Best of: Why are so many young people struggling to find hope—and how can we help?

Note: This episode was originally published on November 19, 2025 and was one of our most popular conversations over the last 12 months. We're currently taking a summer break for the month of July, but we will be back with new episodes starting on August 5th.In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman welcomes Tim Altman, President and CEO of TheHopeLine, for a heartfelt and timely conversation about the growing need for hope among today’s young people—especially during the holiday season.Tim shares how TheHopeLine, a 24/7 online ministry, is meeting students and young adults right where they are—offering free, compassionate support through live chat to those struggling with loneliness, anxiety, and crisis. He and Mark talk about the realities facing this generation, from the isolating effects of social media to the rise in mental health challenges that leave many searching for purpose and belonging.Drawing from TheHopeLine’s LEAP model—Listen, Encourage, Advise, and Plan/Pray—Tim explains how hope coaches are trained to provide both practical guidance and spiritual care in real time. He also offers insight into how parents can best love and support their teens, and what families can do to bring light into what can be a difficult season for many.Together, Mark and Tim reflect on the deep spiritual hunger behind the headlines and the remarkable ways God is working through everyday conversations of care and faith. It’s a reminder that hope is not abstract—it’s alive, active, and available in Christ, even in our darkest moments.Topics(0:00) Introduction (3:26) Defining hope today (7:31) Why hope is fading (10:31) HopeLine mission origins (13:14) From radio to web (16:56) Live chat and LEAP (17:58) Crisis story and identity (24:42) HopeLine global reach (27:10) Crises beyond suicide (30:39) Recruiting hope coaches (37:45) Website resources support (42:32) ConclusionResourcesTheHopeLineFacebook: TheHopeLineTheHopeLine (@thehopeline) • Instagram photos and videosTheHopeLine (@thehopeline) / Posts / XTikTok: TheHopeLine.com Tim Altman on LinkedInWhat does the Bible say about suicide? • Denison ForumHaving suicidal thoughts? Call or text 988Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?To stop suicide every 40 seconds: Jacob Coyne with StayHere.liveHow to help prevent suicide and aiding survivors: A conversation with John Mark CatonHow to navigate suicide, self-harm, depression, and emotions with preteens and teens: A conversation with Jeff and Terra MattsonHow can Christians navigate anxiety and negative thoughts?How can understanding the mind-body-spirit connection improve mental health struggles?Ask Us Anything: [email protected] for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Tim AltmanIn 1986, after 7 years in local Christian radio and video production in Denver, Colorado, Tim joined the Dawson McAllister Association (DMA). In January 1991, he helped launch and produce Dawson McAllister Live!, a syndicated call-in talk radio program for students 21 and younger. Later that same year, The HopeLine was launched as a back-end to the radio show. It began as a part-time toll-free phone connection for young people needing to connect with a caring adult volunteer. In 1994, the show was awarded Talk Show of the Year by the National Christian Broadcasters. In 1996, Tim became the Senior Vice President of Programming.In 2000, he left to work with academia as a media consultant and producer in the development of interactive web-based curriculum, but returned to DMA in 2006 as CEO. This corresponded with a new Top 40 version of Dawson’s call-in show that became syndicated nationwide through then Clear Channel, now iHeart Radio.This large radio platform led to major growth for TheHopeline, eventually taking on a life of its own. With Dawson’s blessing, the ministry officially changed its name to TheHopeLine in 2019. Tim has a BBS in Pastoral Theology from Colorado Christian University. He has been married to Janice for 52 years and they have the kids and grandkids to prove it.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.