In this episode, we sit down with licensed counselor, author, and speaker Debra Fileta to explore what it truly means to heal from the inside out. Together, we unpack why our attempts at change often fail and how pausing, gaining insight, and facing our past can lead to lasting transformation. We talk about the deeper roots beneath our habits, how trauma resurfaces when life finally feels safe, and why triggers might actually be God’s invitation to heal. Join us as we offer a hope-filled, practi...
Aug 19, 2025•33 min
As parents, we’re navigating a world of constant noise—externally from screens and schedules, and internally from emotional overload. In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Boyd, author of Turning Down the Noise , to talk about how overstimulation impacts both parents and kids, and how we can reclaim calm, connection, and emotional maturity in our homes. From recognizing early warning signs to creating healthy digital rhythms, this conversation offers both spiritual encouragement and practical ...
Aug 05, 2025•47 min
In this episode, we dive into the messy, holy work of parenting through connection—not perfection. Together, we explore how to navigate emotional floods, create safe spaces for our kids to struggle, and why repair matters more than always getting it right. From toddlers to teens, we talk about how to show up as calm, connected leaders—even when we feel overwhelmed ourselves. Whether you're parenting young kids, raising teens, or healing your own inner child, this episode offers hope, practical t...
Jul 22, 2025•58 min
In this episode, we sit down with Josh and Jaelyn Harrel for a courageous and grace-filled conversation about their journey through pornography addiction, hidden identity struggles, and the painful road to healing and restoration in marriage. As they share candidly about what it looked like to disclose deep secrets and choose connection in the face of betrayal, we’re reminded that God's love can redeem even the most broken places when we choose to walk in the light. Takeaways: Pornography deeply...
Jul 15, 2025•37 min
In this episode, we sit down with Josh and Jaelyn Harrel of Restored Living to unpack the powerful experience of their family’s 30-day media fast. We talk about what it revealed in their kids, their marriage, and their leadership. From rediscovering time freedom to learning to lead from a place of wholeness rather than hustle, this conversation is rich with practical insights and heartfelt encouragement. We also explore how their two-year journey in the Wholehearted Leadership Cohort shaped how ...
Jul 08, 2025•57 min
In this episode, we sit down with John Mark Comer to talk about what hurry reveals about our hearts and how slowing down is one of the most courageous decisions a leader can make. Sharing from his personal journey through burnout and emotional exhaustion, John Mark challenges us to live with integrity in both public and private spaces. Together, we explore the rhythms, limits, and grace needed to lead wholeheartedly in today’s fast-paced world. Key Takeaways Hurry is not just a time problem—it’s...
Jul 01, 2025•35 min
As parents, we often feel overwhelmed or unprepared to talk about sex with our kids—but what if the real work starts by creating a safe, emotionally connected home? In this powerful conversation with Jay Stringer, we explore how our own stories shape the way we parent and how emotional attunement and grace-based guidance help our kids grow into a healthy, biblical understanding of their sexuality. Together, we unpack the practical, awkward, and beautiful moments that form the soil for a child’s ...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min
In this powerful conversation with Dr. Curt Thompson, we explore what it really means to move from imagination to incarnation —from abstract belief to embodied hope. Together, we reflect on how God reveals Himself through the arc of Scripture and how healing, trust, and transformation happen in the presence of real, loving relationships. Whether you’re wrestling with hope, longing for connection, or simply trying to receive love more fully, this episode is for you. Takeaways God’s story is one o...
Jun 10, 2025•43 min
This week, we’re joined by Mike Donehey, former lead singer of Tenth Avenue North, as we dive into the heart of true leadership. Together, we explore how servant leadership, humility, and grace shape our ministry and relationships. Mike shares his journey of realizing that platform and fame aren't the true markers of success—it's about stewarding our gifts with authenticity and love. We reflect on the ministry of reconciliation, how to live it out in everyday life, and the transformative power o...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this episode, we open up about the often hidden cost of leadership—especially in seasons of suffering. We reflect on how narrowing our relational circles, honoring emotional limits, and learning to trust God more deeply can become sacred tools for healing. Whether you're leading in a church, home, or organization, we share real stories and biblical truths that reveal how hardship doesn't disqualify us—it deepens us. Join us as we explore how to let our theology shape our reality, not the othe...
May 13, 2025•41 min
In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Horner to explore the depths of suffering, purpose, and the profound comfort found in Christ. Through his personal story of life-altering injury, Cameron shares how pain can shape perspective, deepen intimacy with Jesus, and become a prophetic voice within the body of Christ. We unpack the difference between inclusion and belonging, the theology of suffering, and how disability reveals what the Church might be missing. This is a conversation full of raw ...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr
In this episode, we dive into the wisdom of trust—how to discern safe relationships, set healthy boundaries, and grow into a trustworthy person. We explore the concept of "green light, yellow light, and red light" people, helping you navigate relationships with wisdom and grace. Whether in leadership, marriage, or community, learning to trust wisely while becoming a person others can trust is essential for growth. Join us as we unpack practical insights to strengthen your discernment and relatio...
Apr 08, 2025•55 min
In this episode, we explore the profound connection between anxiety, loss, and spiritual growth. Too often, we try to control or avoid suffering, but what if anxiety is actually an invitation—an opportunity to draw closer to God? Curtis Chang joins us to discuss how leaders, parents, and believers can navigate grief, trust in God’s plan, and allow their fears to point them toward their deeper calling. Takeaways: Anxiety as a Diagnostic: Viewing anxiety not as a flaw but as a tool that reveals ou...
Mar 25, 2025•41 min
Burnout sneaks up on even the most high-capacity leaders, but what if we could prevent it before it takes hold? We sit down with author and licensed counselor Debra Fileta to explore the six rhythms of soul care she uncovered in Scripture—practices that help us stay filled rather than running on empty. From setting boundaries to nourishing our bodies, embracing life-giving relationships, and truly savoring the present moment, Debra shares both personal insights and biblical wisdom on how we can ...
Mar 11, 2025•38 min
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a Board-Certified internal medicine physician, speaker, and award-winning author. She is an international well-being thought-leader featured in numerous media outlets including Prevention, MSNBC, Women’s Day, FOX, Fast Company, Psychology Today, INC, CNN Health, and TED.com. She is the author of numerous books including her bestseller Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, including insight on the seven types of rest needed to optimize...
Mar 04, 2025•36 min
Want to take the CVI test? Go here: https://www.livingwholehearted.com/cvi Understanding conflict through the lens of the Core Values Index (CVI) has been a game-changer in our relationships, leadership, and personal growth. This week, we continue our deep dive into conflict strategies, exploring how Builders, Merchants, Innovators, and Bankers respond to tension—and how we can shift out of unhealthy reactions into wholehearted engagement. We share real-life examples from our own marriage, paren...
Feb 25, 2025•57 min
Marriage takes work, but the rewards of a strong, connected relationship are worth it. In this episode, we dive into the healthy habits that help couples thrive, exploring the importance of commitment, curiosity, and growing together through every season. We discuss practical ways to stay engaged, know each other deeply, and navigate the inevitable changes that come with time. With personal stories—including a lighthearted reflection on our own bobby pin debates—we unpack what it means to love w...
Feb 11, 2025•52 min
What does it take to lead well, especially during challenging seasons? Matt and Rachael Gilbert share how our wholehearted leadership cohort has been a transformative space for personal and relational growth. We hear Rachael reflect on learning to pause rather than push forward, resisting the urge to perform or prove herself in the face of hardship. Matt highlights a new awareness of healthy leadership, reshaping how we evaluate leaders in our lives and organizations. Together, they emphasize th...
Jan 28, 2025•53 min
Natalie Runion joins us to explore the challenges and hope found within church leadership and community. As the founder of Raised to Stay and author of The House That Jesus Built, Natalie shares her journey from church hurt to healing, drawing from decades of ministry experience. Together, we tackle the tension between platform and servanthood, the impact of spiritual orphanhood in leadership, and the power of returning to God's original blueprint for His Church. Whether you're a leader seeking ...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Want to take the CVI test? Go here: https://www.livingwholehearted.com/cvi The Core Values Index (CVI) serves as a practical lens for navigating conflict in relationships, workplaces, and personal growth. We explore how the four core values—Builder, Merchant, Innovator, and Banker—highlight individual strengths while revealing unique conflict strategies. Through insights from Tara and Jeff Mattson, we unpack the ways each value responds under stress, from the Builder's drive for results to the M...
Dec 31, 2024•39 min
People have a tendency to avoid facing their life stories. Often times we ignore them, we compartmentalize them, and we dwell on them. The difference between a wholehearted leader who is healthy and a leader who is not, is that wholehearted leaders have processed their story. They have done the work to get their baggage down to carry on size and have come to learn who they are BECAUSE of their story, not despite it. God uses everything. The good. The bad. The ugly. And, the funny. Molly Stillman...
Dec 17, 2024•44 min
What do you do when you find yourself lacking joy in life, or feeling a heaviness about things that you just can't quite put your finger on? What happens when you know that you want to want God in your life, but right now you don't feel like wanting Him in your life at all? Today we talk with Lisa Whittle as she shares her story of surrender to God in an outcry for Him, the only one who can revive her soul. Lisa Whittle is a bestselling author, speaker, podcast host, and ministry leader. She has...
Dec 03, 2024•48 min
Healthy relationships allow space for health conversations, even conversations regarding the hot topics of our culture at the moment. Many of us have some question we are not asking those closest to us because we are embarrassed to asked, or afraid of how others will respond. Today we learn how to start hard coversations with humble hearts, because "on the opposite side of an awkward conversation is a really beautiful place." Mike Novotny is an author, pastor, and speaker who holds a Master of D...
Nov 19, 2024•52 min
How we listen to one another matters, especially when we are listening to the ones we love the most. In our marriages, with our children, and in our leadership roles, sometimes we can take each other for granted, falling into patterns and expectations of listening that may not be the healthiest. Let's take a deeper look today at how it is that we can continue to grow in our ability to listen to one another effectivley. How can we actively engage in listening to someone while having both convicti...
Nov 05, 2024•44 min
Meaningful mealtimes: When was the last time you sat down as a family, for longer than a half hour, without technology? During the pandemic, families all over the country were eating together, playing together and making vows never to go back to the rat race of life that we were living before everything came to a halt. Yet here we are, nearly 5 years later, and we have seemingly fallen back into the pace of busyness that we did not intend to return to. Listen in to today's episode to learn the f...
Oct 22, 2024•39 min
Big emotions. They are there whether you want them or not. Emotions are a real part of who we are as humans and we encounter them in every relationship we are involved in. Today, we discuss our wiring as it relates to emotions and offer some tools on how to regulate and care for your emotions. We are Jeff and Terra Mattson, a husband and wife team, and co-hosts of the Living Wholehearted Podcast. We are the founders of Living Wholehearted, a professional counseling, executive coaching, and organ...
Oct 08, 2024•55 min
Apply to our Executive Wholehearted Leadership Cohort -https://www.livingwholehearted.com/leadership-cohorts Emotions. You either love them or wonder what's the point of having them? They often get in the way. The importance of cultivating healthy emotions to enhance one's spiritual and leadership journey is vital. Today we will be talking with guests who bring practical insights and guidance on how emotion impacts your personality, strategies for managing stress, the distinction between depress...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Apply to our Executive Wholehearted Leadership Cohort -https://www.livingwholehearted.com/leadership-cohorts When leaders can see themselves and how they are wired, from the most accurate lens possible, they are able to learn to live within their limits. Today we are throwing it back to the beginning and discussing the Core Values Index (CVI) tool that we have been using for 13+ years. This tool has been an integral piece of the work we do here at Living Wholehearted whether it is utilized with ...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min
When someone asks you how you are doing, do you typically respond with "fine", "busy" or "tired"? These responses seem to be the norm these days as the treadmill of life never ends, especially for leader types. Today we want to talk about the importance of practicing rhythms of rest with a special guest who understands what it’s like to be tired of being tired. Jess Connolly is the author or coauthor of several books, including Wild and Free and Breaking Free from Body Shame and her most recent ...
Aug 27, 2024•34 min
Everyone is a leader is some capacity, and often, "The greatest challenge in leadership is leading yourself". Leading with integrity is about bringing all of who we are — our mind, heart, soul, body, and relationships, before those who we lead. At Living Wholehearted we say that when leaders lead and live with integrity everyone in their wake benefits, but when leaders don't, everyone in their wake pays, it's just a matter of time. Today we get the opportunity to chat with Joe Brouillette as he ...
Aug 13, 2024•35 min
