
In today’s ever-changing culture where it seems nothing ever stays the same, it gets harder to find and hold on to hope. Our desire in creating our Hope Through Hard Stuff podcast is so that you can know regardless of the trials you face, there is always a way to find hope.
Our host, Pastor, Author and Speaker, Steve Norman, will engage with guests or share his own wisdom and experience on a variety of topics that will inspire listeners to find hope even in the most challenging situations.
Please join us for conversations that will be honest, practical and uplifting as we seek to find hope through hard stuff.
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EPISODE 100
Living with Gratitude
Becky and Fred Attard, Cancer Survivor, Coach
Fred and Becky Attard explain the challenges of walking a cancer journey as a married couple.

EPISODE 99
When a Loved One is Dying
Dave Kwon, Physician in Charge, Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion
Dr. Dave Kwon encourages families facing a terminal cancer diagnoses.

EPISODE 98
Helping College Students Learn Discernment
Pam VanPutten, Coordinator of Mentoring & Internships, Hope College Center for Ministry Studies
Pam Van Putten talks about how to encourage young adults who are trying to navigate their spiritual journeys and their personal callings.

EPISODE 97
Discerning Your Calling
Brian Wallace, Suffragan Bishop for The Diocese For the Sake of Others (C4SO), Founder – Fuller Center for Spiritual Formation
Brian Wallaces offers insight into how he experienced God in a season of vocational uncertainty and how we can do the same.

EPISODE 96
Empowering Girls to Thrive
Dale Hanson Bourke, Author, “Strong Girls, Strong World”
Dale Hanson Bourke discusses her book “Strong Girls, Strong World: A Practicial Guide to Helping Them Soar- and Creating a Better Future for Us All.”

EPISODE 95
Wrestling with Confusing Bible Passages
William Heth, New Testament and Greek Professor, Taylor University (retired)
Dr. Bill Heth talks how he has struggled to understand and apply Bible passages on controversial topics like divorce, remarriage, singleness and charismatic gifts.

EPISODE 94
Helping Kids and Teens Address Anxiety
Ashley Rimes, Counselor, Winning at Home
Ashely Rimes offers advice to parents of teens who are strugging with anxiety and working on building their self-confidence.

EPISODE 93
Learning to Find Contentment at Work
Dave Hataj, Author “Good Work,” President and Owner- Edgerton Gear, Inc.
Dave Hataj talks about his journey as an owner of a manufacturing business and how he’s finding joy in helping a future generation of workers find purpose in their work.

EPISODE 92
Understanding Challenges College Students Face
Matt Margaron, Chaplain of Athletics, Hope College
Matt Margaron explains some of the challenges he sees college students facing and offers insight on how parents can help them.

EPISODE 91
Peanut Butter Pie Launch
Emilie DeYoung, Counselor, Speaker, Author Peanut Butter Pie
Emilie DeYoung share the story behind Winning At Home’s first ever children’s book: Peanut Butter Pie.

EPISODE 90
On Loving Kids with Trauma
Kristyn Sterk, Counselor, Child Advocate
Kristyn Sterk offers insights about helping children who have been affected by trauma.

EPISODE 89
Pursuing Hope after Loss to Suicide
Vonnie Woodrick, Author, Mental Health Awareness Advocate, Podcast Host
Vonnie Woodrick shares the story of losing her husband to suicide and tools for coping she’s learned along the way.

EPISODE 88
Preparing Kids with Anxiety to Return to School
Emilie DeYoung, Counselor, Speaker, Author Peanut Butter Pie
Dr. Emilie Young offers strategies to help kids with anxiety to go back to school.

EPISODE 87
Embracing Our Brokenness When Battling Depression
Joseph Reid, Director-Broken People, Author Broken Like Me
Jospehy Reid talks about his own struggle with depression and the work his organization Broken People is doing to serve others who struggle too.

EPISODE 86
Walking with Hope when Your Spouse Struggles with Mental Illness
Wendy Alsup, Author “Companions in Suffering: Comfort for Times of Loss and Loneliness”
Wendy discusses her story about her ex-husband’s journey with mental illness and how that shaped her faith and family.

EPISODE 85
Finding Beauty in an Chaotic World
Joel Tanis, Visual Artist, Illustrator
Joel Schoon Tanis explains how, and where, he has found life, truth and beauty in a world that’s often marked by confusion and chaos.

EPISODE 84
Learning How to Discern Your Calling
Shonn Colbrunn, Executive Director of the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career at Hope College
Shonn Colbrunn discusses tools and insights he’s discovered to help others understand and embrace their calling.

EPISODE 83
Growing Up as an International Adoptee
Bekah Oum, Loss mom advocate, adoption advocate
Bekah Oum unpacks her story of growing up in west Michigan after being adopted as an infant from China.

EPISODE 82
When You’re Wresting with Singleness
Danielle Treweek, Author, “The Meaning of Singleness”; Theologian, Speaker
Dr. Danielle Treweek shares her own journey with singleness and her insights about how individuals and churches can develop a new vision for the single life.

EPISODE 81
When You’re Struggling with Loss and Loneliness
Wendy Alsup , Author “Companions in Suffering: Comfort for Times of Loss and Loneliness”
Wendy shares her personal experience and encouragement for dealing with loss and grief.

EPISODE 80
When You’re Hungry for Revival
Nate Marialke, Worship Leader, Speaker, Pastor
Nate Marialke talks about his story with the Brownsville Revival, his thoughts on the Asbury Revival and how to pray for revival in our own churches and communities.

EPISODE 79
When You’re Worried About Kids and Trauma
Holly Allen, Professor, Author “Forming Resilient Children: The Role of Spiritual Formation for Healthy Development”
Dr. Holly Allen discusses her experience and research about helping children navigate trauma.

EPISODE 78
When You’re Battling Cancer… Still
Becky Attard, Cancer Survivor, Coach
Becky Attard joins us for a third time to chroncile her ongoing battle with cancer and how her faith keeps her holding on to hope.

EPISODE 77
When Sex Isn’t What You’d Thought It Would Be
Whitney Scholten, Counselor, Winning At Home
Whitney Scholten addresses the issue of sexual pain and some of the myths couples need to unlearn to move toward healthy intimacy in their marriage.

EPISODE 76
When You’re Resisting Toxic Masculinity
Zachary Wagner, Author “Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality”
Zachary Wagner shares about some lessons he’s had to unlearn from purity culture and discusses insights from his book, “Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality.”

EPISODE 75
Being Single
Bridget Gee, Author, “Single, Just Because: A Pilgrimage Into Holy Aloneness”
Bridget Gee reflects on the challenges of being single in the church and unpacks insights from her book “Single, Just Because: A Pilgrimage Into Holy Aloneness.”

EPISODE 74
Learning How to Lean Into Grief and Loss
Natasha Smith, Author, “Can You Just Sit with Me?”
Natasha discusses her personal experience with loss and offers encouragement to those who are navigating their own personal losses.

EPISODE 73
Navigating a Mental Health Crisis with Your Child
Jill and Steve Miskelley, Founders, “Be Better”
Steve and Jill Miskelley tell the story of their son Ian and how they are working to help parents with teens who are struggling with mental health.

EPISODE 72
When Everything is Not Fine
Katie Schnack, Author, “Everything Is (Not) Fine”
Katie Schnack shares insights from her new book “Everything Is (Not) Fine” including the story of her young son’s health challenges.

EPISODE 71
Trailblazer 5K
Emilie DeYoung and Ann Lukas, Winning At Home
Emilie DeYoung and Ann Lukas discuss the purpose of the First Annual Trailblazer 5K

EPISODE 70
When You’re Discerning Your Call
Onesiphorus Brian Burrel, Prison Chaplain
Onesiphorus reflects on his career as a prison chaplain and the lessons God taught him through that experience.

EPISODE 69
Unpacking Anxiety Around Parenting Adolescents
George Westlake III, Pastor, Sheffield Life Family Center- Kansas City, MO
George discusses some of the blessings and challenges that come with parenting teenagers.

EPISODE 68
When You’re Committed to Honoring Every Life
Shane Claiborne, Activist, Author
Shane discusses his book Rethinking Life:Embracing the Sacredness of Every Person

EPISODE 67
Trusting God through Foster and Adoptive Journey
Steve Thompson, Pastor, Adoptive Father
Steve reflects on lessons he’s learned in his journey as a foster parent and adoptive dad.

EPISODE 66
When You’re Navigating Social Media with Teens
Dave McGovern, Counselor, Speaker
Dave explores the risks technology and social media can play in the lives of teens and what parents can do to address them.

EPISODE 65
When You’re Growing as a Church Planter
Clint Dupin, Pastor, Church Planter Eastown Church – San Ramon, CA
Clint talks about the challenges and gifting of church planting and churchg leadership.

EPISODE 64
When You’re Struggling with Shame
Kevin Butcher, Author, Pastor, Executive Director- Rooted Ministries
Kevin shares his story of struggling with shame and how he found a way forward.

EPISODE 63
Walking Veterans Towards Healing
Steve Prince, Director of Warriors Set Free
Steve explains the work Warriors Set Free is doing to serve veterans as they move towards wholeness and healing.

EPISODE 62
Unpacking Anti-Semitism
Rabbi Joshua Bennett, Rabbi, Temple Israel – West Bloomfield, MI
Josh talks about what’s like to experience anti-semitism and how Christians can confrot it.

EPISODE 61
When You Might Be Ready for Counseling
Sara Baldwin, Executive Director, Story House Counseling; Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Sara discusses hear own journey with counseling and offers advice for people who may be ready to see a counselor.

EPISODE 60
Unpacking the Myths of Purity Culture
Angie Cerniglia, MA, LPC, LMFT, NCC, Winning At Home
Angie addresses some of the myths in purity culture about sex and intimacy.

EPISODE 59
When You’re a Loss Mom
Bekah Oum, Loss Mom Advocate
Bekah relfects on the heartache of becoming a loss mom when her daugther Ezra passed.

EPISODE 58
When You’re Struggling with Control
John Kruithoff, Recovery Ministry Leader, former Holland Chief of Police
John reflects on his struggle with control in his relationships and the lessons he’s learned as a recovery ministry leader.

EPISODE 57
How To Have Spiritual Conversations with Kids
Lacy Borgo, Dad, Author “All Will Be Well,” Spiritual Director
Lacy discusses how we can engage children in age-appropriate spiritual conversations.

EPISODE 56
When You’re Parenting a Child with Special Needs
Joe Leal, Dad, Parent Advocate, Student Ministry Director, Kensington Church
Joe Leal talks about the challenges and gifts of parenting a young child with special needs.

EPISODE 55
When You Feel Stuck in Your Spiritual Life
David Horne, Winning At Home Coach – Spiritual Direction
David Horne explores how the practice of spiritual direction can provide clarity when we’re confused or stuck in our spiritual journeys.

EPISODE 54
When You’re Doubting Your Impact
Karen Pearson, Kids’ Hope
Dr. Karen Pearson talks about how mentoring elementary school children can create a powerful impact on both parties’ lives.

EPISODE 53
When You’re Confused About Eternity
Jeff Brannon, Professor of Biblical Studies, Belhaven University
Dr. Jeff Brannon explains why the doctrine of the resurrection matters and how it helps us process grief and loss.

EPISODE 52
When You’re Confused About Your Calling
Sherrill Knezel, Art Educator, Illustrator & Author, Heart Speak
Sherrill Knezel discusses the themes of boundaries, self-care and vocation from her new book “Heart Speak.”

EPISODE 51
When You Lose Your Family Pet
Dr. Terry Jelsema, Veterinarian, Jelsema Veterinary Clinic
Veterinarian Dr. Terry Jelsema offers encouragement for families who are grieving the loss of their pets.

EPISODE 50
When You’re Fighting to Forgive
Robin Spicer, Winning At Home Client
Robin Spicer shares her journey of deep hurt and ongoing forgiveness towards a family member.

EPISODE 49
When You’re Worried About Your Adult Children
Jodie Berndt, Author “Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: Trusting God with the Ones You Love”
Jodie Berndt explores insights and offers encouragement from her book “Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children.”

EPISODE 48
When You’re Struggling with Anxiety
Jenn Tucker, Author “Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul”
Jennifer Tucker discusses a model for prayer that can help calm our anxiety, focus our thinking and renew our souls.

EPISODE 47
When You Lose Someone to Suicide
Terry Jelsema, Author “One Breath, One Step, Repeat: One Man’s Journey Through Grief”
Terry Jelsema shares his compelling story of navigating his way through grief and loss in the aftermath of his wife’s unexpected death.

EPISODE 46
When You’re Experiencing a Transition
Dr. Michael Lindsay, President of Taylor University
Dr. Michale Lindsay talks about how we can navigate critical life transitions with confidence, wisdom and peace.

EPISODE 45
When You’re Struggling to Read the Bible
Paul Caminiti, Co-founder of the Institute for Bible Reading
Paul Caminiti explores the reasons why so many of us struggle to read the Bible consistently and offers some resources for how to find a way forward.

EPISODE 44
When You’re Staring at Cancer… Again
Becky Attard, Cancer Survivor, Coach
Becky Attard discusses a recent, significant challenge in her cancer journey and tells how she is holding onto hope in the midst of it.

EPISODE 43
When You Don’t Know How to Disciple Your Kids
Sarah Cowan Johnson, Author “Teach Your Children Well,” Ministry Consultant
Sarah Cowan Johnson offers tips from her recent book about how we can intentionally disciple our kids.

EPISODE 42
When Your Child Wrestles with Worry
Ruth Goring, Author and Artist
Ruth Goring tells the story of how she helped her son navigate his worry and how that conversatione eventually turned into a children’s book “Isaiah and the Worry Pack.”

EPISODE 41
How to Manage Challenging Emotions
Deborah Brink, Therapist, WInning At Home
Deborah Brink offers insights about how to respond, rather than react, to strong emotions.

EPISODE 40
Things I Wished My Dad Said
Dr. Kurt Stevens, Therapist, WInning At Home
Dr. Kurt Stevens reflects on lessons he’s learned about self-worth and offers a list of the things he wished his father had told him.

EPISODE 39
Tackling Tough Topics for Parents
Dan Seaborn, Founder and President, Winning At Home
Dan Seaborn discusses some of the tough topics parents face from his new book “Winning At Home.”

EPISODE 38
When You Struggle with Speaking in Public with Ken Davis
Ken Davis, Speaker/ Author/ Comedian
Ken Davis explains the lessons he’s learned over the years about how to overcome our fear of speaking to groups of people.

EPISODE 37
When You Need Wisdom
Steve Norman, Leadership Coach, Speaker – Winning At Home
Dr. Steve Norman talks about why it’s important to walk in wisdom and what steps we can take to do so.

EPISODE 36
When Church Gets Confusing
Nancy Beach, Leadership Coach
Samantha Beach Kiley, Creative Arts Pastor at Austin New Church
Nancy Beach and Samantha Beach Kiley explain why, in spite of all its challenges, they are hopeful for the future of our local churches.

EPISODE 35
When You’re Staring At Cancer
Becky Attard, Cancer Survivor, Coach
Becky Attard shares her experience of finding hope when her world was rocked by a cancer diagnosis.

EPISODE 34
When Your Church Leader Falls
Chris Conrad, District Superintendent, Great Lakes Region of the Wesleyan Church
Chris Conrad talks about how to respond with grace, hope and truth if your church leader fails.

EPISODE 33
Navigating Love of God and Love of Country
Richard Mouw, Author, Former President of Fuller Seminary
Dr. Richard Mouw talks about his book “How to be a Patriotic Christian” and how to love God, our neighbor and our country well.

EPISODE 32
Grieving the Loss of Your Spouse
Karen Rohner / Destinee Boubert, Co-Executive Directors- Widows in Motion, Grief Coaches
Karen and Destinee explain how their grief after losing their husbands prompted them to serve those who experience a similar loss.

EPISODE 31
When Your Church Is In Transition
Sean Morgan, Founder of The Ascent Leader
Sean Morgan talks about how to respond when your church is experiencing a leadership transition.

EPISODE 30
When You’re Child’s Behavior Is Challenging
Ann Lukas, Certified Parent Coach, Winning AT Home
Ann Lukas shares her personal experiences and coaching expertise for helping parents through difficult behaviors with their children.

EPISODE 29
When You Can’t Figure Out Your Calling
Dr. Susan Maros, Assistant Professor of Christian Leadership at Fuller Seminary
Dr. Susan Maros identifies specific steps we can take when we feel lost in regards to our calling and vocation.

EPISODE 28
Struggling with Self-Image
Marcy Kolean, PCC Certified Life and Leadership Coach, Winning AT Home
Marcy Kolean discusses how to move forward when you, or your children, struggle with self-worth.

EPISODE 27
Wrestling with Widowhood
Jenny Moeller, Emotional Support Program Manager at New Day for Families
Jenny Moeller shares her personal story of grief and encouragement for people who have lost their spouses.

EPISODE 26
When You’re Struggling with Bitterness
Steve Norman, Leadership Coach, Speaker Winning At Home
Dr. Steve Norman shares how to get unstuck from feelings of bitterness when others hurt us.

EPISODE 25
When Work Isn’t Working
Al Lopus, CEO, Best Christian Workplaces Institute
Al Lopus discusses some of the keys to boost employee engagement and well-being at work from his new book “Road to Flourishing.”

EPISODE 24
Fighting Our Way Through Anxiety
Jason Cusick
Author and Pastor Jason Cusick shares tools for dealng with anxiety from his book “The Anxiety Field Guide.”

EPISODE 23
When Your Teenager Needs to Make a Major Decision
James Ellis III
James Ellis III discusses how to help older teens with discernment around major decisions, like choosing a college.

EPISODE 22
When You Can’t See A Breakthrough
Steve Norman, Winning At Home
Steve Norman explores a few stories in the Bible of people who were desperately praying for what seemed like an impossible breakthrough.

EPISODE 21
When Your Dreams For Your Family Unravel
Steve Norman, Winning At Home
Steve Norman talks about how to respond when your dreams for your family aren’t coming true as you’d planned.

EPISODE 20
Facing Rejection
Elise Zuber, Winning At Home
Elise Zuber explores the challenge of facing personal rejection and how to experience God’s presense in those moments.

EPISODE 19
Walking Through Infertility and Pregnancy Loss
Stepanie Witteveen, Winning At Home
Stephanie Witteveen explains how couples can navigate the pain and disappointment of infertility and pregnancy loss.

EPISODE 18
Surviving Infidelity in Marriage
Angie Cerniglia, Winning At Home
Angie Cerniglia provides perspective and hope for couples whose marriages have been rocked by infidelity.

EPISODE 17
Frequently Asked Questions about Sex
Part 4 of the 4 part series: Sex and Intimacy – The Truths and Myths
Sarah Young, Winning At Home
Sarah Young responds to common questions people have about sex and intimacy.

EPISODE 16
Understanding the Five Dimensions of Intimacy
Part 3 of the 4 part series: Sex and Intimacy – The Truths and Myths
Sarah Young, Winning At Home
Sarah Young explains why it’s important to have a holistic and integrated view of intimacy beyond “just sex.”

EPISODE 15
Myths Couples Believe About Sex
Part 2 of the 4 part series: Sex and Intimacy – The Truths and Myths
Sarah Young, Winning At Home
Sarah Young identifies and addresses some common myths many couples believe about sex and initimacy.

EPISODE 14
Reclaiming God’s Design for Sex
Part 1 of the 4 part series: Sex and Intimacy – The Truths and Myths
Sarah Young, Winning At Home
Sarah Young helps married couples understand God’s design for sex.

EPISODE 13
When You Don’t Understand Your Teenager
Jamie Curtis, Winning At Home
Jamies Curtis offers parents of teenagers specific tools to help them through seasons of anxiety and uncertainty.

EPISODE 12
When Couples Struggle With Sex
Gary Thomas, bestselling author and international speaker
Gary discusses some of the key points from his book, “Married Sex: A Christian Couple’s Guide to Reimagining Your Love Life.”

EPISODE 11
The Journey of Grief
Dr. Kurt Stevens, Winning At Home
Dr. Kurt offers suggestions for grieving well in the wake of a loss.

EPISODE 10
When the God of the Bible Seems Unlikeable
David Lamb, Dean of the Faculty and the Allan A. MacRae Professor of Old Testament at Missio Seminary.
David talks with the audience about how to respond to claims that the God of the Bible is angry, sexist and racist.

EPISODE 9
Connecting More Deeply with Your Teens
Brad Griffin. Brad is the Senior Director of Content for the Fuller Youth Institute
As a developer of research-based training for youth workers and parents, Brad outlines three major questions that help every parent connect on a deeper level with their teenagers.

EPISODE 8
Giving Kids Space When They Struggle
Phil Lewis, Director Winning At Home, Tampa Bay
Phil speaks about the downside of “helicopter parenting” and how to give children space when they are teenagers.

EPISODE 7
When Your Church (Leader) Hurts You
Chuck DeGroat, PhD, licensed therapist, a spiritual director, author and speaker, and faculty member at the Soul Care Institute.
Chuck talks about how narcissistic patterns in church environments cause pain to church members.

EPISODE 6
Wrestling with Questions of Identity and Sexuality
Brad Klaver, Director of Coaching, Winning At Home
Brad Klaver speaks about walking with our children who are asking questions about identity and sexuality.

EPISODE 5
Handling Conflict with Assertiveness and Kindness
Dr. Matt Biller, Director of Zeeland Counseling Center, Winning At Home
Dr. Matt discusses the importance of being assertive in expressing our wants and needs in the midst of conflict.

EPISODE 4
Strategies for Managing Stress
Dr. Peter Newhouse, CEO, Winning At Home
Dr. Peter provides strategies for identifying when and how to address stress in our personal and family lives.

EPISODE 3
When Your Child Struggles with Anxiety
Dr. Emilie DeYoung, Head of Clinical Operations & Strategic Partnerships, Winning At Home
Dr. Emilie offers tools and insights for families with children who struggle with anxiety and depression.

EPISODE 2
When Your Family is Affected by Autism
Krista Mason, Executive Director of Benjamin’s Hope
Krista shares the challenges and joys her family has experienced in their journey with a son affected by autism.

EPISODE 1
Parenting Adult Kids with Grace
Dan Seaborn, President & founder of Winning At Home
Dan speaks about the importance of parenting with grace and loving our adult children faithfully even when their beliefs and values are different from ours.