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PODCAST · religion

The Desire Line

by Susette Magana, M.A., (Therapist) & Brandon Cook, B.A., M.St. (Pastor)

A therapist and a pastor discuss Jesus, psychology and spiritual formation. Susette Magana, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Brandon Cook, Pastor of Long Beach Christian Fellowship Church, discuss their unique perspectives on how we grow, change, and heal. What you get: a new perspective on relationships, childhood experiences, culture, and ways that prayer, scripture, and community can change us, and help us to experience freedom in our lives.

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Episodes

  1. The Naming the Real Podcast: What is Happening Here?

    From your favorite one-time pastor/podcast host (of a podcast hosted by a pastor and a therapist), comes a new offering: The Naming the Real Podcast. This is another preview episode of this new podcast, which you can find and subscribe to at Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or wherever you get your...

  2. The Naming the Real Podcast: Are You Happy Now?

    From your favorite one-time pastor/podcast host (of a podcast hosted by a pastor and a therapist), comes a new offering: The Naming the Real Podcast. Because--as you may remember--the right naming of things is the beginning of wisdom. Enjoy this episode from Brandon's new podcast, and then come...

  3. 72 | Until We Meet Again

    Brandon and Susette announce, The Desire Line Podcast is coming to an end. In this final episode they reminisce over their favorite memories from the past 3 years and recognize the wonderful content produced and relationships formed because of it. Susette and Brandon have exciting projects coming...

  4. 71 | Social Distancing, CoronaVirus, and Coping with Anxiety

    We jumped on mic for a bit for a raw episode talking about the CoronaVirus, Social Distancing, and how we're coping with this change. Brandon identified the difference between Resistance and Acceptance, and aligned it with the normal emotional process of first fighting & resisting change and…

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  5. 70 | Flourishing Beyond Abuse Part 2

    We are finishing our arc on abuse and discussion on recovery from abuse. Susette and Brandon bring up how family of origin affect abuse experiences, common phrases they hear that dismiss abuse, and the importance of creating boundaries on the path to forgiveness. There is no limit to how much we...

  6. 69 | Flourishing Beyond Abuse Part 1

    Susette and Brandon wrap up our arc on abuse by talking about recovery and how we can flourish, thrive and triumph in the face of our trauma. In this episode Susette shares experiences in which her body and mind show in a miraculous way how they are intertwined and Brandon calls us to live in...

  7. 68 | Forgiving Reality | Mental Health and the Church

    Last episode we continued our discussion on spiritual abuse. This week Brandon Cook shares a sermon he gave titled Forgiving Reality. In light of our arc on abuse we have explored the place forgiveness has on our path to healing from our trauma. Brandon takes the discussion a step further by...

  8. 67 | Spiritual Abuse Part 2 | Mental Health and the Church

    Join us as we continue our conversation on spiritual abuse as we strive for differentiation and being well informed to identify health church relationships. "Spiritual Abuse is when someone use their spiritual authority or manipulates your natural spiritual longings to have power over you..."...

  9. 66 | Spiritual Abuse | Mental Health and the Church

    Susette and Brandon explore the topic of spiritual abuse. They recognize that leaders who have authority of the spiritual lives of others have a great impact however a powerful ability to hurt those they lead. They call us to view our pastors and other spiritual leaders in appropriate roles. As...

  10. 65 | Emotional Abuse | Mental Health and the Church

    Susette and Brandon discuss what qualifies as emotional abuse and what does not. Although it is difficult to identify emotional abuse, they outline language and tools to help us be aware of the possible unhealthy power dynamics of relationships. "Emotional abuse is an attempt to control, in just...

  11. 64 | Sexual Abuse Cont' | Mental Health and the Church

    This week's episode continues our discussion with Barbara Sonofsky on the topic of sexual abuse. We explore the process of healing for individuals at different stages of their trauma, we identify what attitudes and obstacles keep us from healing and relish in a God who is the ultimate comforter,...

  12. 63 | Sexual Abuse | Mental Health and the Church

    As we continue our arc on abuse Susette and Brandon invite Barbara Sonofsky to the conversation of sexual abuse. In this episode Barb shares her story and explains how her experiences and recovery has shaped her. We shed more light on the complexities of this form of abuse in hopes to raise...

  13. 62 | Regulators, Mount Up!

    This week Susette Magana shares a sermon on recognizing and accepting our emotions, learning to regulate them and integrating them in our relationship with God. Emotions (all of them) are normal. EMOTIONS and BEHAVIORS are different. When we feel something, we then make a choice to act. "Ignoring...

  14. 61 | Physical Abuse Cont' | Mental Health and the Church

    We continue the arc of abuse in this episode on the topic of physical abuse. Susette and Brandon discuss what this abuse looks like for children, and in romantic relationships, while more subvert forms physical abuse are brought to awareness. We realize these lines of definition are fine and more...

  15. 60 | Physical Abuse| Mental Health and the Church

    We continue the arc of abuse in this episode on the topic of physical abuse. Susette and Brandon define what is considered physical abuse while also providing resources on how to further assess situations. We identify misconceptions of physical abuse and embark on a the issue of spanking, a…

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  16. 59 | Abuse | Mental Health and the Church

    This episode begins the arc on abuse in our season on Mental Health in the Church. Susette and Brandon discuss different types of abuse and how they should be properly addressed in their professional perspectives. We will recognize the different forms in which people experience abuse, how we can...

  17. (The Favorites) 15| Four Stages Of Spiritual Growth

    In this episode we get to look back at one of our most popular episodes on spiritual development. Every faith journey is different, but are there discernible patterns that are common among us? Law was good, but it could never transform It was good, it taught you that we live in a moral universe,...

  18. 58 | Refuse To Be Offended: A Prayer Practice

    The Desire Line Podcast presents a message given by our very own Brandon Cook. We will dive into the Lord's prayer and it's implications on our spiritual and prayer practices. Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV) 9 "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your…

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  19. 57 | The Body Matters

    Brandon and Susette continue the discussion of the long lasting myth that affects how we view mental health, especially in relation to faith; that the body doesn't matter. Having a dualistic mindset on this topic brings us closer to the desireline. The roles of neuroscience, contemplative…

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  20. 56 | The Integration of the Body and Mind | Part 2

    Brandon and Susette dive deeper into a long lasting myth that affects how we view mental health, especially in relation to faith; that the body doesn't matter. We talk about what healthy integration of both mind and body in terms of our faith looks like, and the importance of expressing that in a...

  21. 55 | Integration of Body and Mind | Part 1

    Brandon and Susette dive deeper into a long lasting myth that affects how we view mental health, especially in relation to faith; the body and mind are separate entities. This is seen in Greco versus Hebraic view of the body and mind. We talk about what healthy integration of both looks like, and...

  22. *BONUS EPISODE* Suicide & Faith Communities

    In this bonus episode we take a break from our series on mental health and the church to talk about current events surrounding suicidality. Susette takes an educational moment to address how we talk about suicide in our communities and how talking about suicide relieves a stigma providing a space...

  23. 54 | Mental Health the Church and Myths that Surround It | Part 2

    Episode 54- MENTAL HEALTH AND THE CHURCH I: MYTHS OF MENTAL HEALTH CONT' Follow us on Twitter: @my desireline & @brandonalancook & @susettemtherapy On instagram: @desire.line.podcast @susette.magana.therapy & @brandonalancook Support us on Patreon on "The Desire Line Podcast" In this episode the...

  24. 53| Mental Health the Church and Myths That Surround It

    In this episode we introduce the theme of season three, mental health and the church, and begin to uncover some of the myths associated with these two different, yet integral movements. In this theme we'll explore how faith communities might or might not engage with issues and how we, in faith,...

  25. 52 | Season 2: Highlights | Part 2

  26. 51 | Season 2: Highlights | Part 1

    The end is always bittersweet. We're wrapping up Season 2 this week with a discussion on all the topics covered throughout the past year. In part one of our chat, we go back into our arcs on Attachment Theory and Understanding The Bible. Thanks so much for tuning in!

  27. 50| Enneagram Party: Types 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 | Personality XI

    It's an Enneagram Party! Part Two!

  28. 49 | Enneagram Party | Personality VIII

    It's an Enneagram Party! Kristy Hinds is a speaker, author and storyteller. You can find her book Redeemed: The Power Of A Single Story here at this link! Barbara Sunofsky is the Pastor of Family and Soul Care at Long Beach Christian Fellowship. You can find her at LBCF.org. Bryan Rouanzion is…

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  29. 48 | Enneagram: Wings, Stress & Health | Personality VIII

    We're back again with another Enneagram episode. This week we discuss with our esteemed colleague and friend of the podcast, Bryan Rouanzion, Enneagram Wings and the ways that each type turns to others in moments of stress and moments of health. Thanks for joining us!

  30. 47 | Enneagram Numbers 5-7 | Personality VII

    Part two is here! Continuing out discussion from last weeks episode, we dive into our final Enneagram Triad; The Mind. We also delve into the Myers Briggs correlation within enneagram types. Thanks for tuning in! Bryan Rouanzion is the Pastor of Teaching and Formation at Canopy Church in Costa...

  31. 46 | Enneagram Numbers 8 - 4 | Personality VI

    Bryan's back...alright! This week we're diving into further discussion on two of the three intelligence centers covered in the previous episode. If you are not caught up, we highly suggest you give episode 45 a listen. If you are bummed we didn't cover your enneagram number in this episode, have…

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  32. 45 | Enneagram: Body, Heart & Mind Triads | Personality V

    Personality reigns supreme. This week we're diving in to The Enneagram with friend-of-the-podcast, Bryan Rouanzoin. With ancient roots that transformed into a further exploration and understanding in the 20th century, The Enneagram taps into a deeper sense of human personality and archetype…

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  33. *BONUS EPISODE* Conversation With Robert Vore & Dr. Holly Oxhandler of CXMH Podcast

    A bonus ep! We are so excited to share this conversation with our DLPC. We are huge fans of the CXMH Podcast and we hope you love our chat with Robert Vore & Dr. Holly Oxhandler as much as we did. Click here to check out their podcast!

  34. 44 | Myers Briggs & Prayer | Personality IV

    We're back with another episode on personality! Today we discuss the different ways that we seek God. We touch on how this correlates to our Myers-Briggs, strength praying/playing and what functionally puts you in touch with the divine. Thanks so much for tuning in, we hope you enjoy! NBC's One…

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  35. 43 | The Four Temperaments | Personality III

    In our 3rd episode on Personality, we dive into the Four "Ancient" Temperaments first introduced by Galen of Pergamon, a Greek physician and surgeon. We talk our own individual reflections on the aforementioned identities, the utilization of these in popular media and how Keirsey realigned them…

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  36. 42| Understanding Our Strengths | Myers Briggs | Personality II

    Find us! We want to connect with you. Instagram: @susette.magana.therapy & @brandonalancook FB: The Desire Line Podcast Community Twitter: @susettemtherapy @brandonalancook @mydesireline Patreon: www.patreon.com/desirelinepodcast ______________________________________ In the second episode in our...

  37. 41| Personality, Temperament & Unique Identity | Personality I

    Join us on our Facebook Group: The Desire Line Podcast Community. Follow us on Twitter: @mydesireline & @brandonalancook & @susettemtherapy On Instagram: @susette.magana.therapy & @brandonalancook Support us on Patreon on "The Desire Line Podcast." In this episode, we begin our arc on Personality...

  38. 40 | Redemption thru Prayer & Reconciliation | Interview | Kristy Hinds, Author & Pastor

    Today is a stand alone episode with Pastor & Author Kristy Hinds & Susette. Kristy worked for years at a local Long Beach church as an Associate Pastor, now works in her denomination as a District Superintendent. Or, a "Pastor for Pastors." She has recently written a book called "Redeemed: The...

  39. 39 | Violence | Understanding the Bible VII

    We finish our arc on Understanding the Bible, and our discussion on "Weird Bits" of the Bible that can bring up fear or doubt (cont'd from Episode 38). In this ep, we look at Violence in the Bible, and use Greg Boyd's perspective on how to view it. Click here to listen to our previous episode "If...

  40. 38 | Weird Bits: Inerrancy & Infallibility | Understanding the Bible VI

    Weird bits of the bible. They're there. Now what do we do with them? In this episode we dive into scripture, wrestling with the inconsistencies, theological differences and other instances in the bible that can sometimes give a bit of a gut punch. We discuss our own personal journey's, different...

  41. 37 | Bible + Erik Erikson + Richard Rohr | Understanding The Bible V

    Hey Desire Line family! We are back with another episode in our series on Understanding The Bible. Today we dive back into human development and the ways it mirrors spiritual development, seen throughout the history of the bible. We use Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development to examine...

  42. 36 | Human Development + Scripture Development | Understanding The Bible IV

    We are back again with another episode in our arc on Understanding The Bible. In a decidedly lighter episode, we discuss how the development of scripture mirrors human development and human psychology. We go through M. Scott Pecks Four Stages Of Spiritual Development and how it ties in directly…

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  43. 35 | Suffering & Jesus | Understanding The Bible IV

    How do we read scripture through the filter of Jesus, shifting the focus of our faith? We are now on our 3rd episode in our arc on Understanding The Bible. In this episode we talk about reading scripture as a story of ongoing development, the revelation of who God is in Jesus and how the...

  44. 34 | Talking NT Wright: The 5 Acts | Understanding The Bible III

    Part three of Understanding The Bible is here! In this episode, we discuss our 'patron saint of the podcast', NT Wright and his thoughts on viewing the bible "from 20,000 feet". We discuss how NT breaks down scripture into 5 acts and how they ultimately serve as a love story of restoration…

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  45. 33 | The Story of God's Pursuit of Us | Understanding The Bible II

    Please rate, review & subscribe to The Desire Line Podcast--it really helps us to get the word out! Do you relate to the Bible primarily as an orientation to right and wrong or as the story of God pursuing man? Are you willing to wrestle with it? For the second episode in our arc on Understanding...

  46. 32 | Understanding The Bible I

    Please rate, review & subscribe to The Desire Line Podcast--it really helps us to get the word out! Do you relate to the Bible primarily as an orientation to right and wrong or as the story of God pursuing man? Are you willing to wrestle with it? For the first episode in our arc on Understanding...

  47. 31 | Praying while Moving | Interview with Mike Goldsworthy

    Click here to find Brandon's new book! "Be still and know that I am God". How many times have we found ourselves wrought with feelings of anxious obligation when it comes to making time to be with God? For many of us, the time needs to look like silent prayer, meditation or other spiritual...

  48. 30 | Keeping Healthy Boundaries | Attachment Theory VI

    It's the final (countdown!) episode in our arc on Attachment Theory. We have all this theory, now what do we do with it? In this episode we cover the practical application of attachment theory and what it means to be healthily and unhealthily attached in 9 different categories: Body Attitudes...

  49. 29| Differentiation: Bonding & Setting Boundaries | Attachment V

    Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review us on iTunes! It REALLY helps us to grow. Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/desirelinepodcast Instagram: @susette.magana.therapy and @brandonalancook Twitter: @mydesireline, @susettemtherapy and @brandonalancook Also, check out our Patreon...

  50. 28| Insecure: Avoid, Please, Vacillate, Control, Victimize | Attachment IV

    Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review us on iTunes! It REALLY helps us to grow. Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/desirelinepodcast Instagram: @susette.magana.therapy and @brandonalancook Twitter: @mydesireline, @susettemtherapy and @brandonalancook Today's episode will focus on the insecure...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A therapist and a pastor discuss Jesus, psychology and spiritual formation. Susette Magana, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Brandon Cook, Pastor of Long Beach Christian Fellowship Church, discuss their unique perspectives on how we grow, change, and heal. What you get: a new perspective on relationships, childhood experiences, culture, and ways that prayer, scripture, and community can change us, and help us to experience freedom in our lives.

HOSTED BY

Susette Magana, M.A., (Therapist) & Brandon Cook, B.A., M.St. (Pastor)

Produced by Susette Magana & Brandon Cook

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Desire Line have?

The Desire Line currently has 79 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Desire Line about?

A therapist and a pastor discuss Jesus, psychology and spiritual formation. Susette Magana, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Brandon Cook, Pastor of Long Beach Christian Fellowship Church, discuss their unique perspectives on how we grow, change, and heal. What you get: a new perspective...

How often does The Desire Line release new episodes?

The Desire Line has 79 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Desire Line?

You can listen to The Desire Line on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Desire Line?

The Desire Line is created and hosted by Susette Magana, M.A., (Therapist) & Brandon Cook, B.A., M.St. (Pastor).
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