Podcast Episodes

[Go to www.seacoast.org/grief for more resources and support]
Christmas brings out the jolliest of hearts for many — but for others, the season can stir up deep pain, longing, and grief. This year is Jill Forbes’ second Christmas since the sudden and unexpected passing of her husband, and in this conversation, she invites listeners into what this season looks like for her now. Jill shares her story with hosts Lynne Stroy and Joey Svendsen, opening up about what she’s learned so far, how she’s navigating the slow work of healing, and the tension of holding both joy and sorrow at the same time. She talks about the curriculum she’s developing to help people better prepare for grief and loss, and she reflects on the ways friends and community have shown support — and the ways people sometimes unintentionally miss the mark. Jill also names the parts of deep grief that really can’t be understood unless you’ve lived through it. At the top of the episode, the hosts take a moment to talk through the old “Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays” culture wars, process the brokenness and beauty of our world, and hear Luke share what Christmas looks like for Christians in India. It’s a tender, honest, and hopeful conversation — one that sits right in the middle of both ache and celebration, much like the season itself.

In Episode 93, “A Feel-Good Story of a Beautiful Reunion," Seacoast staff member, Ann Meyer shared her story of being reunited with her biological family. Her mother and father made a difficult but loving decision to give Ann up for adoption—an act of deep sacrifice and love for their baby girl. In this Thanksgiving episode, you’ll hear from Ann’s biological mother, Donna Radford. Donna shares her heart of gratitude for being reconnected with her daughter, while also reflecting on the grief that accompanied her selfless decision so many years ago. At the top of the episode, hosts, Tomelex Copeland, Roy Jacques, Lynne Stroy, and Joey Svendsen reflect on Thanksgiving, and Roy enlightens the group about the annual dog show that airs after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The four switch gears to discuss Mother Teresa’s grief and possible depression, and Joey offers what he believes to be a lighthearted reflection, but it unexpectedly stirs an emotional response in his co-hosts that leads to an honest and meaningful moment of connection as they work through tension in real time. 

In Episode 142, listeners heard stories of guests who are convinced of angelic encounters of rescue, encouragement, and prophetic guidance. But on this episode, listeners will hear stories of guests who have had possible encounters with angels of darkness—many refer to them as demons. From demon possessions to demon-infiltrated dreams and visions, all the guests share common sentiments.  They all believe and have experienced firsthand that “…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NIV). 

On this special Veteran’s Day episode, we’re joined by Mark Merritt — a former U.S. Navy Commander and retired CIA Operations Officer who has trained and mentored Green Berets, Marine Special Operators, and Navy SEALs. You’ll hear Mark share what serving this country has meant to him, his heart for those in the military, and a few stories from his remarkable career — including how he recruited spies, and whether any of his secretive work ever presented moral dilemmas for him personally. Most importantly, Mark has a deep passion for his fellow Veterans. He’s actively working to help those who have served by educating them on how to fully capitalize on the many benefits available to them — benefits that many Veterans don’t even know exist. A special thanks to all of our Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.

This conversation explores the profound journey of Kira Talerico, a mother navigating grief after the loss of her child, Vinny, to leukemia. In her book, Where Was God?, Kira shares her experience with loss, and how she managed to keep her faith amidst her grief. Kira will never be okay with her great loss, but she refuses to succumb to hopelessness. She shares how the Lord spoke to her in powerful ways to help her navigate the depths of despair, his voice keeping her afloat during her pain. Also in this episode, Kira discusses the importance of compassion for those who suffer, the duality of joy and grief, and the role of faith in healing. She also encourages listeners to advocate for their loved ones as they navigate the complex medical field.

A “sister duo” joins this episode, as Katie Walters co-hosts with Joey Svendsen to talk to Katie’s sister, Pastor Jess Connolly. Katie and Jess share about the special bond they have and how Katie, who was once a domineering big sister when they were kids, now has a "mamma bear" defensiveness toward anyone who talks negatively about Jess on social media. Birthed out of a very painful season for their family, Jess just released her newest book, What Comes Next: 40 Days of Healing After Heartbreak, Burnout, or Brokenness. As Joey discovers the book’s content and learns about Jess’s motivation for writing it, the three discuss contentment and how one finds it. They also reflect on the idea of "surviving versus thriving," the meaning of Jess saying "everything happens for me to form me,” and "kingdom rewards" that come from pain. Pastor Jess also shares why she refuses to sing certain worship songs that churches often include in their worship services.

Founder of Hobby Lobby, David Green, released a new book called The Legacy Life that offers a Biblical framework for building multigenerational impact. In this conversation, hosts, Joey Svendsen and Jack Hoey, Jr. talk with David and co-author, Bill High, about the principles shared in their book, as well as, a little about the Hobby Lobby story. From humble beginnings, David set out to be people-oriented in all of his business practices, including being generous with Hobby Lobby’s earnings—giving half to charities and outreaches. David and Bill share what life truly is about—spoiler alert, it's not money.  The Legacy Life presents a paradigm-shifting perspective on living with eternal significance. Rather than accepting the conventional work until retirement approach, Green and High call readers to embrace a biblical, generational mindset that creates lasting impact across multiple generations. 

Pastor DawnCheré Wilkerson faced a long journey of infertility not knowing if or when the journey would end. As she walked through this grueling journey, God showed her the beauty and purpose that can be found in seasons of waiting on him. He taught her that all of life can be viewed as a joyful, soul-deepening, intimacy-building wait. Her book, Slow Burn: The Work and Wonder of the Wait, leads readers through this God-given insight. With Joey Svendsen and Katie Walters, the three discuss the difficulty of waiting, the beauty of trials, God being all we need, and the wonderment of heaven when we will finally receive the joy of all our needs being met once and for all.

On this episode, Roy Jacques, Chip Judd, and Joey Svendsen discuss their views on the current state of the Church. From rampant unacknowledged hypocrisy to over-zealous political affiliations at the expense of God's Kingdom, the three share whether, at times, they are uncomfortable being associated with the Church. Churches consist of people who hurt people, because humanity is flawed, even in the church. Chip reflects on his decades of ministry, including church consulting and counseling of pastors and church staffs and says that some churches are flawed at a toxic level.  Along the way, the three friends discuss professional athletes' exuberant salaries, Roy's broken heart after sending his two oldest to college, socialism vs. capitalism, and Chip gives an update on his current health—nine months after his double lung transplant.

Lisa Limehouse helps women and couples find hope and healing from the devastation of marital betrayal. Through her non-profit, Beauty Beyond Betrayal, she has helped hundreds of couples redeem their relationship and restore what was broken. In this conversation with host, Joey Svendsen, Lisa shares her own stories of being betrayed, but also of being the betrayer decades ago. With scripture and God's spirit of guidance at the core of her ministry, she educates listeners on the intricacies of marital affairs, how they happen, why they happen, and the "dos and don’ts" of recovering from one. Beauty Beyond Betrayal includes group programs, one-on-one coaching sessions, online courses, free webinars, and a podcast to help couples find restoration.