The Well Mind Podcast

Ben Kohls, PhD
  • 4.9 (18)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS

The primary focus of this podcast is to engage people in discussions about a broad range of topics related to wellness, with a special emphasis on mental wellness. It is my hope and intent that the topics and themes covered during this podcast will serve to promote and enrich your understanding and practice of wellness in your relationships, professional life, and your mind and body. I'm your host, Dr. Ben Kohls, a licensed professional clinical counselor and counselor educator with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. Visit the CMHC Program webpage at www.blc.edu/cmhc.

  1. 05/14/2025

    Navigating Mental Health with Faith: Dr. Joshua Mears

    In this episode of the Well Mind Podcast, Dr. Ben Kohls speaks with Dr. Joshua Mears about his journey in mental health care, focusing on the integration of faith in clinical practice. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working in corrections, the importance of spiritual care in therapy, and the concept of transcendence in mental health. Dr. Mears shares insights from his experiences and emphasizes the need for a grounded approach to mental health care that honors both professional and personal values. The conversation also touches on the establishment of the Soul's Apothecary, a practice dedicated to providing Christ-centered mental health care. Links: Episode 5 WMP - Integrating Faith and Counseling with Dr. Mears: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/pyZZI3FWmTb

    48 min

  2. 04/18/2025

    Addiction in Family Systems: Latrina Raddler

    In this episode of The Well Mind podcast, Dr. Ben Kohls speaks with Latrina Radler, a new faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. They discuss Latrina's journey into mental health, her formative helping experiences, including community care following Hurricane Katrina. She also shares her insights around the impact of addiction on families. The conversation emphasizes the importance of open communication in recovery and the need to address underlying issues beyond mere abstinence from substances. Latrina also shares her current reading list and plans for a couples retreat focused on communication and attachment. Resources from Latrina's reading list: Harlem Rhapsody Hold Me Tight All About Love Surrounded By Idiots

    38 min

  3. 04/03/2025

    Scaling Impact: Dr. Jennifer Londgren

    In this episode, I welcome back my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Jennifer Londgren. Season 2 continues as Jenna shares about the experiences that drew her to the field and how her journey to professional counseling was shaped by her love for people and understanding behavior. We discuss the significance of scaling impact through writing and public speaking, as well as the integration of faith and mental health in counseling practices. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of community support and the ongoing journey of personal and professional growth. Jenna has been a supporter and contributor to Bethany's clinical mental health program from its very inception. I am truly grateful for our friendship and collaboration. Stick around for an extended outro where I share a bit more about our recent collaboration and the CMHC program's involvement at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies International Conference that took place in Denver, CO.

    45 min

  4. 03/27/2025

    Connection through Play: Anita Smith

    In this episode of the Well Mind podcast, Dr. Ben Kohls engages in a broad and thoughtful conversation with Anita Smith, exploring her journey into the counseling field, the integration of faith in therapy, and the value and joy of play therapy. They also discuss Anita's global counseling experiences, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the field, and the need for personal human connection in therapeutic settings. The episode concludes with aspirations for future developments in Bethany's counselor education program.

    44 min

  5. 03/19/2025

    Faith Driven Purpose: Dr. Helena Stevens

    Summary In this episode of the Well Mind Podcast, I speak with Dr. Helena Stevens, core faculty member at Bethany Lutheran College in the CMHC Program. We discuss Dr. Stevens' unique journey to becoming a counselor, the importance of mentorship, and the integration of faith into professional identity. The conversation also explores the capstone experience for students, emphasizing the significance of faith in counseling practices and the core conditions that define effective counseling. Dr. Stevens shares her personal challenges and triumphs, highlighting the transformative power of authenticity in the counseling profession.

    44 min

  6. 03/11/2025

    The Gift of Time and Presence: Dr. Karina Clennon

    In this episode of the Well Mind Podcast, Dr. Ben Kohls welcomes Dr. Karina Clennon back to the podcast. Karina opens the conversation by sharing about her journey of becoming a professional helper. Together we explore the significance of time and presence in relationships, the challenges of balancing personal and professional roles, and the impact of 'busy'ness culture on mental health. The discussion emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, agency in time management, and nurturing professional passion and vitality. The episode concludes with reflections on the ripple effect of their work and the joy of making a positive impact on others. Previous Conversations with Dr. Karina Clennon on the podcast. Episode 23 of the WMP: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bnYOBlNZXnnPy3G6AQDFU?si=TGEIrgI_SsK4xpRETOD6Og Episode 37 of the WMP: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5F1yssp8w9LSv2spsw3dHV?si=4LeLHcAWRAefdGxIPKDaUQ

    43 min

  7. SEASON 2, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Season 2 Announcement

    In this episode, Dr. Ben Kohls returns to the Well Mind Podcast after a hiatus, sharing updates on his work in the counseling program at Bethany Lutheran College, including efforts towards specialized accreditation. He discusses the upcoming season, which will feature interviews with faculty members, focusing on their experiences and insights in the field of mental health and counseling. Dr. Kohls emphasizes the importance of creating interconnected content and aims to keep episodes concise and engaging for listeners.The Well Mind Podcast email: ⁠thewellmind@blc.edu

    12 min

  8. 05/20/2024

    Faith-based Health Innovation: Dr. Jason Paltzer

    Welcome to the show, friends! I’m excited to have you with me. The Well Mind Podcast is space for meaningful conversation on a broad range of wellness related topics, with a special emphasis on mental wellness. For this conversation, I invited Dr. Jason Paltzer back to the podcast to chat about all the changes that have happened for him personally and professionally. Jason and I connected way back in January of this year at a men’s ministry conference and in that brief conversation it was clear I needed to get him back on the pod. Jason and I unpack the significant, life altering choices he made over the past years to pursue what is now the Meros Center, which is a place where faith-based health organizations, researchers, and learners can find the support they need to measure, innovate, and share their impact. We also explore the rich and meaningful work being done through the Meros center nationally and internationally. It is a far reaching conversation on public health, the need for Christian researchers and faith-informed research, and increasing access to trusted and reliable resources for health and well-being. It is a joy to share my conversation with Jason in episode 43 Faith-based Health Innovation. Notes from Episode 43 Religious Determinants of Health Summary  Community Health Ministry certificate link and registration link Research project application link Application to become a Meros Research Scholar Our intro video link Image of Jesus and his disciple (by Christopher Powers) The Well Mind Podcast email: thewellmind@blc.edu

    1h 16m
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About

The primary focus of this podcast is to engage people in discussions about a broad range of topics related to wellness, with a special emphasis on mental wellness. It is my hope and intent that the topics and themes covered during this podcast will serve to promote and enrich your understanding and practice of wellness in your relationships, professional life, and your mind and body. I'm your host, Dr. Ben Kohls, a licensed professional clinical counselor and counselor educator with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. Visit the CMHC Program webpage at www.blc.edu/cmhc.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Kohls, PhD
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ben Kohls, PhD
  • Show Website
    The Well Mind Podcast