How to Handle Criticism Without Losing Yourself: Cultivating Resilience in a Loud World

What happens when criticism becomes a regular part of your personal, professional, or spiritual journey? Mike Erre shares raw, hilarious, and honest insights from years of being on the receiving end of all types of feedback—from drive-by insults to thoughtful, transformative critiques. Whether it's angry emails, anonymous letters, vague threats cloaked in "concern," or painfully awkward encounters, Mike breaks down the different types of criticism and how to respond with wisdom, humility, and strength. This solo episode offers a practical and candid framework for examining feedback, gauging its value, and protecting your mental and emotional health in the process. Learn how to be a non-reactive presence, why not every critic deserves a response, and how criticism—when rightly received—can be a gift that cultivates deep growth. Key Takeaways: • "Who is this from?" – Why discerning the source of criticism is the first essential filter. • Specific vs. General Feedback – How to recognize the difference and why specificity leads to growth. • Responding with Non-Reactivity – Strategies to avoid anger, appeasement, or over-explaining when criticized. • The Power of Trusted Voices – Why you should surround yourself with safe, truth-telling people before the noise starts. • The Role of Humor and Boundaries – How levity and clear lines keep criticism from becoming toxic. Resources Mentioned: • Emotionally Healthy Church by Pete Scazzero – on being a nonreactive presence • Kenton Beshore (former pastor at Mariners Church) – influential feedback conversation • Patreon Support for Vox – https://www.patreon.com/voxology Call to Action: Got feedback of your own? Mike says—bring it on (within reason)! Let us know what resonates with you or what you've learned about handling critique in your own life. And as always, subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay part of the growing conversation. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more about the Voxology Podcast https://voxologypodcast.com/ Subscribe on iTunes https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/voxology The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy?si=3fb86269da0449ed Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com/ Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy