Asking Why

Episode 132 | Clint Davis | Hurricane Katrina - Part 1

In Part 1 of this episode, Clint Davis shares his personal experience of being deployed to New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina as a member of the Army National Guard. He discusses the lack of media coverage and personal documentation of the events, and expresses his desire to tell the story from a first-person perspective. Clint outlines the timeline of Hurricane Katrina and its devastating impact on the city, including the failure of the levees and the resulting flooding. He also highlights the inadequate response and recovery efforts from federal, state, and local governments. Clint emphasizes the importance of telling this story to shed light on the experiences of those affected and to find hope in the midst of suffering.

 

Episode 131: Dr Joe Malone | Women's Sexual Wellness

Dr. Joe Malone discusses his new book, 'Women's Sexual Wellness,' which focuses on promoting sexual health and wellness for young women. The book aims to provide knowledge and guidance to help young women make informed decisions about their sexual health and avoid unwanted pregnancies. Dr. Malone emphasizes the importance of understanding the biological differences between men and women and how they impact relationships and sexual wellness. He also addresses topics such as the effects of hormonal birth control, the dangers of the hookup culture, the impact of pornography, and the benefits of early marriage and motherhood. The book highlights the link between sexual integrity and overall well-being, including a reduced risk of reproductive cancers. Dr. Malone encourages a biblical approach to relationships and emphasizes the importance of sexual self-control and self-mastery. The conversation explores the importance of valuing traditional family structures and the impact of modern cultural shifts on physical and mental health. It emphasizes the benefits of marriage, childbirth, and raising a family in a healthy and natural way. The discussion also highlights the negative effects of casual sex, cohabitation, and the hypersexualization of society. The speakers advocate for teaching children about healthy sexuality and the value of waiting until marriage. They stress the need for open conversations, education, and the integration of theology and science to promote human flourishing.

 

Episode 130 | Brandy Walker | Understanding Grief

In this episode, Clint Davis and Brandy Walker discuss the topic of grief. Brandi shares her personal journey with grief and how it led her to become passionate about helping others navigate through it. They define grief as the emotional response to loss, which can include various types of losses such as death, divorce, career changes, and more. They emphasize that grief is a complex and individual process, and the duration of grief can vary depending on factors such as the intensity of the relationship to the loss and personal resilience. They also discuss the societal challenges in dealing with grief and the importance of providing support and understanding to those who are grieving. Grief is a complex and universal experience that can be triggered by various types of loss. It is important to acknowledge and validate the emotions of those who are grieving, rather than trying to fix or minimize their pain. People often struggle with knowing how to support someone who is grieving, but offering a listening ear, a comforting presence, and practical help can make a difference. It is crucial for the church to create a supportive community where people feel seen, heard, and understood in their grief. Unhelpful statements and actions can exacerbate the pain of grief, so it is important to be mindful of what we say and do. Grief can have physical and emotional consequences if not processed and addressed, including physical illness, irritability, sleep disturbances, and strained relationships. It is important to seek support and process grief in order to move towards healing and find meaning in the loss. Grief is a lifelong journey, but with time and support, it is possible to find healing and remember with love rather than pain.

Episode 129: Amanda Cruse | Equine Therapy

In this conversation, Clint Davis and Amanda Cruse discuss equine therapy and the importance of being present and authentic in relationships. They explore the challenges of owning and caring for horses, as well as the unique dynamics of working with horses in therapy. They also delve into the concept of congruence and the tension between being consistent and evolving as individuals. The conversation touches on themes of self-worth, vulnerability, and the need for healthy boundaries. They discuss the impact of technology and media on our lives and the importance of curating our experiences to align with our values. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing our worth and finding our identity in God rather than external factors. In this conversation, Clint and Amanda discuss the importance of connecting with our bodies and the role of equine therapy in helping us do so. They emphasize that the physical is good and that God designed us to function with our thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. They highlight the need to move beyond information and into transformation, as well as the importance of being present in the moment and paying attention to what is happening in our bodies. They also explore the concept of hypocrisy and the need for heart change in our relationship with God and others.

Episode 128: Caitlyn Anders | Understanding Teen Suicide

In this conversation, Clint Davis and Caitlyn Anders discuss the topic of teen suicide. Caitlyn shares her personal experience as a teenager struggling with suicidal thoughts and how she found help and support. They discuss the importance of open communication and listening to teenagers who express suicidal thoughts, as well as the role of parents in providing support and understanding. They also explore the factors that contribute to the increase in teen suicide rates, such as pressure, stress, social media, and the changing dynamics of the modern world. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to be aware of their children's emotional well-being and to seek professional help when necessary. As well as the importance of seeking support and counseling as parents when dealing with a child who is struggling with mental health issues. They emphasize the need for parents to take personal responsibility and address any potential contributions they may have made to their child's struggles. They also discuss the role of self-harm as an indicator of deeper emotional problems and the benefits of play therapy in helping children process their emotions. The conversation concludes with a reminder that parents should focus on building a strong emotional connection with their children and modeling healthy coping mechanisms.

Episode 127: Sarah Moreno | Overcoming Addiction

Sarah Moreno shares her story of overcoming addiction and finding redemption through her faith. She experienced trauma at a young age, including a rape, which led her to seek solace in drugs and alcohol. She spiraled into addiction, eventually turning to heroin. Despite her addiction, she managed to maintain a job as a nurse, showcasing her resilience and ability to function. However, she reached a breaking point when she overdosed on heroin. This scare prompted her to seek help and surrender her life to God, leading to her recovery and transformation. Sarah shares her journey of addiction, recovery, and redemption. She discusses her struggles with sobriety and the difference between recovery and sobriety. Sarah talks about how her addiction led to her overdosing while working as a nurse and how she eventually became homeless. She shares the turning point in his life when she cried out to God for help and was rescued by a woman named Tammy. Sarah then entered the Teen Challenge program and found healing and purpose in helping others. She now works in intake at Teen Challenge, helping other women find hope and healing.

Episode126: Cole Westhoff | Understanding Addiction

In this episode, Clint Davis interviews Cole Westoff, a counselor specializing in addiction and trauma. Cole shares his personal journey and how a family tragedy led him to become a therapist. They discuss the definition of addiction, the moralization of certain substances, and the myths surrounding addiction. They also emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting individuals in recovery. In this conversation, Clint and Cole discuss addiction and the factors that contribute to it. They explore the role of genetics and environment in addiction, as well as the importance of choice and personal responsibility. They emphasize the need for community and support in the recovery process and highlight the significance of belief and faith in overcoming addiction. They also discuss the complexity of addiction and the need for a multifaceted approach to recovery. Overall, they provide insights and encouragement for those struggling with addiction and offer hope for transformation and healing.

Episode 125 : Ashley Rachal | Intuitive Eating

This week, Clint Davis interviews Ashley Rachal, a registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor, about intuitive eating and its difference from diet culture. They discuss the origins of intuitive eating, the impact of diet culture on our relationship with food, and the importance of self-care and body trust. They also touch on topics such as counting macros, the keto diet, and the role of parents and society in shaping our views on food and body image. In this conversation, Clint and Ashley discuss the relationship between food, body image, and faith. They explore the impact of diet culture, the importance of body diversity, and the role of food in communal and spiritual contexts. They emphasize the need to separate morality from food choices and to model healthy behaviors for children. They also discuss the significance of listening to our bodies and finding satisfaction in food. Overall, they encourage listeners to develop a healthy and balanced relationship with food and to prioritize their overall well-being.

Ashley's Website:  https://fulfillednutritiontherapy.com

Episode 124: Jennifer Beich PLPC | Brainspotting

In this conversation, Jennifer Beich discusses brain spotting, a newer modality of therapy that focuses on trauma, anxiety, and depression. She shares her personal journey and the integration of neuroscience and Christian counseling. The conversation delves into the concept of spiritual bypassing, the role of the brain in healing, and the unique approach of brain spotting in addressing trauma and developmental issues. They also discuss the concept of brain spotting and its therapeutic impact, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in the healing process. It explores the integration of faith and therapy, the attunement of the therapist, and the significance of holding space for clients. Clint and Jen also compare brain spotting with EMDR and the Emmanuel Prayer, highlighting the organic and gentle nature of brain spotting. The conversation concludes with an invitation for individuals to explore brain spotting as a therapeutic tool for trauma and emotional healing.

 

Takeaways

• Brain spotting is a newer modality of therapy that focuses on trauma, anxiety, and depression.
• The integration of neuroscience and Christian counseling provides a unique approach to healing.
• Spiritual bypassing can hinder the healing process by intellectualizing experiences without addressing the emotional and physical aspects.
• Brain spotting accesses the brain's subcortical regions, allowing for deeper healing beyond intellectualization.
• It is important to honor a person's experiences and provide education about the brain's response to trauma and healing. Brain spotting is an organic and gentle therapeutic approach that allows individuals to access and process trauma without the need to recount the details of the experience.
• The role of the Holy Spirit in therapy is emphasized, highlighting the importance of faith and spirituality in the healing process.
• Attunement and holding space for clients are essential aspects of therapy, allowing individuals to feel heard, seen, and valued.
• The conversation explores the integration of faith and therapy, emphasizing the significance of allowing God to work through the therapist in the healing process.
• Individuals are encouraged to explore brain spotting as a therapeutic tool for trauma and emotional healing, with an invitation to seek out practitioners for support and growth.

Chapters

00:00 Accessing Subcortical Healing with Brain Spotting
27:59 The Therapeutic Impact of Brain Spotting and the Role of the Holy Spirit
33:30 Integrating Faith and Therapy: Attunement and Holding Space
48:24 Comparing Brain Spotting with EMDR and the Emmanuel Prayer
56:28 Invitation to Explore Brain Spotting for Trauma and Emotional Healing

Episode 123: Special Agent from the Texas Department of Public Safety | Combating Human Trafficking

In this episode, Clint Davis interviews a special agent from the Texas Department of Public Safety who works in the Criminal Investigation Unit. They discuss the difference between human smuggling and human trafficking, the importance of a victim-centered approach, and the prevalence of child exploitation online. They also highlight the need for parents to educate and equip their children about the dangers of social media and the importance of consent and privacy. The conversation covers various topics related to human trafficking, trauma, and the role of law enforcement in combating this issue. The speakers discuss the connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and individuals who become victims of trafficking. They also address the misconception that sex workers choose their profession without any trauma or coercion. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of the sex industry and the contradictions within feminist ideologies. The importance of community involvement, support for victims, and the need for resources and counseling are highlighted. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the personal experiences and motivations of the law enforcement officer involved in combating human trafficking.