Podcast
Jesus and Your Mental Health
Hosted by Rebecca Maxwell & Jonathan Vinke · EN
Jesus and your mental health, a podcast exploring the links between behavioral science and Gods word to help you live the life God intended. Visit jesusandyourmentalhealth.com to learn more.
Jesus and Your Mental Health and the information provided by Rebecca Maxwell are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Rebecca Maxwell is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
If you are in crisis, please contact the Crisis Text Line at 988, National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or your local emergency services.
51episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S2 E23: Raising Disciples, Not Just Good Kids: Gospel-Centered Parenting with Amber Hicks
1w ago00:56:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode Rebecca Maxwell interviews Amber Hicks, a friend and kids minister at Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida. They dive deep into the philosophy behind gospel-centered kids ministry and partnering with parents in making disciples. Parents are encouraged to focus on setting up practical rhythms for family life (scripture, prayer, worship, memorization), and prioritizing heart-focused parenting over mere behavior management. Amber and Rebecca also address challenges kids face today—screens, social media, and cultural noise—and offer simple, everyday practices to disciple children, share stories of the unique challenges ministry families face, and point listeners to resources and community support for raising faith-filled kids. For more information on Rebecca Maxwell or her practice, please visit https://www.jesusandyourmentalhealth.com/
Transcribe →S2 E22: The Big Brave Choice: Teaching Kids the Courage to Forgive with Lori Newell
3w ago00:51:10Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, Rebecca Maxwell interviews Lori Newell about her new children's book, The Big Brave Choice, co-written with Pastor Joby Martin. The episode explores how the book uses a relatable story about twins to teach forgiveness as a gospel-centered, courageous choice and includes practical parent resources and church curriculum for ages 4–8 (usable through elementary school). They discuss why forgiveness matters for faith and mental health, the importance of parents modeling forgiveness, and how the book can help families and churches plant lasting gospel truths in children’s hearts. The book releases June 9. For more information and to pre-order, visit https://jobymartin.com/books/the-big-brave-choice For other trusted children's resources: https://coe22.com/resources/all/recommended-family-discipleship/ To reach Lori Newell: Instagram @lorinewell_ lori.newell@coe22.com For more information on Rebecca and her practice, please visit https://www.jesusandyourmentalhealth.com/
Transcribe →S2 E21: Parenting Help Pt. 4 - Letting Go Without Losing It: Parenting Late Teens to Young Adults (17-20)
May 1800:55:16Tap to summarizeParenting part 4 explores the challenges and transitions of parenting late teenagers into adulthood, covering identity formation, responsibility, faith development, and practical boundaries around dating, work, and finances. Rebecca Maxwell and Jonathan Vinke share real-life examples, explore mental health signs to watch for, and suggest strategies for mentoring rather than controlling. You'll be encouraged to remember the importance of community, prayer, and maintaining your own identity beyond parenting. For more information on Rebecca Maxwell and her practice, please visit jesusandyourmentalhealth.com
Transcribe →S2 E20: Parenting Help Pt. 3 When Kids Become Teens: Navigating Identity, Hormones, and Boundaries (12-16)
May 400:48:46Tap to summarizeIn part 3 of our parenting series, we explore parenting during the volatile middle-school-to-high-school years (roughly ages 12–16), covering brain development, puberty, identity formation, and the growing importance of peers. We discuss effective approaches to discipline (authoritative vs. authoritarian), maintaining connection, friendship circles, privacy and phone/social media boundaries, and how to coach rather than control. You'll be encouraged to stay present, set clear values and boundaries, involve teens in consequences, protect face-to-face relationships over screens, and don’t give up—this stage is intense but temporary and shapeable with steady, loving guidance. For more information on Rebecca Maxwell and her practice, please visit jesusandyourmentalhealth.com Find the book Brainstorm on Amazon here.
Transcribe →S2 E19: Parenting Help Pt. 2 - Raising Elementary Kids to be Rooted, Resilient, and Confident (6-12)
Apr 2000:41:55Tap to summarizeWelcome to part two of our multi-part series on parenting. This episode explores parenting elementary-aged children (roughly 6–12). We explore a range of topics, including building resilience and confidence, setting consistent discipline tied to family values, managing friendships and bullying, handling technology and screen limits, making schooling and extracurricular choices, and guiding spiritual formation including conversations about baptism. We want you to gain practical wisdom centered on relationship-building, staying steady through boundary-pushing, and preparing kids for future independence. For more information on Rebecca and her practice, please visit Jesusandyourmentalhealth.com
Transcribe →S2 E18: Parenting Help Pt. 1 - The Crucial Early Years (0–5)
Apr 600:39:48Tap to summarizeWelcome to part one of our multi-part series on parenting. This episode focuses on parenting children ages 0–5, emphasizing how rapid brain development and early attachments shape trust, safety, and emotional growth. Rebecca Maxwell and Jonathan Vinke discuss practical approaches to soothing, teaching self-regulation, setting balanced consequences, the role of play and routine, and concerns about screen distraction—offering realistic guidance rather than perfectionism. Our hope is that as you listen you'll receive encouragement, ideas for community support, and a reminder that consistency, presence, and grace help parents steward these formative years. For more information on Rebecca Maxwell and her practice, please visit jesusandyourmentalhealth.com
Transcribe →S2 E17: BONUS - ADHD, Identity & Shame: Reclaiming Who You Are feat. Julie Norman
Mar 3000:42:33Tap to summarizeRebecca Maxwell and her guest Julie Norman explore how ADHD’s dopamine-sensitive nervous system affects motivation and executive function, and how those challenges often become misread as laziness or moral failure. They introduce the "three C's"—capable, chaotic, critical—and explain how regulation and compassion protect identity from shame. If today’s conversation about ADHD, identity, and emotional regulation resonated with you, there are a few ways to go deeper. Julie has created a Task Initiation infographic that explains why starting tasks can feel so hard for ADHD brains—and what actually helps. You can also join Structure Without Shame, my upcoming course on emotional regulation and sustainable structure for real life, designed for both neurodivergent and neurotypical adults who want more calm and clarity in how they live and work. And if you simply need accountability to get things done, you’re welcome to join our free Friday Body Doubling / Parallel Play sessions at 9am Central for two focused Pomodoro work blocks. For more information on Julie Norman and her practice, go to https://peaceregardless.com/ For more information on Rebecca Maxwell and her practice, go to https://www.jesusandyourmentalhealth.com/
Transcribe →S2 E16: Surrender, Sobriety, and Salvation: A 12‑Step Journey with Steve & Val Crooks
Mar 1601:00:40Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, Rebecca talks with Steve and Val Crooks about their decades-long recovery through a 12-step program. This important conversation covers the moment they knew they needed help, and how surrender and community transformed their lives. Hear how faith and practical daily practices—meetings, sponsors, prayer, and accountability—intersect with recovery and offer concrete steps for anyone wondering if they need help. This episode shares real stories of hope, encouragement to reach out, and the message that healing is possible when honesty replaces secrecy and surrender replaces self-reliance. For more information on Rebecca and her practice, please visit Jesusandyourmentalhealth.com If you would like help or information on finding a 12-step program in your area, go to https://www.aa.org/find-aa or dial 988 from any phone.
Transcribe →S2 E15: Biblical Acceptance and Peace - Finding Shalom in the Serenity Prayer
Mar 200:50:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Rebecca Maxwell and Jonathan Vinke explore the Serenity Prayer and its roots in faith-based recovery, exploring what biblical acceptance really means and how to balance accepting what you cannot change with courage to change what you can. Gain practical steps for finding peace including identifying controllables vs. uncontrollables, surrendering burdens to God, journaling to clarify choices, seeking wise counsel, and taking daily, present-focused actions to grow in peace and purpose. For more information on Rebecca and her book, go to jesusandyourmentalhealth.com
Transcribe →S2 E14: Stop This Train - Embracing Age, Grief, and God
Feb 1600:46:51Tap to summarizeThis episode explores how aging changes the brain, body, relationships, and faith, and how grief and loss shape emotional and spiritual maturity. Rebecca Maxwell and Jonathan Vinke discuss practical ways to tend to mind, body, and relationships, embrace new seasons, and find purpose and hope in growing older through a life rooted in Christ. See Arthur C. Brooks' book From Strength to Strength here. For more information on Rebecca Maxwell and her practice, go to Jesusandyourmentalhealth.com
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