Podcast
Hanging Onto Hope Podcast
Hosted by Brenda J and Karen Wonder · EN
Check out our website at www.hangingontohope.org
The Hanging Onto Hope Podcast is a unique approach to healing where we interview inspiring guests to encourage and uplift you. It is a resource for healing and education for all types of abuse and a support to those who do not have a voice.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#255 Real People Real Voices: Jo's Story-How the Church Can Help Abuse Victims
2d ago00:36:52Tap to summarizeBrenda J. and Karen B. are honored to welcome Jo to the Hanging On To Hope podcast for another episode in our Real People, Real Voices series—a series dedicated to giving survivors a safe place to share their stories, find healing, and have their voices heard, some for the very first time. In this powerful episode, Jo shares how a church community believed her when she disclosed the abuse and came alongside her with practical support. As one of Brenda's very first advocacy cases from beginning to end, this story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when survivors are believed, supported, and not left to walk alone. Jo's journey is heartfelt, eye-opening, and filled with hope. https://hangingontohope.org
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#254 Narcissism With Nina Batista: How Abuse Can Affect Your Health
2w ago00:21:10Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. are joined by Nina Batista, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and educator who helps survivors of narcissistic abuse. She works with individuals, families, and groups navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, and relationship challenges. In this episode, Nina goes over the many negative health effects that can occur from being in a relationship with a narcissist or abusive person. The episode concludes with listener engagement questions and practical takeaways that offer education, hope, and clarity for survivors. https://ninabatistacounseling.com https://hangingontohope.org
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#253 Narcissism With Nina Batista
3w ago00:29:23Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. are joined by Nina Batista, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and educator who helps survivors of narcissistic abuse. She works with individuals, families, and groups navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, and relationship challenges. Nina shares a little of her own story and how she became passionate about helping survivors of narcissistic abuse. She explains what narcissism is and defines terms like DARVO, trauma bonding, and gaslighting. They also discuss whether narcissists know what they're doing, the physical impact of narcissistic abuse, and how survivors can begin making sense of experiences that once felt confusing and overwhelming. The episode concludes with listener engagement questions and practical takeaways that offer hope, healing, and clarity for survivors. https://ninabatistacounseling.com https://hangingontohope.org
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Part Three of Explore With Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn
Jun 2500:29:01Tap to summarizeBrenda J and Karen W interview Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn on their book Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved. Celestia is Co-Founder of Mending the Soul, author of twelve books and workbooks, and a professional trauma counselor. Drawing from twenty-five years of teaching and training experience in areas of abuse and healing, secondary trauma, intimacy and bonding, biblical sexuality, and soul care, Celestia ensures that all Mending the Soul curricula and trainings are psychologically-informed and using best practice models. Nancy is the artist in Explore, a Mending The Soul facilitator, and abuse survivor. The four women take a deep dive into the book and it is extremely educational and healing. https://mendingthesoul.org https://hangingontohope.org
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#95 Part 2 of Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved, With Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn
Jun 2300:33:14Tap to summarizeBrenda J and Karen W interview Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn on their book Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved. Celestia is Co-Founder of Mending the Soul, author of twelve books and workbooks, and a professional trauma counselor. Drawing from twenty-five years of teaching and training experience in areas of abuse and healing, secondary trauma, intimacy and bonding, biblical sexuality, and soul care, Celestia ensures that all Mending the Soul curricula and trainings are psychologically-informed and using best practice models. Nancy is the artist in Explore, a Mending The Soul facilitator, and abuse survivor. The four women take a deep dive into the book and it is extremely educational and healing. https://mendingthesoul.org https://hangingontohope.org
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#94 Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved, With Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn
Jun 1900:38:26Tap to summarizeBrenda J and Karen W interview Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn on their book Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved. Celestia is Co-Founder of Mending the Soul, author of twelve books and workbooks, and a professional trauma counselor. Drawing from twenty-five years of teaching and training experience in areas of abuse and healing, secondary trauma, intimacy and bonding, biblical sexuality, and soul care, Celestia ensures that all Mending the Soul curricula and trainings are psychologically-informed and using best practice models. Nancy is the artist in Explore, a Mending The Soul facilitator, and abuse survivor. The four women take a deep dive into the book and it is extremely educational and healing. https://mendingthesoul.org https://hangingontohope.org
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Trailer for Explore, A Guided Journey To Being Loved With Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn
Jun 1900:01:14Tap to summarizeSneak peek into episodes 94, 95, and 96, Explore, A Guided Journey To Being Loved With Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn
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#9 Mending The Soul With Steven Tracy
Jun 1400:36:07Tap to summarizeBrenda J and Karen B interview Steven Tracy, co-founder and co-author of Mending the Soul. Mending the Soul is a healing from abuse resource that meets in small groups and discusses six different types of abuse. We dive into deep discussion with Steven and get his expert opinion. https://mendingthesoul.org https://hangingontohope.org
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#252 The Healing Power Of Being Present Part 2 With Carissa Raderstorf
Jun 500:24:55Tap to summarize*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="85840783-ead1-4ff3-82cd-4cec1794f8c1" data-turn-id-container="85840783-ead1-4ff3-82cd-4cec1794f8c1" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome back to the show Carissa Raderstorf. Carissa is an ordained minister, board-certified pastoral counselor, and founder of Reset Ministries. She oversees Reset Retreats, Reset Together, personalized coaching, and intensive story work. Passionate about helping people experience emotional healing, relational growth, and a deeper connection with God, Carissa holds an M.A. from Olivet Nazarene University and graduate certificates in counseling and executive coaching from the Townsend Institute. In this encouraging episode, Brenda, Karen, and Carissa discuss why being present with someone in pain is often one of the most powerful gifts we can offer. Many of us feel pressure to fix problems, give advice, or provide the perfect spiritual answer, but Carissa explains why simply showing up and sitting with someone in their grief, trauma, disappointment, or loss can be far more meaningful. They explore why so many people struggle with being present, how building healthy relationships before difficult seasons creates a foundation of support, and why even introverts need caring connections. Carissa shares practical, easy-to-understand ways to support others, discusses the "relational nutrients" that help people heal, and explains how our own experiences can grow our empathy and deepen our ability to bear one another's burdens. Whether you're supporting a loved one through a difficult season or learning how to become a more compassionate presence in the lives of others, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and practical encouragement for everyone. https://resetministries.us https://hangingontohope.org *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="6d17116b-c5f1-473d-9366-7e4fd208dbba" data-turn-id-container="6d17116b-c5f1-473d-9366-7e4fd208dbba" data-testid="conversation-turn-3" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user">
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#251 The Healing Power Of Being Present With Carissa Raderstorf
May 2900:27:55Tap to summarize*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="85840783-ead1-4ff3-82cd-4cec1794f8c1" data-turn-id-container="85840783-ead1-4ff3-82cd-4cec1794f8c1" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome back to the show Carissa Raderstorf. Carissa is an ordained minister, board-certified pastoral counselor, and founder of Reset Ministries. She oversees Reset Retreats, Reset Together, personalized coaching, and intensive story work. Passionate about helping people experience emotional healing, relational growth, and a deeper connection with God, Carissa holds an M.A. from Olivet Nazarene University and graduate certificates in counseling and executive coaching from the Townsend Institute. In this encouraging episode, Brenda, Karen, and Carissa discuss why being present with someone in pain is often one of the most powerful gifts we can offer. Many of us feel pressure to fix problems, give advice, or provide the perfect spiritual answer, but Carissa explains why simply showing up and sitting with someone in their grief, trauma, disappointment, or loss can be far more meaningful. They explore why so many people struggle with being present, how building healthy relationships before difficult seasons creates a foundation of support, and why even introverts need caring connections. Carissa shares practical, easy-to-understand ways to support others, discusses the "relational nutrients" that help people heal, and explains how our own experiences can grow our empathy and deepen our ability to bear one another's burdens. Whether you're supporting a loved one through a difficult season or learning how to become a more compassionate presence in the lives of others, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and practical encouragement for everyone. https://resetministries.us https://hangingontohope.org *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="6d17116b-c5f1-473d-9366-7e4fd208dbba" data-turn-id-container="6d17116b-c5f1-473d-9366-7e4fd208dbba" data-testid="conversation-turn-3" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user">
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