Hope Talks
Hope for the HeartHave you ever hoped for something, but it didn’t happen? Did you hope for the wrong thing? Was God not faithful? What is hope? How does it work? And why does having hope matter so much to our well-being? Join Hope Talks each week to
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dive into everyday life topics and receive practical, biblical guidance to grow in your faith, hope, and love for the Lord, others, and yourself. With decades of experience in counseling, writing, training, and serving in ministry … Haley and Dustin will share with you what the Bible says about real life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit. So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything. Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.
Podcasts · Mental Health
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- 121Sheila Walsh | The Hope of HeavenWhat difference does the hope of heaven make when life hurts right now? In this episode, Haley and Dustin welcome Sheila Walsh back to the podcast for an honest conversation about depression, disappointment, unanswered prayers, and the hope we have in Christ. Sheila shares about a recent difficult season in her own mental health journey and how Hebrews 12 led her to a fresh perspective on eternity. Drawing from her book The Hope of Heaven, Sheila explores what Scripture says about heaven, why our longing for something more points us toward eternity, and how keeping our eyes on our future in heaven can change the way we live today. If life hasn’t turned out the way you hoped, this conversation is a beautiful reminder: this is not the end of your story. There is so much hope waiting for you. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit. So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything. Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart. Listen in -------------- Resources from Sheila Walsh Learn more about Sheila Walsh and her ministry at https://sheilawalsh.com/ Connect with Sheila on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheilawalsh1/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheilawalshconnects/ X / Twitter: https://x.com/sheilawalsh Hope for the Heart resources Join us this fall at the Hope Together Conference! Learn more and sign up here: https://hopetogether.com/ Connect with Hope for the Heart on social! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode 1 Peter 3:15 — "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." Hebrews 12:1–2 — "...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross..." Luke 23:43 — "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Matthew 11:3, 6 — "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"... "Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me." 2 Corinthians 4:17 — "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 12:2–4 — "...caught up to the third heaven... caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things..." John 3:16 — "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Colossians 3:1–2 — "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is... Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Revelation 21:3–4 — "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
- 122Navigating Grief & Widowhood | Sam IngrassiaGrief can change your life so deeply that there’s simply no going back to the way things were. So how do you accept the new reality of loss and still move forward with real hope? In this episode, Haley and Dustin talk with Sam Ingrassia about the death of his wife, Vicky, after more than 50 years of marriage and a four-year health decline. Sam shares what he’s learning about grief, accepting a new reality, and experiencing God’s presence in sorrow. Sam also discusses four essentials that everyone needs for navigating loss and offers a powerful perspective on Psalm 23, showing how the Shepherd meets us in the "valley of loss." It’s a deeply personal conversation about grief, hope, and staying “all in” with Jesus when life changes forever. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit. So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything. Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart. Listen in -------------- Resources from Sam Ingrassia Learn more about Sam and Ascending Health: https://www.ascending.health/ Hope for the Heart resources Join us this fall at the Hope Together Conference! Learn more and sign up here: https://hopetogether.com/ Connect with Hope for the Heart on social! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode Romans 8:18 — "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Mark 6:31 — "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Psalm 23:1–4 — "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing... Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 — "Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." John 6:68 — "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." John 11:25–26 — "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die..."
- 123Making Peace with What I Can't Control | Lysa TerKeurstWe all struggle with control. We want to control outcomes, other people’s choices, and what comes next. And when that burden becomes exhausting, we’re often told to just “trust God” or “let go and let God.” But sometimes control isn’t a power grab. Sometimes we try to manage people and circumstances precisely because we’re responsible, capable, and caring—and because painful experiences have taught us to prepare for the worst. This week, Lysa TerKeurst joins Haley and Dustin to discuss her new book, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control. Lysa is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She has walked her own long road through trauma, codependency, and the lingering anxiety that can show up as a need to manage everything and everyone. Lysa explains how trauma and fear can fuel our need for control, how the story of Judas challenged her desire to force an outcome, and what surrendering to God really means. If you feel responsible for managing people or situations, this conversation will help you understand what may be happening beneath the surface—and how to make peace with what you can’t control. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit. So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything. Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart. Listen in -------------- Resources from Lysa TerKeurst Get Lysa’s new book, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control: https://tinyurl.com/2wyawm46 Learn more about Haven Place Ministries: https://www.instagram.com/_havenplace/ Learn more about Lysa, her ministry, and resources: https://lysaterkeurst.com/ Hope for the Heart resources Join us this fall at the Hope Together Conference! Learn more and sign up here: https://hopetogether.com/ Connect with Hope for the Heart on social! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode 2 Timothy 1:7 — "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." Matthew 26:25 — "Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, 'Surely you don't mean me, Rabbi?' Jesus answered, 'You have said so.'" Mark 10:21–22 — "Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said… At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth."
- 124Jen Wilkin | Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging WorldYou’re aging. So is everyone you love … a little bit more each day. Even though we all want a long life … our culture doesn’t have a positive view of aging. We are told to fight it, hide it, or fear it. In this episode, Haley and Dustin talk with Bible teacher and author Jen Wilkin about her new book, Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World. Jen shares how an early cancer diagnosis and later caring for her mother shaped the way she thinks about mortality, dependence, and growing older. They discuss why our culture treats aging as something to conceal, what Scripture says instead, and how the shape of a human life moves from receiving care to giving it — and often back again. Jen also challenges the church to value older generations and prepare wisely for the years ahead. It’s an honest, challenging, and often humorous conversation on aging with wisdom instead of fear. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit. So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything. Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart. Listen in -------------- Resources from Jen Wilkin Learn more about Jen, her ministry, and resources: https://www.jenwilkin.net/ Get Jen’s book, Dust to Dust: https://tinyurl.com/4e23f72s Hope for the Heart resources Join us this fall at the Hope Together Conference! Learn more and sign up here: https://hopetogether.com/ Connect with Hope Talks on social! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594309116647 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopetalkspod/ Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode Genesis 3:4 — "'You will not certainly die,' the serpent said to the woman." Psalm 139:14 — "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Isaiah 40:8 — "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." Isaiah 46:4 — "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Description: You’re aging. So is everyone you love … a little bit more each day. Even though we all want a long life … our culture doesn’t have a positive view of aging. We are told to fight it, hide it, or fear it. In this episode, Haley and Dustin talk with Bible teacher and author Jen Wilkin about her new book, Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World. Jen shares how an early cancer diagnosis and later caring for her mother shaped the way she thinks about mortality, dependence, and growing older. They discuss why our culture treats aging as something to conceal, what Scripture says instead, and how the shape of a human life moves from receiving care to giving it — and often back again. Jen also challenges the church to value older generations and prepare wisely for the years ahead. It’s an honest, challenging, and often humorous conversation on aging with wisdom instead of fear. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit. So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything. Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart. Listen in -------------- Resources from Jen Wilkin Learn more about Jen, her ministry, and resources: https://www.jenwilkin.net/ Get Jen’s book, Dust to Dust: https://tinyurl.com/4e23f72s Hope for the Heart resources Join us this fall at the Hope Together Conference! Learn more and sign up here: https://hopetogether.com/ Connect with Hope Talks on social! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594309116647 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopetalkspod/ Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode Genesis 3:4 — "'You will not certainly die,' the serpent said to the woman." Psalm 139:14 — "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Isaiah 40:8 — "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." Isaiah 46:4 — "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
- 125How to Practice Gratitude (Even When Life Is Hard)What are you grateful for today? Sometimes that’s easy to answer. But when life gets hard, busy, or simply mundane, it can be difficult to cultivate a grateful heart. God calls us to be grateful, and that often requires slowing down to notice the specific people, moments, memories, and everyday gifts He has given us. In this episode, Haley and Dustin walk through Hope for the Heart’s newest resource, Growing in Gratitude: A 31-Day Journal. Together, they reflect on everyday blessings, meaningful relationships, God’s character and faithfulness, lessons learned through difficult seasons, and reasons for hope. This episode is an invitation to practice gratitude as you listen. Pause to answer the questions for yourself, remember the ways God has cared for you, and identify specific reasons to be thankful—even when life is hard. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit. So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything. Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart. Listen in -------------- Hope for the Heart resources Get our new resource, Growing in Gratitude: A 31-Day Journal, here: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/gratitude Connect with Hope Talks on social! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594309116647 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopetalkspod/ Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode Psalm 136:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
- 126Why Young People Are Returning to Jesus | David KinnamanAfter years of declining church engagement, something hopeful may be happening: younger generations are showing a renewed openness to Jesus and spiritual questions. But what are they really searching for—and how should the church respond? Barna Group CEO David Kinnaman joins Haley and Dustin to discuss why young people want a faith that is real, beautiful, and lasting. They explore mental health and authentic discipleship, the influence of AI and algorithms, and why the church must offer more than another carefully produced experience. David also shares how the loss of his wife, Jill, deepened his own hope in the resurrection. It’s a wide-ranging, honest, and often humorous conversation about the future of faith—and why David believes this may be the spiritually open moment Christians have been praying for. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit. So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything. Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart. Listen in -------------- Resources from David Kinnaman and the Barna Group Learn more about the Barna Group: https://www.barna.com/ Pre-order David’s new book, Jesus is Back: https://tinyurl.com/53vxwpty Hope for the Heart resources Connect with Hope Talks on social! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594309116647 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopetalkspod/ Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode John 10:10 — "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 8:36 — "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 1:1 — "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Acts 2:32 — "God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it." Mark 12:30 — "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Isaiah 30:21 — "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
- 127How to Pray Using the Lord’s Prayer | Matt SmallboneDo you ever struggle to pray? Most of us would say yes. Prayer is one of the richest blessings we have, but it doesn’t always come easily. Distractions, unanswered prayers, and questions about God can make it difficult to know where to begin. Pastor and author Matt Smallbone joins Haley and Dustin to share his own struggles with prayer and what changed when he began praying through the Lord’s Prayer. Drawing from his book, The Prayer Experiment, Matt explains how the prayer Jesus taught helps us bring our everyday needs to God, practice forgiveness, and deepen our trust in our heavenly Father. It’s an honest and often humorous conversation with practical tips and encouragement for anyone who wants to grow in their prayer life. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit. So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything. Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart. Listen in -------------- Resources from Matt Smallbone Learn more about Matt Smallbone: https://www.mattsmallbone.com/ Order Matt’s book, The Prayer Experiment: https://tinyurl.com/bdfm4stz Hope for the Heart resources Connect with Hope Talks on social! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594309116647 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopetalkspod/ Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode Matthew 6:9–13 — The Lord's Prayer "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'" Matthew 6:5–6 — How not to pray "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others… But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen." Matthew 6:7 — Don't pray like a pagan "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words." Mark 6:31 — Rest and solitude "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 9:24 — Faith and doubt "Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'" Matthew 28:16–17 — Doubt among the disciples "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted."
- 128Boundaries: What the Bible Says (And Where You Need Them)Where do you need boundaries in your life? Maybe in a relationship, with what you eat or watch, or perhaps you're taking on too much responsibility and need more time to rest. Boundaries are a popular topic these days, but we don't always stop to consider where we need to apply them in our own lives. In this episode of Hope Talks, Haley and Dustin explore the biblical foundations of boundaries, what they are (and aren't), and why they can be so difficult to set and maintain. They also walk through several areas of life to help you consider where you might need better boundaries—with work and rest, what you consume, and the words you speak. It's a practical and encouraging conversation on how healthy boundaries can strengthen your relationships, protect your well-being, and help you grow in your walk with the Lord. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit. So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything. Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart. Listen in -------------- Hope for the Heart resources Get our Keys for Living book, Boundaries: How to Set Them–How to Keep Them – https://hopefortheheart.org/store/product/boundaries Get our new resource, Growing in Gratitude: A 31-Day Journal, here: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/gratitude Connect with Hope Talks on social! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594309116647 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopetalkspod/ Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/ Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/ Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://hopefortheheart.donorsupport.co/page/hope-talks -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode Proverbs 8:29 — “...he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.” Acts 17:26 — “From one man he made all the nations... and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” Mark 1:38 — “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 1 Corinthians 10:23 — “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 — “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial... but I will not be mastered by anything.” Proverbs 4:23 — “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit...? Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Psalm 141:3 — “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Ephesians 4:29 — “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”
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