The Dr. Jonathan Hoover Show

Episode 8: When Grief Comes Home with Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague

Episode 8: When Grief Comes Home
Grief is one of the hardest journeys a person can walk—and when it enters our homes and affects our families, it can feel overwhelming. In this powerful episode, Dr. Jonathan Hoover sits down with Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague from Jessica’s House, a grief support center, to discuss the complexities of grieving as a family, how children process loss differently, and how we can navigate sorrow with hope.
Key Takeaways:✅ How grief affects children and why they process it differently than adults✅ Common myths about grieving and why the 5 stages don’t apply✅ Practical ways to support grieving kids and teens✅ Why honesty and presence matter more than having the "perfect" answer✅ The importance of community and seeking support
📖 Get the Book: When Grief Comes Home by Erin Nelson & Colleen Montague – A compassionate guide for grieving families.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:🔹 Jessica’s House: jessicashouse.org
⏳ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:00 - Why Grief is So Difficult to Talk About06:30 - Erin’s Personal Story of Loss10:15 - How Grief Impacts Our Sense of Safety and Faith15:30 - Helping Children Process Grief in Their Own Way21:45 - How to Support Kids During Funerals26:20 - The Importance of Community in Grieving32:00 - How Jessica’s House Helps Grieving Families38:00 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Support
If this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of psychology and faith. Let’s navigate life’s toughest moments—together.
#Grief #MentalHealth #ChristianPsychology #GriefSupport #Podcast

Episode 7: Healing After Divorce with Georgia Shaffer

In this conversation, Georgia shares her personal journey of overcoming divorce, battling cancer, and rebuilding her life. She provides practical insights on how to grieve losses, embrace a new identity in Christ, and move toward healing.
Whether you are personally experiencing divorce or supporting a loved one through it, this episode is packed with hope, wisdom, and biblical truth. Subscribe for more insights at the intersection of psychology and Christianity!
Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
01:06 - Meet Georgia Shaffer: Author, Psychologist, & Coach
02:48 - Why Georgia is Passionate About Helping the Divorced
04:39 - The Stigma of Divorce in the Church
06:02 - The Deep Grief of Divorce
10:23 - Why Listing Your Losses Can Help You Heal
13:32 - The Lies That Keep People Stuck
14:51 - Healing Doesn’t Come from the Person Who Hurt You
19:58 - The Complexity of Trust After Betrayal
24:10 - How Long Does It Take to Rebuild Trust?
29:33 - What NOT to Do in "Frantic Mode"
32:41 - The Dangers of Love Bombing & Manipulation
34:14 - How to Find Support & Community After Divorce
37:51 - Georgia’s Books & Rebuild After Divorce Membership
39:00 - Closing Thoughts
🎯 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Divorce comes with layers of grief—beyond losing a spouse, it includes shattered dreams and unexpected losses.
✔️ Healing takes time, and expecting instant closure can lead to more pain.
✔️ Your identity is in Christ, not in your divorce.
✔️ Trust isn’t rebuilt overnight—it requires consistent trustworthiness over time.
✔️ Community is essential for healing, and support groups like Rebuild After Divorce provide life-giving encouragement.
Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Rebuild After Divorce Membership: GeorgiaShaffer.com/rebuildmembership
If this episode encouraged you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who needs hope!

Episode 6: All About Mindfulness with Dr. Fernando Garzon

In this episode of The Dr. Jonathan Hoover Show, we dive deep into the topic of mindfulness—what it is, how it affects our lives, and how Christians can engage with it in a faith-centered way. Dr. Fernando Garzon, a clinical psychologist, ordained pastor, and faculty member at Regent University, joins the conversation to unpack the science and spirituality of mindfulness.
We explore how mindfulness can enhance focus, emotional regulation, and spiritual connection—and how it differs from secular and Buddhist practices. If you've ever wondered how Christian mindfulness fits into mental health and daily life, this episode is for you!
👉 Topics Discussed:✅ What is mindfulness?✅ How does technology fuel "mindlessness"?✅ The neuroscience behind mindfulness and attention✅ What does it mean to be "non-judgmental" in mindfulness?✅ The difference between Christian mindfulness and Eastern traditions✅ Practical ways Christians can incorporate mindfulness into daily life✅ The connection between Psalms of Lament and mindfulness✅ The power of surrender vs. acceptance
📌 YouTube Chapters00:00 - Introduction to the episode00:58 - Meet Dr. Fernando Garzon02:38 - What is mindfulness? A simple definition03:11 - The impact of technology on attention and presence06:03 - Mindfulness and the Christian perspective on judgment08:07 - Automatic thoughts and their effect on emotions09:50 - How grounding techniques relate to mindfulness12:52 - The challenge of mindfulness and faith traditions14:19 - Can Christians practice mindfulness?16:16 - Mindfulness in Christianity: Biblical meditation and focus19:18 - Psalms of Lament: A biblical case for mindfulness22:28 - The importance of surrender vs. acceptance26:26 - How mindfulness becomes richer with faith29:01 - Practical ways for Christians to start mindfulness34:20 - Nature walks and mindfulness in Jesus’ teachings36:47 - How psychology and Christianity intersect41:17 - How Regent University integrates faith and psychology45:22 - Final thoughts and resources
📖 Key Takeaways:1️⃣ Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind; it’s about being present and aware.2️⃣ Technology can drive mindlessness, making intentional focus more important than ever.3️⃣ Non-judgmental awareness in mindfulness isn’t about moral relativism—it’s about learning to pause reactivity and respond wisely.4️⃣ The Bible has a rich history of mindfulness-like practices, such as Psalms of Lament and Christian meditation.5️⃣ Surrendering to God is a more powerful alternative to mere acceptance when dealing with overwhelming experiences.6️⃣ Christians can embrace mindfulness while staying rooted in their faith—mindfulness is a tool, not a belief system.7️⃣ Practical mindfulness for Christians can include scripture meditation, nature walks, and grounding techniques with faith in mind.
 

Episode 5: The Mindful Marriage with Ron and Nan Deal

Join Dr. Jonathan Hoover as he hosts Ron and Nan Deal to discuss the key principles of building a mindful marriage. This conversation dives into their personal journey of love, trust, and overcoming life's toughest challenges, including the tragic loss of their son. Gain insights into navigating pain, improving communication, and cultivating emotional intimacy in your marriage. With practical tips rooted in faith and research, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to strengthen their relationships.

Episode 4: Anxiety and Being a Mom with Special Guest Courtney Devich

In this heartfelt episode of The Jonathan Hoover Show, Dr. Hoover speaks with Courtney Devich, author of Mama’s Got Anxiety--But It’s Not Going to Steal Her Joy.
Together, they explore the profound impact of anxiety on everyday life, especially for mothers, and discuss practical and spiritual strategies for managing it.
With personal stories and professional insights, this conversation offers a blend of psychological science and biblical wisdom to help listeners find peace and joy in the midst of anxiety.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction Meet Courtney Devish and her inspiring story.
01:00 The Heightened Anxiety of Motherhood During COVID Courtney shares her experiences as a mom during the pandemic.
04:41 The Vicious Cycle of Avoidance and Control in Anxiety Dr. Hoover and Courtney discuss common coping mechanisms and their pitfalls.
08:01 Anxiety, Faith, and the Challenges of Christian Culture Reconciling faith and anxiety in a supportive way.
15:57 Finding Healing Through Writing and Community How Courtney’s journey of writing her book helped her heal.
23:20 Practical Tips for Managing Anxiety & Sleep Issues Weighted blankets, prayer, and positive mental imagery.
26:24 Final Encouragement for Anxious Moms You’re not alone; anxiety doesn’t define you.
Key Takeaways:
Anxiety often stems from overactivation, leading to exhaustion.
Avoidance behaviors can worsen anxiety, while facing small triggers can help.
Anxiety is not a lack of faith; it can deepen your reliance on God.
Tools like therapy, medication, and scripture memorization are valid and effective.
Moms struggling with anxiety are not "bad moms"—your love drives your concern.

Episode 3: Good Baggage with Guest Dr. Ike Miller

Good Baggage: Transforming Past Pain into Present Growth with Dr. Ike Miller | Ep. 3In this episode of The Dr. Jonathan Hoover Show, we sit down with Dr. Ike Miller, pastor of Bright City Church and author of Good Baggage. Dr. Miller shares his powerful insights on how our past experiences—both good and bad—shape us, and how we can turn our "baggage" into tools for growth and strength in our relationships.
We dive into topics like:
Coping mechanisms from childhood and their effects on adulthood.
The biblical perspective on pain, healing, and growth.
How to balance the past's impact without letting it define your future.
Real-life stories, including lessons from Joseph's journey in the Bible.
📚 Grab Ike’s book, Good Baggage, wherever books are sold!
⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:00 Why "baggage" isn't all bad04:30 The root canal analogy: Addressing emotional pain early08:00 Lessons from Ike's childhood and relationships12:00 Finding strengths in coping mechanisms16:00 Biblical insights: Joseph’s journey and God's redemptive power20:00 Balancing pain, redemption, and God's will25:00 Wrapping up: Practical takeaways and Ike’s resources
Key Takeaways:
Baggage often starts as a coping mechanism that served us in the past but may harm our relationships today.
Transformation requires honest self-examination, biblical truth, and time.
God's redemption works through, not despite, our pain.
Your past influences your story, but it doesn’t have to define your future.
🎙️ Follow Dr. Jonathan Hoover’s podcast for weekly episodes exploring the intersection of psychology and Christianity.

Episode 2: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

In this episode of The Dr. Jonathan Hoover Show, Dr. Hoover briefly reviews the main features of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He discusses its defining traits, common misconceptions, and mentions some treatment strategies. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of OCD's impact and the tools available for navigating life with this condition.
Key Takeaways:
Defining OCD: Learn what OCD is and how it differs from general anxious thoughts or behavior
Misconceptions: Addressing common myths about OCD and providing clarity on the disorder.
Effective Strategies: An exploration of treatment methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Practical Insights: A discussion of OCD and the Christian life
Dr. Jonathan Hoover's Bio
Dr. Jonathan Hoover is the program director for the Master of Science in General Psychology program at Regent University and serves as the senior associate pastor at NewSpring Church in Wichita, Kansas. With expertise in psychology and theology, he bridges the gap between scientific understanding and spiritual insight to offer practical guidance for life's challenges.

Episode 1: The Good News About Marriage with Shaunti Feldhahn

In this episode of "The Dr. Jonathan Hoover Show," Dr. Jonathan Hoover sits down with best-selling author and social science researcher Shaunti Feldhahn to discuss the uplifting truths about marriage. They challenge the misconceptions surrounding marriage and divorce statistics, delve into the impact of faith on marital success, and offer practical advice, including the transformative 30-Day Kindness Challenge, for strengthening relationships.
Outline with Time Codes:00:00 – Introduction to Shaunti Feldhahn and today’s topic: The good news about marriage.00:46 – Dispelling the 50% divorce myth: Research revelations.03:18 – Complexity of divorce data and its historical context.06:19 – How divorce rates have been declining since the 1980s.08:55 – What the real divorce rates are and why they’re lower than commonly believed.10:03 – Myth-busting: Divorce rates among churchgoers vs. non-churchgoers.13:12 – The dangers of uncritically accepting cultural statistics.16:41 – Exploring the truth behind popular marital urban legends.23:18 – Practical advice: Introduction to the 30-Day Kindness Challenge.28:29 – Spiritual alignment: Fruits of the Spirit in action.30:13 – Closing thoughts and connecting with Shaunti Feldhahn.
Key Takeaways:
Marriage Success is Higher than Perceived:
The widely cited 50% divorce rate is misleading. Research shows first marriages have a significantly lower divorce rate, closer to 25%.
Church involvement is a protective factor; active churchgoers have substantially lower divorce rates.
Cultural Misinformation is Harmful:
Many damaging statistics, such as “divorce rates are the same inside and outside the church,” are based on misinterpreted or incomplete data.
Being critical of the information we accept is vital to aligning with truth and fostering optimism.
Practical Relationship Tools Work:
The 30-Day Kindness Challenge (avoiding negativity, daily affirmations, and acts of kindness) significantly improves relationships.
These actions align with spiritual principles like the Fruits of the Spirit, creating a positive environment for relationships to thrive.
Hope for Marriages:
Truth-based perspectives, such as those offered in Shaunti’s books, foster optimism and equip couples with actionable strategies for stronger marriages.
Links and Resources:
Shaunti Feldhahn’s website: shaunti.com
Books mentioned: The Good News About Marriage, The Kindness Challenge, For Women Only, and For Men Only.
This episode is an inspiring resource for anyone seeking to understand the real dynamics of marriage and how to nurture lasting relationships.