Authentically Amber: Navigating Life's Anxious Moments & Everything In-Between

Season 2, Episode 9: Learning to Live Loved: Healing Fear, Faith, and Family in the Journey of Adulting— Interview with Janet NewberryWhat if growing up — or “adulting” — wasn’t about becoming more independent, but learning how to live more loved? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Janet Newberry, host of the Love is Fearless podcast and founder of John 15 Academy, to explore how our upbringing, family systems, and church experiences shape our mental health and sense of self. After losing her mom to suicide, Janet found herself on a journey of healing that redefined her faith, identity, and relationships. Through that process, she discovered that love — not fear, performance, or perfection — is what truly transforms us into healthy adults.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ How childhood and family patterns affect mental health in adulthood.✨ Why many young adults struggle with performance-based faith and fear of failure.✨ Janet’s story of losing her mom to suicide and finding healing through love.✨ The difference between “living afraid” and “living loved” — and how to tell which one you’re doing.✨ How to form a secure identity in Christ as the foundation for emotional maturity.✨ Encouragement for anyone wondering if God can redeem their past (spoiler: He can—and does).✨ Practical tools for building healthy adult relationships rooted in truth and grace.Takeaways:✨Needing help is holy work. ✨Setting boundaries isn't just necessary, but healing. ✨Live to "trust" God, not just "please" God. Resources Mentioned:📚 Education by Design, Not Default: How Brave Love Creates Fearless Learning by Janet Newberry💻Website: john15academy.com (Restoring the Lost Art of Being Family)📸 Instagram: @janet_newberryLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: You don’t have to earn God’s approval or fix everything to be worthy of love. You already are.

Season 2, Episode 8: Generations Deep — Healing From Inherited Trauma Through Faith and Therapy— Interview with Gina BirkemeierDescription: Do you ever feel stuck in patterns you didn’t choose—habits, reactions, or beliefs that seem to run in your family? In this powerful episode of Authentically Amber, I sit down with Gina Birkemeier, licensed professional counselor, trauma therapist, and award-winning author of Generations Deep, to talk about breaking free from generational trauma. Gina’s unique blend of faith, therapy, and science (including the study of epigenetics) helps people understand what’s been passed down—and how to rewrite their stories with God’s help. Together, we explore how to stop repeating cycles of dysfunction and start living out a new legacy of healing, hope, and purpose.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Gina’s personal story of growing up in generational dysfunction and finding her calling in trauma therapy.✨ What generational trauma really is—and how it shows up emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.✨ How faith and therapy work together to help us break family cycles and reclaim our identity in Christ.✨ The science of epigenetics and how trauma can be passed down through generations.✨ Practical tools to begin healing your family story today.✨ Encouragement for anyone wondering if God can redeem their past (spoiler: He can—and does).Takeaways:✨ You can’t heal what you won’t acknowledge—awareness is the first step to freedom.✨ Faith and therapy are partners in healing, not competitors.✨ God doesn’t just want to redeem your story; He wants to redeem your family line.✨ The past explains you, but it doesn’t have to define you.Resources Mentioned:📚Generations Deep: Unmasking Inherited Dysfunction and Trauma to Rewrite Our Stories Through Faith and Therapy by Gina Birkemeier📚 The Choice by Edith Eger📚 Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore💻 Website: www.GinaBirkemeier.com📨 Substack: https://ginabirkemeierlpc.substack.com/📸 Instagram: @ginabirkemeierLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: You don’t have to repeat the story you were born into—with faith and healing, you can write a new one.

Season 2, Episode 7: Managing Emotions with Science and Scripture: Finding Peace with Alicia MichelleDescription: What if emotional control wasn’t about suppressing feelings—but understanding them through both faith and neuroscience? In this practical and hope-filled episode of Authentically Amber, I sit down with Alicia Michelle (pronounced Alesha), certified NeuroCoach, author, and host of The Christian Mindset Coach Podcast, to talk about how Christian women can build emotional confidence using science and Scripture.Alicia’s newest book with Baker Publishing helps readers uncover biblical and brain-based tools to manage emotions, transform thought patterns, and experience peace in every area of life. Through her ADD Method (Acknowledge, Discern, Decide), she shares a powerful, grace-filled process that integrates brain science and God’s truth for real emotional freedom.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🧠 The ADD Method and how to process emotions biblically and practically.🧠 Managing emotions in relationships, work, and family life.🧠 How faith and neuroscience work together to handle emotional triggers.🧠 Tools for staying grounded during seasons of stress or transition.🧠 The difference between emotional suppression and Spirit-led regulation.🧠 Why managing emotions is actually a form of worship and discipleship.Takeaways:✨ Emotions aren’t enemies—they’re indicators pointing to deeper needs and truths.✨ God designed your brain and body to work with your faith, not against it.✨ True peace comes when we align our thoughts, emotions, and spirit with Him.Resources Mentioned:📚 Alicia’s new book with Baker Publishing- Emotional Confidence🎧 The Christian Mindset Coach Podcast💻 Website: aliciamichelle.com📸 Instagram: @aliciamichellecoachLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: Your emotions aren’t meant to control you—they’re meant to draw you closer to the God who created you.

Season 2, Episode 6: Holy and Healing — Trauma, Faith, and Finding Hope in Christ (Interview with Esther Smith)Description: What does it look like to walk with Jesus while carrying the wounds of trauma? In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with Esther Smith—licensed therapist, trauma-informed counselor, and Christian author—to talk about how faith and therapy work together in the process of healing. We’ll unpack stigma, shame, and what it truly means to bring our whole selves—body, mind, and spirit—before God. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about needing therapy while following Jesus, this conversation will remind you that faith and healing are not opposites—they’re beautifully intertwined.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ What trauma really is—and why both “big T” and “little t” traumas matter.✨ How Christians can better understand trauma without minimizing or spiritualizing it.✨ The theology of healing: why Scripture supports honesty, lament, and practical recovery.✨ What trauma-informed counseling actually looks like for believers.✨ How to find the right therapist and begin your healing journey with grace.✨ Encouragement for Gen Z and young adults learning to live authentically through pain and faith.Takeaways:✨ Faith and therapy are teammates, not opposites.✨ Healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about honesty and surrender.✨ You can hold both trauma and trust in God at the same time.✨ Jesus meets you in your wounds, not beyond them.Resources Mentioned:📚 A Still and Quiet Mind and Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith by Esther Smith💻 Visit ChristianTraumaCounseling.com to learn more about Esther’s workLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: You don’t have to be perfect to be loved by God—you just have to be willing to heal with Him.

Season 2: Episode 5: From Silent Struggles to Speaking Hope – Interview with Felicia Caid SmithDescription: What if your mental health struggles didn’t disqualify you—but actually became the place where God does His greatest work? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I sit down with Felicia Caid Smith, wife, mom, and First 5 writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, to talk about her journey through anxiety, depression, and spiritual doubt—and how God met her in the middle of her pain. Together, we explore how faith and vulnerability can lead to healing, freedom, and hope.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Felicia’s early experiences with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.✨ The silence and shame she faced as a Christian woman struggling mentally.✨ What led her to finally seek help—and why taking medication doesn’t make you less faithful.✨ How God redeemed her story and grew her faith through brokenness.✨ Why the Church must do better in supporting mental health.✨ Encouragement for Gen Z and young adults who feel pressure to “be okay.”Takeaways:✨ Your struggle doesn’t disqualify you—it may be where God meets you most deeply.✨ Healing is not one-size-fits-all; sometimes God’s miracles include medicine and community.✨ You don’t have to hide your pain to be holy—God can use it for His glory.Resources Mentioned:📚 Felicia’s Devotions on the First 5 App by Proverbs 31 Ministries📚 Connect with Felicia: feliciacaidsmith.com📸 Follow Felicia on Instagram: @feliciacaidsmithLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com💻 Retreat: AmberGinter.com/mentalreset📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: Your struggles don’t make you less faithful—they make you beautifully human, and God’s grace is big enough to meet you there. 💛

Season 2: Episode 4: Flourish Anyway: Faith, Friendship, and Building Sacred Spaces – Interview with Rachel EarpDescription: What does it look like to keep growing when life doesn’t go as planned? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my sweet friend Rachel Earp—author, podcaster, business leader, and founder of the upcoming Flourish community—to talk about how faith, friendship, and sacred spaces help us flourish even in unexpected seasons.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Rachel’s story of faith, motherhood, and building a national business with her husband.✨ How her son’s Down Syndrome diagnosis became a story of fear, faith, and growth.✨ Moving from isolation to community and rediscovering belonging.✨ The heart behind her Flourish community and new podcast, You Can Grow Anyway.✨ Encouragement for women who feel behind, overlooked, or unsure where they fit.Takeaways:✨ You can flourish even when life looks different than you expected.✨ God’s love makes every season fruitful, even the messy ones.✨ You’re not too late, too small, or too unseen to grow.Resources Mentioned:📚 You Can Grow Anyway Podcast by Rachel Earp📚 Join the Flourish Waitlist: rachelearp.com📚 Follow Rachel on Instagram: @rachellearpLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: You’re not too late, too small, or too overlooked to grow—with God, you can flourish anyway.

Season 2, Episode 3: Rewiring Your Mind: Faith, Neuroscience, and the Art of Self-Brain Surgery with Dr. W. Lee WarrenDescription: What if you could literally rewire your brain — not with surgery, but through the power of your mind? In this transformative episode of Authentically Amber, I sit down with Dr. W. Lee Warren — neurosurgeon, Iraq War veteran, trauma survivor, and award-winning author — to talk about how neuroscience and faith intersect to heal the mind and heart.After surviving the horrors of war, an unwanted divorce, and the tragic death of his teenage son, Dr. Warren hit rock bottom. But instead of giving up, he applied what he knew as a brain surgeon to his own mental and spiritual recovery — a process he calls Self-Brain Surgery. His upcoming book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery (Tyndale Refresh, February 2026), invites readers to discover how changing your mind can truly change your life.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🧠 How Dr. Warren’s early faith and calling shaped his view of God and identity.🧠 The collision of faith, science, and trauma during his time as a combat surgeon in Iraq.🧠 The heartbreaking loss of his son and how tragedy transformed his faith.🧠 What Self-Brain Surgery really means — and how to apply it to your own thought life.🧠 How neuroscience supports biblical truth about renewing your mind.🧠 Practical tools to rewire your thoughts and find hope again.Takeaways:✨ Faith and science aren’t opposites—they’re partners in the healing process.✨ You have more power over your thoughts and your brain than you realize.✨ Healing begins when you stop being a passive patient in your mind and become the surgeon God equipped you to be.Resources Mentioned:📚 The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery (Tyndale, February 2026)🎧 The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast💻 Website: wleewarrenmd.com📸 Instagram: @drleewarrenLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: You are not your trauma, your diagnosis, or your despair. You are a child of God—capable of rewiring your mind toward healing, hope, and wholeness.

Season 2: Episode 2: Breaking Stigma, Finding Grace – A Conversation with Tabitha YatesDescription: What if mental health struggles weren’t a mark of weak faith but an invitation to experience God’s love in deeper ways? In this heartfelt episode of Authentically Amber, I sit down with Tabitha Yates — mental health advocate, speaker, writer, and best-selling author of Jesus and Therapy. Known as The Redeemed Mama online, Tabitha shares her story of church hurt, surviving a suicide attempt, and discovering that Jesus and therapy can work together to bring healing.Together, we unpack the stigma surrounding mental illness in the church, talk about what true healing looks like, and explore how faith and therapy can coexist beautifully in a Christ-centered life.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ How church hurt and stigma shaped Tabitha’s faith and mental health journey.✨ The powerful story of her suicide attempt and what led to her healing.✨ The heart behind Jesus and Therapy and why the church needs this message.✨ Practical steps for building boundaries and grace-filled communities.✨ Encouragement for Gen Z navigating faith, anxiety, and healing.Takeaways:✨ God’s grace meets you in your most vulnerable moments.✨ Therapy and faith aren’t opposites—they can work hand in hand for healing.✨ You’re not disqualified by your struggle; you’re deeply loved right where you are.Resources Mentioned:📚 Jesus and Therapy by Tabitha Yates📲 Follow Tabitha on Instagram: @tabitha_yates_author💻 Learn more about her work: The Redeemed MamaLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: You are not your stigma, your struggle, or your story. Healing is holy—and Jesus meets you right where you are.

Season 2: Episode 1: Living Beyond Your Label: Finding Wholeness in Mind, Body, and Spirit – Interview with Erin KerryDescription: What if the labels you’ve been given—whether from a diagnosis, circumstance, or even yourself—weren’t the final word on your identity? In this episode of Authentically Amber, I sit down with @sparkingwholeness — integrative health coach, podcast host, and author of Live Beyond Your Label. Erin shares her powerful story of walking through PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder, and how faith, nutrition, and movement helped her find healing and wholeness. Together, we talk about breaking free from the boxes that hold us back and embracing the full life God designed for us—mind, body, and spirit.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Erin’s journey of finding freedom from mental illness through faith and holistic healing.✨ The danger of labels—and how to redefine or release them.✨ Practical ways to calm your nervous system and manage stress.✨ The connection between food, mood, and mental wellness.✨ How to live rooted in your true identity in Christ.Takeaways:✨ You are not your diagnosis or your past—you are deeply loved and made whole in Christ.✨ Healing is possible when faith meets intentional care for your body and mind.✨ Freedom begins when you stop letting labels define your worth.Resources Mentioned:📚 Live Beyond Your Label by Erin Kerry🎧 Erin’s podcast: Sparking Wholeness📲 Follow Erin on Instagram: @sparkingwholenessLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: You are more than a label. Wholeness is possible—and it starts with saying yes to healing with God.

Episode 25: Still Here, Still Healing: Season 1 Reflections- SoloDescription: In this episode, Amber wraps up season 1 of the Authentically Amber podcast. She talks about her favorite episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and what’s in store for season 2. What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ A special recap of season 1✨ What God taught Amber this year✨ Hope for this holiday seasonTakeaways:✨ Don’t grow weary of doing good✨ What’s in store for Season 2✨ Mental Health, Adulting, Relationships, Life Transitions✨ January 7th, 2026—Launch date for season 2Resources Mentioned:📚AmberGinter.com/mentalresetLet’s Connect:💻 Website: ⁠AmberGinter.com⁠📸 Instagram: ⁠@amberginterauthor⁠Reminder: God is with us. He’s still here and we’re still healing. From one season, into the next. 

Episode 24: Taking God Steps: Trusting Him When Life Feels Scary and Uncertain – Interview with Tiffany TutuDescription: What does it look like to say “yes” to God when life feels scary, unpredictable, and overwhelming? In this episode of Authentically Amber, I sit down with my friend, children’s author, and mom of three, Tiffany Tutu (Coryell). Tiffany and I first connected at Camp for Creatives when both of us were stepping away from stable careers—me from teaching, her from pharmacy—to pursue writing. Together, we unpack what it means to take “God steps” in seasons of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, and how to trust Him one step at a time even when the future feels unclear.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ How Tiffany left pharmacy to follow God’s call into writing and motherhood.✨ What it really means to take “God steps” when life feels uncertain.✨ How to trust God in the tension between obedience and anxiety.✨ Practical ways to practice bravery in motherhood, calling, and creativity.✨ Tools for discerning God’s voice and finding peace in the unknown.Takeaways:✨ You don’t have to see the whole path to take the next faithful step.✨ Obedience often comes before clarity—and God meets us in the middle.✨ Anxiety doesn’t disqualify you from being used by God; it’s often where His strength shines the most.Resources Mentioned:📚 Connect with Tiffany: tiffanytutu.com📚 Follow Tiffany on Instagram: @authortiffanytutu🎙️ Listen to Tiffany’s podcast: Mommyhood EmpoweredLet’s Connect:💻 Website: ⁠AmberGinter.com⁠📸 Instagram: ⁠@amberginterauthor⁠Reminder:You don’t have to have it all figured out—just take the next God step. He’ll meet you there.

Episode 23: Therapy, Jesus, & You: Can I Love Jesus and My Therapist, Too? – Interview with Becky KopitzkeDescription: Therapy doesn’t have to be a bad word in Christian circles. In this episode of Authentically Amber, I sit down with my “author mom” and mentor, Becky Kopitzke, to talk about how you can love Jesus and your therapist. Together, we’re debunking myths, breaking down stigma, and showing how mental health and faith can actually strengthen each other. You don’t have to pick one or the other — you can seek support and follow Jesus at the same time.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Becky’s personal journey of faith and mental health.✨ Common myths about therapy — and biblical truths that reframe them.✨ Why therapy and Jesus don’t have to be enemies but can work together for your healing.✨ Practical ways to seek help without guilt or shame.✨ Encouragement for anyone who feels “less than” for needing support.Takeaways:✨ Loving Jesus and seeing a therapist are not mutually exclusive.✨ Seeking help doesn’t make you weak — it makes you brave.✨ Therapy can be a God-given tool to bring healing, growth, and deeper faith.Resources Mentioned:📚 Connect with Becky: beckykopitzke.com📚 Follow Becky on Instagram: @beckykopitzke📚 Becky’s books: Love Because | Generous Love | The SuperMom Myth | Courageous Women of the BibleLet’s Connect:💻 Website: ⁠AmberGinter.com⁠📸 Instagram: ⁠@amberginterauthor⁠Reminder:You can love Jesus and your therapist, too — faith and mental health are meant to work together, not apart.

Episode 22: You’re Not Too Late: Living Faithfully in God’s Timing – Interview with Rebecca GeorgeDescription: Have you ever wondered if you’ve missed your chance—or if it’s too late to do what God put on your heart? In this special episode of Authentically Amber, I sit down with my dear friend, author, and speaker Rebecca George to talk about her newest book, You’re Not Too Late. Together, we dive into themes of timing, calling, comparison, and the beautiful truth that God is never late with His plans for our lives.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ How Rebecca’s personal story shaped the heart behind You’re Not Too Late.✨ Honest struggles with waiting, comparison, and the fear of being “behind.”✨ Encouragement for Gen Z + young adults navigating calling and timing.✨ Practical rhythms for trusting God’s timing and living faithfully.✨ Why success is about obedience, not speed or outcomes.Takeaways:✨ You are not behind—God’s plans for your life are always right on time.✨ Faithfulness matters more than speed or comparison.✨ Seasons of waiting can become some of the richest places of growth and intimacy with God.Resources Mentioned:📚 You’re Not Too Late by Rebecca George — Order here📚 Connect with Rebecca on Instagram: @rebeccageorgeauthor📚 Learn more about Radical Radiance + Camp for Creatives: Rebecca’s WebsiteLet’s Connect:💻 Website: ⁠AmberGinter.com⁠📸 Instagram: ⁠@amberginterauthor⁠Reminder:You are not too late. God’s timing is perfect, and He will equip you for what He’s called you to.

Episode 21: Kindness as a Catalyst: Overcoming Struggles & Building Resilience with Kendall Olsen of Kind MindsDescription: What if kindness wasn’t just something nice to do, but a powerful tool for overcoming life’s hardest seasons? In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Kendall Olsen, founder of Kind Minds, a faith-based organization dedicated to using kindness as a bridge to healing and resilience. Kendall shares her personal journey of mental health struggles, loss, and recovery — and how she turned her pain into a movement that equips others with compassion, courage, and hope.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Kendall’s story of resilience and the moments she had to fight for hope.✨ The mission behind Kind Minds and how it grew from her own struggles.✨ Why kindness is more than a “nice gesture” — it’s a lifeline in seasons of pain.✨ Practical ways to make kindness a daily, resilience-building habit.✨ A special “Kindness Challenge” for you to try this week.Takeaways:✨ Small acts of kindness can spark big change — for you and those around you.✨ Choosing resilience is a daily decision that can lead to healing and growth.✨ Community rooted in kindness and faith can carry you through the hardest seasons.Resources Mentioned:📚 Connect with Kendall on Instagram: @kind_minds_org📚 Shop Kind Minds apparel, resources + mentoring: hereLet’s Connect:💻 Website: ⁠AmberGinter.com⁠📸 Instagram: ⁠@amberginterauthor⁠Reminder: Kindness isn’t wasted — it’s a catalyst for resilience, healing, and hope.

Episode 20: Brave Women, Bold Faith: Mental Health & Resilience in Scripture – Interview with Laura SmithDescription: Can you struggle with anxiety or trauma and still live a brave, faith-filled life? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with author Laura Smith to explore how Scripture invites us to care for our whole selves—mind, body, and spirit. Drawing from her books Holy Care for the Whole Self and Brave Woman, Mighty God, Laura shares how biblical women modeled courage in the midst of suffering and why you don’t need credentials to speak truth and offer hope. Whether you’re walking through burnout, carrying trauma, or just feel spiritually weary, this episode will remind you: healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Laura’s story of writing and why she’s passionate about holistic care✨ How God calls and equips us—even when we feel unqualified✨ Lessons of resilience from biblical women like Sarah, Ruth, and Abigail✨ Practical ways to care for your whole self in seasons of burnout and overwhelm✨ How spiritual disciplines can nurture mental health when done with grace, not guilt✨ Why you don’t need perfection to walk in faith, healing, and courageTakeaways:✨ You don’t need credentials to offer encouragement—just a heart willing to show up.✨ The bravest women in the Bible were often the most broken, and God used their weakness as strength.✨ Whole-person care means tending to mind, body, and spirit together.✨ Spiritual practices like prayer, rest, and Scripture can also serve as mental health tools.✨ Brave faith isn’t about having it all together—it’s about showing up with God in the middle of the mess.Resources Mentioned:📚 Holy Care for the Whole Self by Laura Smith📚 Brave Woman, Mighty God by Laura Smith📚 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer📚Laura's free resource for everyone—the first chapter of Brave Woman, Mighty God. Download it HERE. 🌐 laurasmithauthor.com📸 Instagram: @laurasmithauthorLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder:Healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

Episode 19: Faith, Therapy & the Whole Person: Hope for the Hurting – Interview with Laura LewisDescription: In this powerful episode of Authentically Amber, I sit down with licensed counselor, educator, and suicide prevention expert Laura Lewis to unpack what holistic wellness truly means. We discuss the integration of faith and mental health, the ethical role counselors play in addressing spirituality, and how the Church’s view of suicide has shifted over time. Whether you’re walking through pain yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers both practical insight and hope for healing.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ What holistic wellness really looks like (body, mind, and soul)✨ Why faith and mental health aren’t enemies—but essential partners✨ How counselors ethically address spirituality in clinical care✨ The Church’s evolving theology of suicide and why it matters✨ Practical ways faith communities can help, not harm, those who are struggling✨ What a mentally healthy, emotionally safe church looks likeTakeaways:✨ You are more than just your thoughts or body—you’re a whole person, and healing must honor that.✨ Counselors have an ethical duty to consider spirituality as part of care.✨ The Church’s view of suicide has shifted, but more growth and compassion are still needed.✨ Faith communities can offer safe, supportive spaces instead of judgment.✨ Hope isn’t found in avoiding pain, but in walking through it holistically—with God.Resources Mentioned:📚 Learn more about Laura Lewis: laurajlewiscounseling.comLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder:Faith and mental health are not opposites—they’re partners in healing.

Episode 18: Overcoming in the Dark: A Conversation on Mental Illness & God’s Grace with Dr. Terry Powell – InterviewDescription: What do you do when the darkness doesn’t lift? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Terry Powell—author, professor, and long-time mental health advocate—to talk about finding God’s grace in the middle of depression, not just on the other side of it. His decades of ministry experience and personal honesty will encourage anyone walking through the shadows.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Why Christians can still struggle with mental illness✨ Biblical hope in depression (not just after it)✨ Practical ways to build spiritual and emotional resilience✨ How to walk with others through the darkness✨ Encouragement for those who feel like giving upTakeaways:✨ Depression doesn’t disqualify you from God’s purpose✨ Sustaining grace can be as powerful as immediate healing✨ Spiritual resilience is built through daily, intentional practicesResources Mentioned:📚 Penetrating the Darkness by Dr. Terry Powell – PenetratingTheDarkness.comLet’s Connect:💻 Website: ⁠AmberGinter.com⁠📸 Instagram: ⁠@amberginterauthor⁠Reminder: When the darkness doesn’t lift, God’s sustaining grace meets us in the middle of our pain, not just after it’s gone.

Episode 15: Healing While Adulting: Faith, Trauma, and Therapy with Stephen Duraney – InterviewDescription: Adulting is hard—especially when you’re carrying unresolved trauma, struggling with emotional health, or trying to follow Jesus in a world that doesn’t pause. In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Duraney, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and trauma therapist, to talk about how faith and therapy (including EMDR) can help us heal as we grow into healthy, whole adults.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ How unresolved trauma shows up in adulthood—relationships, work, and even faith✨ Why many young adults feel shame over “not being over it by now”✨ What EMDR therapy is (and why it’s not as scary as it sounds)✨ How faith and prayer can be integrated into trauma healing✨ Lies young adults believe about emotional health—and the truth that sets us free✨ Encouragement for anyone struggling with trauma while navigating adult responsibilitiesTakeaways:✨ Healing is possible—even if it feels slow, messy, or incomplete✨ Faith and therapy are not at odds; they can work beautifully together✨ Trauma impacts the brain and body, but with the right tools, we can feel safe again✨ You don’t have to be fully healed to start walking in freedomResources Mentioned:📚 Trauma/PTSD Checklist (PCL-5): Download Here💻 Stephen’s Website: lumin-therapy.com📧 Connect with Stephen: [email protected]🙏 Prayer, therapy, and EMDR as tools for Christian healingLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: Faith and therapy aren’t enemies—together, they can heal your trauma and transform how you adult.

Episode 16: When Elderberry, Embarrassment & Anxiety Collide – SoloDescription: Ever had one of those moments that went from slightly awkward to full-blown meltdown in seconds? So there I was—sticky, confused, bleeding… or so my husband thought. Elderberry was everywhere, and so was my shame.In this episode, I share the hilariously mortifying story of how elderberry syrup ended up on my head, my floor, and nearly sent Ben into panic mode—while I was on my period.But what started as a mess turned into a mental health moment I didn’t know I needed. We’re talking about how quickly embarrassment can spiral into shame, and how to meet ourselves with compassion when we feel like crawling under a blanket. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by something small, this one’s for you.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ The story I never thought I’d share publicly 🙈✨ How shame can hijack our minds (even over elderberry)✨ Why embarrassment often leads to anxiety and perfectionism✨ A reminder that God doesn’t cringe at our mess—He steps into itTakeaways:✨ Small moments can spark big spirals—and it’s okay to slow down and laugh✨ Shame tries to define us, but grace redefines us✨ God meets us in our mess with empathy, not judgment (Hebrews 4:15–16)✨ You’re not alone in your spirals, your spills, or your sticky seasonsResources Mentioned:📚 Hebrews 4:15–16 (NIV)“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…”Let’s Connect:💻 Website: ⁠AmberGinter.com⁠📸 Instagram: ⁠@amberginterauthor⁠Reminder:I want to hear your most hilarious mess-up or embarrassing mental spiral—DM me on Instagram or leave a comment! And don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a giggle and some grace, and stay tuned for our next episode on Overcoming Struggles & Building Resilience.

Episode 15: From Stuck to Steady — Healing Anxiety One Small Step at a Time—with Sofia Fiotaki
Description: Has anyone ever told you to heal anxiety by doing handstands on the wall—or to just “pray more and worry less”? We’ve all heard the extremes. But anxiety isn’t always panic attacks—it’s often the numbness, the overthinking, the exhaustion that won’t lift. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with holistic anxiety coach Sofia Fiotaki to explore why traditional coping often falls short and how slow, soul-level healing is possible through holistic practices, small steps, and steady faith. If you’re tired, stuck, or spiritually discouraged, this episode will offer real hope and practical tools for walking toward peace.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ The hidden ways anxiety shows up in daily life✨ Why faith-based clichés often fail to support real healing✨ How to begin holistic healing when you're too tired to try✨ Breathwork, grounding, and nervous system tools that work✨ Encouragement for the soul who feels distant from GodTakeaways:✨ You are not broken—you are not alone✨ Healing is slow, sacred, and deeply personal✨ Safety (emotional, spiritual, and relational) is foundational✨ Faith and practical tools can coexist✨ One small step can begin your transformationResources Mentioned:📚 Unmask Your Anxiety Podcast by Sofia Fiotaki📱 Instagram: @holistic_anxiety_coach📱Facebook Group: Link to her profileLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder: Slow, soul-level healing is possible—one small step at a time.

Episode 14: Scrupulosity and the Christian Mind – Interview with Tori PeytonDescription:Being a young adult is hard enough—but what happens when your faith becomes one more thing to obsess over? In this raw and hopeful conversation, Tori Peyton shares what it’s like to navigate adulthood with OCD, PTSD, an eating disorder, and scrupulosity—a form of OCD tied to religious fear and shame. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at faith, overwhelmed by your thoughts, or unsure what “healthy spirituality” looks like in your 20s, this episode is a gentle guide back to grace.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Tori’s honest story navigating OCD, eating disorders, PTSD, and depression as a young adult✨ What scrupulosity is—and why it’s more than just “being a good Christian”✨ How mental health struggles shape your view of God, self, and spirituality✨ Ways to seek help, embrace grace, and let go of shame✨ Practical encouragement for anyone silently battling spiritual anxietyTakeaways:✨ Your thoughts are not your worth.✨ Just because you think something doesn’t mean it’s true.✨ God is not disappointed in your struggle—He is present in it.✨ Grace isn’t earned. It’s received.✨ Mental health and faith are not enemies—they can work hand-in-hand.Resources Mentioned:📚 Keep Growing Podcast by Tori Peyton📱 @growwithtori on IG📚 Exposure Response Therapy📚 ERP OCD Workbook on AmazonLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder:Adulting is hard, but you don’t have to figure it out alone—especially when your mind makes things feel impossible. It’s okay to seek help. It’s okay to not be okay. You are not broken. You are not disqualified. You are not too much for God. Grace is still yours—even on the days when it’s hard to believe it. Even on the days it’s hard to think straight.Our God is not a God of disorder or chaos, but a God of peace. The Word He brings speaks peace over you.

Episode 13: “What Am I Even Doing With My Life?” — Purpose, Pressure & the In-Between - SoloDescription: Ever stare at the ceiling at night and wonder, What am I even doing with my life? Like… what’s the plan here, God? Where am I headed? Since leaving my teaching job to write full-time, I’ve felt this way often. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the “in-between”—between what was and what’s next—this episode is for you.In this solo episode, we’ll dive into the pressure to have it all figured out, how to find peace in uncertainty, and why your purpose is still unfolding, even when you feel like you’re standing still.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Why Gen Z feels “behind” in life✨ The myth of the linear path and how God leads differently✨ Real stories from my own confusing transitions✨ Biblical encouragement from Joseph, David, and Paul✨ Practical tools for navigating seasons of waitingTakeaways:✨ You’re not too late, too lost, or too far gone—God is still writing your story✨ Your purpose is not a job title; it’s who you’re becoming✨ The in-between isn’t a waste of time—it’s preparation✨ You don’t need clarity to be obedient✨ Peace is found in God’s presence, not perfect plansResources Mentioned:📚 Rebecca George — “You’re not too late. There is hope for your heart in the middle of a world that would love to convince you that you’re running out of time.”Let’s Connect:💻 Website: ⁠AmberGinter.com⁠📸 Instagram: ⁠@amberginterauthorReminder: You are not behind. You are not failing. You are not forgotten. God is forming something beautiful in you—even here, even now.

Episode 12: The Summer I Turned Confused: Love, Expectations & Anxiety – SoloDescription: Have you ever finished a show and thought, Why isn’t my love life like that? Same. For the past few weeks, I’ve been watching The Summer I Turned Pretty—and let me tell you, I’ve got all the feels. This Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad love triangle has stirred something in me, not just as a viewer, but as a woman navigating real relationships in the real world.In today’s episode, I’m opening up about how TV shows like TSITP (and social media too!) can shape our expectations of love and create emotional spirals filled with comparison, confusion, and anxiety. From my own personal “why doesn’t my love story look like that?” moments to the deep heart work God is doing in me, I’m inviting you into a conversation about what happens when fictional love meets our real-life longings—and how to find truth and healing beyond the screen.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Why we get emotionally hooked on fictional relationships✨ The connection between media, mental health, and unrealistic expectations✨ How shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty trigger anxiety, comparison, and grief✨ My personal confession: what I learned (and unlearned) from watching✨ A reframe of what real, God-centered love actually looks like✨ Journal & prayer prompts to process your own expectations and emotional triggersTakeaways:✨ You’re not too much for longing deeply✨ Real love isn’t chaotic—it’s peaceful, patient, and grounded in truth✨ God can handle your emotions, your questions, and your grief✨ It’s okay to enjoy stories—but your real story is still worth livingResources Mentioned:📚 Journal prompts + prayer reflections shared in the episode at the end:1. What are the stories—on screen or in real life—that have shaped how I view love?2. Have I ever compared my relationship (or lack of one) to what I see on TV or social media? How did it make me feel about myself?3. Do I equate emotional intensity with value or love? Why?4. What kind of love am I longing for—and what do I hope it will fix in me?5. Where do I feel anxiety, shame, or disappointment around relationships right now? What would it look like to offer that to God?6. What does healthy, God-centered love actually look like to me?7. Where might I need to grieve a fantasy—and begin accepting peace?📺 The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV show reference)Let’s Connect:💻 Website: ⁠AmberGinter.com⁠📸 Instagram: ⁠@amberginterauthor⁠Reminder:You were created for love that’s steady, not chaotic. Love that reflects the heart of God—not just the highlight reels or plot twists on a screen. Keep healing. Keep hoping. Keep being authentically you.

Episode 11: Adulting in the Modern World — with Hannah Reager, LPCDescription: Let’s face it. Adulting is hard. Between paying bills, managing anxiety, realizing no one taught you how to do taxes, and figuring out relationships, it’s no wonder so many of us feel confused, overwhelmed, and burdened. In this episode, I sit down with licensed Christian counselor Hannah Reager, LPC, to talk about what mental health really looks like in your 20s.Together, we dive into anxiety, emotional health in dating and marriage, faith struggles, and real tools for adulting with purpose. Whether you’re struggling to manage stress, communicate in love, or just want to feel a little less alone—you’ll leave this episode feeling seen and supported.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨ Why anxiety feels different in your 20s (and how to tell if it’s clinical)✨ How to navigate emotional health in dating, marriage, and singleness✨ What SYMBIS and Gottman therapy are—and how they can help you grow✨ Faith struggles in adulthood and how counseling makes space for hope✨ Red flags in relationships and communication tools for deeper connection✨ Rapid-fire favorites: Hannah’s top resources, habits, and her #1 advice for Christian adultsTakeaways:✨ Your 20s are a pressure-cooker of transition—therapy can offer real support.✨ Emotional maturity is key to healthy relationships—especially in Christian dating and marriage.✨ Faith and mental health can and should go hand-in-hand.✨ You don’t have to have it all figured out to be deeply loved and used by God.✨ Growth is possible, and healing is real—even in the middle of adulting.Resources Mentioned:📚 Gottman Card Deck App📚 The Sacred Search by Gary Thomas📚 Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer📚 Get Out of Your Head and Untangling Your Emotions by Jennie Allen📚 Books by Gary Thomas and Jennie Allen on emotions, relationships, and purposeLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorConnect with Hannah:🧠 Website: Cornerstone Family Services - Hannah ReagerReminder: If you're feeling overwhelmed, behind, or unsure of your next step—take a deep breath. You’re not the only one who finds this season challenging. Adulting is messy and complicated, but you don’t have to walk through it alone.Give yourself grace. Start small. And know that asking for help—whether through prayer, counseling, or community—is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are seen, loved, and held—even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.

Episode 9: From Campus to Career – Navigating the Real World After Graduation— Interview with Ian HudsonDescription: Graduating from college is a major milestone—but what happens when the cap and gown come off and you're still unsure who you are or where you're headed? In this episode of Authentically Amber, I sit down with Ian Hudson to talk about the messy, beautiful, and often overwhelming transition from college life into adulthood. Ian shares how his post-grad years were marked by spirals of anxiety, panic attacks, and identity struggles—but also by God’s powerful grace. If you're wrestling with career pressure, post-grad uncertainty, or the fear of not being enough, this episode will remind you that healing and faith can coexist—and that God has a plan for you, even when the path feels unclear.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✨The emotional and mental toll of post-grad life✨Ian’s honest account of panic attacks, depression, and faith struggles✨How to navigate uncertainty, identity crises, and pressure to succeed✨Why men—especially Christian men—need to talk about mental health✨The role faith, therapy, fitness, and community play in healing✨Encouragement for anyone feeling lost or behind in lifeTakeaways:✨You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.✨It’s okay for faith and mental health struggles to exist together.✨Vulnerability is not weakness—it's where healing often begins.✨Comparing your journey to others will only steal your peace.✨God is with you—even in the mess. Especially in the mess.Resources Mentioned:📚 Therapy📚 Medication📚 Psychologists & Psychiatrists📚 Prayer, Scripture, Community & FamilyLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorConnect with Ian: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhudson01/Reminder:You are not alone. You are not behind. You are deeply loved—and God’s plan for your life is unfolding even when you can’t see it yet.

Episode 10: Stay in Your Lane: Adulting and Comparison – Finding Peace in Your Own Journey -SoloDescription:It’s easy to compare yourself to others—especially when it feels like everyone else has it all together. But what if God never asked you to run their race? In this solo episode of Authentically Amber, we’re diving into what it looks like to stay in your lane, trust God’s unique plan, and silence the lie that says you’re behind. I share a personal story of a literal car crash, a biblical perspective from Romans 12 and John 21, and three practical ways to break free from the comparison trap. If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t enough, this episode is for you.What You'll Hear in This Episode:✨ How to recognize and reshape comparison habits✨ Why your God-given mission matters more than someone else’s highlight reel✨ The truth that she (or he) isn’t your enemy—we’re all part of the same Body✨ How Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 speak into our worth and uniqueness✨ Real-life examples from dance teams, public school talks, and personal reflectionsTakeaways:Comparison distorts your vision—you can’t see God’s plan for your life when you're focused on someone else's path.Your calling is custom-made—you don’t need to copy anyone else to matter or be used by God.Everyone has a part to play—your gifts, even the quiet ones, are essential to the body of Christ.Resources Mentioned:📚Romans 12:2, Romans 12:6–8, 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, John 21📚Podcast: Heaven Meets Earth – “Following God’s Voice” with Jamie WinshipLet's Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder:You’re not behind—you’re on your way, and the only lane you need to run in is the one God made just for you.

Episode 8: Adulting in the Digital Age: The Struggle of Constant Connectivity- SoloFinding Peace, Purpose, and Presence in a World That’s Always “On”Description:Have you ever felt like your phone is running your life? Between nonstop notifications, endless emails, and the pressure to stay “always available,” digital overload is real—and it’s leaving many of us drained, distracted, and spiritually depleted. In this solo episode, I’m diving into the reality of adulting in the digital age, the mental and spiritual cost of constant connectivity, and how we can reclaim our time, our minds, and our moments. If you’re feeling burned out by the buzz, this one’s for you.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why our digital lives are making us tired—and what to do about itHow Jesus modeled a lifestyle of rest, solitude, and spiritual balanceBooks and Scripture that are reshaping how I view rest and technologyPractical ways to set healthy boundaries with your phone and socialsWhy solitude is sacred—not scary—and how to embrace itEncouragement to seek stillness in a noisy worldTakeaways:Your phone isn’t evil—but it might be stealing your peaceRest is a holy rhythm, not a luxuryDigital boundaries help you make room for what matters mostYou become what you give your attention to—choose wiselyResources Mentioned:📚 The Unplugged Hours by Hannah Brencher📚 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder:If you’re exhausted from always being “on,” you’re not alone. Jesus invites you into a slower, more sacred rhythm—one of presence, purpose, and peace. Unplug, reconnect with your soul, and remember: He meets you in the stillness.

Episode 5: Why OCD Is Not Your Punch Line: Let’s Talk About It- Interview with Ben JohnsonAn Honest Conversation About Mental Health, Faith, and CompassionDescription:Has anyone ever told you you're “so OCD” just because you like things clean or organized? Spoiler alert: OCD isn’t a quirk or a punch line—it’s a serious mental health condition. In this special episode, I’m joined by my husband, Ben Johnson, to talk about his personal journey with OCD, including the challenges, misconceptions, and how his faith has shaped the way he manages it. We’re opening up about religious scrupulosity, how OCD impacts relationships (including marriage), and how we can love those walking through it with empathy and grace.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Ben’s story and experience with OCD—what it really looks likeWhy OCD is more than being tidy or detail-orientedHow faith and mental health can coexist, even in tensionThe impact of OCD on friendships, dating, and marriagePractical tools for managing OCD and supporting those who live with itTakeaways:OCD is not a personality trait—it’s a serious conditionFaith can be both complicated and comforting in the journeySupporting someone with OCD starts with compassion, not correctionLet’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder:Mental health isn’t a joke—it’s part of being human. Whether you’re struggling with OCD or walking alongside someone who is, you are seen, loved, and never alone.

Episode 7 : Why Adulting Feels Like Fake It Till You Make It – SoloDescription:Adulting can feel like a never-ending game of pretending to have it all together. But what if no one really has it all figured out? In this episode, Amber talks about the pressures of adulting, feeling like an imposter, and the messy reality of being in your 20s and 30s while still figuring things out. She also shares how faith can help ground us in the midst of the chaos, even when we feel like we’re faking it.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The pressure to have everything figured out in your 20s and 30sHow to challenge the myth of perfection in adultingThe story of Moses and how his doubts and struggles resonate with our ownThe role of faith in navigating the messiness of lifeHow to take the next best step in your journey, trusting God along the wayScripture Highlighted:Exodus 3:11 – Moses’ doubts and struggles in answering God's callProverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”Key Moments:[03:45] The pressure to have it all together in your 20s and 30s[10:20] How Moses felt unqualified, yet still obedient[14:40] Trusting God with the next step, not the whole journey[18:50] How faith helps us ground ourselves in the chaos of lifeResources Mentioned:Tired on the Inside: Finding Hope When You Aren’t Okay by Amber Ginter Johnson (Coming Soon- Updates to come)Connect with Amber:Instagram: @amberginterauthorWebsite: www.amberginter.comReminder:If you're loving the podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It really helps me to reach more people who may need this message. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey—one step at a time, we’ll get through it together. Until next time, friends!

Episode 6: Embarrassing Moments with Amber — The Day I Faceplanted in the Front Office: Finding Faith (and Laughter) in Unplanned MomentsDescription:Let’s just say my first year of teaching taught me a lot—like how not to pass out in the front office in front of your coworkers, the AAA guy, and your mom. In this lighthearted episode, I’m sharing one of my most embarrassing moments—complete with faceplants, awkward medical talk, and a whole lot of humility. But more than just a funny story, this episode is about finding God in the mess, learning to laugh at ourselves, and remembering that He meets us in every moment... even the ones we’d rather forget.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:A hilariously awkward story from Amber’s first year of teachingWhy laughing at ourselves is holy and healingHow God shows up in the messy, unplanned, and embarrassing momentsEncouragement through Scriptures like Luke 6:21, Psalm 126:2, and Ecclesiastes 3:4A reminder that joy doesn’t come after the chaos—it meets us in itReminder:You don’t have to be perfect to be loved. God isn’t waiting for your polished version—He’s already here, laughing with you, loving you, and turning your most cringey moments into stories of grace and growth.

Episode 4: The Guilt of Taking Care of Yourself: Is Self-Care Biblical? - SoloDescription:As Christians, we’re taught to love others and put them first, but what happens when we feel guilty for taking time for ourselves? In this episode, Amber Ginter Johnson explores the concept of self-care from a biblical perspective, discussing how caring for your body, mind, and spirit isn’t selfish but necessary for spiritual, emotional, and physical health. If you’ve ever struggled with balancing the tension of serving others while showing up for yourself, this episode is for you.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:The biblical basis for honoring your body, mind, and spiritWhy self-care is an act of worship, not selfishnessHow to manage your symptoms and prioritize well-being without guiltThe importance of listening to your body and mindReal-life wisdom from Amber’s personal journey and how to care for yourself authenticallyResources Mentioned:📚 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk📚 Tired of Being Tired by Jess Connolly📖 Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20Let’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder:Self-care is not selfish; it’s stewardship. You are not weak for needing help or taking time for yourself—you’re wise. Take heart, live authentically, and honor the body, mind, and soul that God created.

Episode 3: Faith, Doubt, and the Journey: Is It Okay to Question God? - SoloDescription:Many of us were taught that doubt has no place in faith. But what if it’s not the absence of doubt that strengthens our faith, but how we navigate it? In this episode, Amber Ginter Johnson explores the beauty of wrestling with questions, fears, and doubts, and how it’s okay (and even necessary) to allow yourself to ask hard questions in your spiritual journey. If you’ve ever felt like you're failing in your faith because you’re struggling with doubt, this episode is for you.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Why doubt doesn’t disqualify your faithThe importance of being honest with God in your strugglesThe biblical example of the father in Mark 9:24 and what it teaches us about belief and unbeliefHow faith is about pursuit, not perfectionPractical encouragement for navigating doubt in your walk with GodResources Mentioned:📖 Scriptures: Hebrews 11:1, 2 Peter 3:9, Mark 9:24Let’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder:If you’re struggling with doubt, know this: Jesus sees you, loves you, and is with you in it all. Your doubt doesn’t cancel your faith, and your journey is far from over.

Episode 2: Anxious but Adulting: Is Anxiety a Sin? (And Other Hot Topic Q’s) - SoloDescription:Have you ever wondered if anxiety is a sin? Or if depression means you lack faith? In this episode, Amber Ginter Johnson dives into some tough questions surrounding mental health and Christianity. Together, we’ll tackle myths about anxiety and depression in the church, explore biblical truths, and discuss what it means to struggle while living out your faith and learning to adult. No shame, no judgment—just an open, honest conversation about faith and mental health.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Myth #1: "Anxiety means you don’t trust God"Myth #2: "Depression is a sin"The three types of anxiety and how to approach eachWhy seeking therapy and taking medication is not a lack of faithHow Scripture and faith can support your healing journeyEncouragement for navigating mental health struggles within the ChurchResources Mentioned:🎁 Download the free resource guide: My Top Resources for Faith + Mental Health📖 Scriptures: Matthew 6:19–21, 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7, Proverbs 15:22Let’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder:Anxiety and depression don’t define you. You are loved, you are seen, and you are not alone in your struggles. Together, with Jesus and each other, we can build a Church that supports mental health. Keep walking, one step at a time.

Episode 1: Why You Can Love Jesus and Still Struggle — Breaking the Silence on Mental Health (Solo)Description:Let’s be honest—being a Christian doesn’t mean you won’t struggle with mental health. In this powerful solo episode, we’re breaking the silence around mental health in the Church. If you’ve ever felt like your faith isn’t strong enough because you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, this one’s for you. Amber Ginter Johnson shares her personal story, biblical truths, and encouragement for anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s okay to love Jesus and still struggle.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Amber’s journey with anxiety, trauma, and faithThe harm of spiritual clichés and toxic positivityBiblical examples of mental health struggles (Elijah, David, Job)Why struggling doesn’t mean your faith is weakEncouragement for seeking help, therapy, and communityHow Jesus meets us in our suffering—without shameResources Mentioned:🎁 Grab your free resource guide: My Top Resources for Faith + Mental Health📖 Scriptures: John 16:33, Galatians 6:2, Matthew 11:28–30Let’s Connect:💻 Website: AmberGinter.com📸 Instagram: @amberginterauthorReminder:Your struggles do not disqualify your faith. You are not broken, you are becoming. God is near—even in the mess. Let’s walk through it together—authentically.

Hi, friends! Welcome to Authentically Amber, a podcast for anyone navigating the rollercoaster of adulting and living out their faith in a messy world. Join me, Amber Ginter Johnson, for raw, honest conversations on life’s challenges—from mental health and faith to practical wisdom for everyday living—all designed to help you grow, heal, and thrive. Whether you're facing change, struggling with anxiety, or just need someone who gets it, you're not alone. Get comfortable as we dive into the messiness of life—and everything in between—together. This is Authentically Amber.