 4:28-30, John 8:59, John 10:39, John 11:47-53 Couldn't stop Him from dying in His sovereign timing: Jesus repeatedly foretold His death and resurrection, knew when it was His time (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22; John 13:1-4) Jesus had the power to avoid death, instead gave His life willingly, in fulfillment of God's eternal plan (Matthew 26:53; John 10:17–18; Acts 2:23-24; 1 Peter 1:20). The Ecclesiastes section: *Kayla accidently said Ephesians at one point, but all Ecclesiastes Solomon tries it all: 2:1-11 Solomon declares vanities: 1:2, 2:2, 5:10 Solomon's conclusion: 12:13-14, with a small teaser in 2:24-25 RESOURCES: Article by Jenna Ross Timeline Greece: 800 BC–146 BC Greco-Roman influence: 500 BC–400 AD Rome: 753 BC–476 AD Vocabulary Erastes (lover, older man)Eromenos (beloved/younger)Proaulia (pre-wedding rites)Coemptio (marriage by purchase)Usus (marriage by cohabitation)Manus (father’s hand to husband)Mythology Mentioned Zeus & Ganymede, Artemis, Aphrodite (Venus), Athena, Hera, Adonis Article about the festival of Adonia: Recommended Resource on God's sovereignty: Chapter 9 of "Consider the Lilies" by Jonny Ardavanis YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal, AND you are NEVER ALONE, June and Kayla

    29 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Brave Haven exists to break the silence surrounding childhood sexual abuse. Through survivor stories, heartfelt reflections, and trustworthy resources, hosts Kayla and June hold space for the hard conversations—because healing begins when we dare to speak. Note: This podcast contains sensitive discussions about sexual abuse and trauma.

Information

  • Creator
    Kayla and June
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kayla and June
  • Show Website
    Brave Haven Podcast

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