Chaplaincy On The Go

This episode features Lori Kroll, the founder of Love and Lean, an initiative created to honor her son Zak’s life and legacy. What began as grief has turned into purpose—impacting lives, building awareness, and creating a lasting ripple effect of hope and meaning.Love and Lean exists to ensure Zak’s story continues to make a difference—transforming loss into legacy and pain into purpose.This conversation explores the intersection of grief, legacy, faith, and how one life—though gone too soon—can continue shaping others in powerful ways.LOVE yourself and know that your pain is real, but so is hope.    &LEAN on others (faith, family, friends, teachers, neighbors, co-workers, coaches, counselors, healthcare professionals and community) for help, because the more you lean, the stronger you grow in mental fitness.Sign up for the race!Learn more about Care Portal

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with the leader of the Walk for Warriors and his efforts to focus on suicide prevention and mental health through Operation Injured Soldiers to talk about the unseen battles many Veterans continue to fight long after their military service ends.We explore the realities of Veteran mental health — including isolation, identity shifts after transition to civilian life, trauma, and the heartbreaking reality of suicide risk. But this episode isn’t just about statistics. It’s about people. It’s about stories. And it’s about hope.Learn more about the Walk for WarriorsLearn more about CarePortal

In this episode of Chaplaincy on the Go, Josh sits down with Dr. Benjamin Long to explore the powerful connection between mental health, sleep, and a Jesus-centered spirituality. Together, they unpack how chronic sleep deprivation impacts the brain, amplifies anxiety, and disrupts emotional regulation.We talk about why exhaustion shrinks emotional margin, how the nervous system influences spiritual clarity, and why you candeeply love Jesus and still need better sleep and struggle with sleeplessness.But this conversation isn’t just neuroscience — it’s deeply spiritual.Scripture reminds us that God is not distant from our sleepless nights:“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for youalone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalms4:8If you’ve ever felt anxious, spiritually distant, mentally foggy, or emotionally reactive — this episode will help you understand why rest is not weakness. It is alignment.You’ll walk away with:A clearer understanding of how sleep affects mental and spiritual healthCompassion for your body and limitsPractical rhythms for improving sleepA renewed vision of rest as spiritual formationBecause sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do… is go to bed.Learn more about BenGet Ben’s BookLearn more about CarePortal

In a world filled with constant notifications, endless demands, and the steady hum of distraction, many people quietly wonder: Why is it so hard to hear God anymore? In this thoughtful andgrounding conversation, we sit down with AnthonyCozzello, Lead Pastor of Cultivate Community Church, to explore how modern noise—both external and internal—can crowd out the still, steady voice of God.Anthony shares practical wisdom on the differentkinds of “noise” that shape our lives today: digital overload, emotional stress, hurried schedules, and even the internal narratives we carry. Together, we unpack how these layers of distraction don’t just affect our attention—theyimpact our spiritual awareness, our capacity for peace, and our ability to discern God’s guidance.This episode also offers hope-filled, practical steps for creating space to listen again. From rediscovering rhythms of silenceto learning how God often speaks through subtle, quiet impressions rather than dramatic moments, listeners will walk away encouraged to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with the voice that has been present all along.Whether you feel overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or simply longing for deeper clarity, this conversation invites you to step out of the noise—and back into attentive, life-giving listening.Learn more about Care Portal: https://www.careportal.org/Learn more about Cultivate: https://cultivateff.org/Watch Anthony's message: https://www.youtube.com/live/IqDLa3tTfnU?si=5pYzcgq6xn16Kf1P

In this episode, we explore one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of human life and workplace culture — the power of connection and the profound dangers of isolation.We dive into how meaningful relationships affect our mental, emotional, and physical health, why connection is central to thriving at work, and practical ways you can build stronger relational bonds in your daily life.You’ll learn:How isolation impacts your brain and body — from stress hormones to sleep cyclesWhy humans are wired for connection — and what happens when that wiring is neglectedThe real workplace cost of disconnection — burnout, disengagement, and turnoverPractical connection habits you can start today — from relational check-ins to building safe spacesLeadership strategies that cultivate care, belonging, and resilienceThis episode isn’t just about feeling good — it’s about being well, performing well, and living well in community with others.👉 Download the full talk PDF here:https://fearlessfollower.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Power-of-Connection-1.pdfLearn More About Our Partner:🌍 CarePortal — connecting churches and community services to children and families in crisis:https://www.careportal.org/Whether you’re a leader, coworker, friend, or human being navigating life in community, this episode will inspire you to choose connection over isolation — because we are stronger together.

Our attention is under constant attack—and our mental health is paying the price. In this episode, we explore how excessive digital technology reshapes the brain, fuels anxiety, fragments focus, and quietly erodes our capacity for deep thought and meaningful connection. We unpack why modern apps are designed to keep us hooked—and what that’s doingbeneath the surface.Joined by guest speaker Dave McGovern, LPC, we connect the science to real-life mental health outcomes and offer a hopeful alternative: Digital Minimalism—a values-based approach to using technology intentionally rather than compulsively.If you’ve felt distracted, mentally exhausted, or stuck in constantstimulation, this conversation offers clarity, practical insight, and a path toward reclaiming focus and emotional health.Check Out These Resources: Resource GuideDigital Detox GuideCheck out Cal Newport’s BookCheck out The BrickLearn More About CarePortal

Holiday gatherings are meant to bring us together—but sometimes the dinner table can feel like the hardest place to have a healthy conversation. In this episode/resource, we explore how to create meaningful, life-giving dialogue with your family this season by using gratitude, curiosity, and Dan Sullivan’s powerful Gap and the Gain framework.Whether your family dynamic is peaceful, complicated, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you turn holiday meals into opportunities for connection—not conflict.✨ What You’ll Discover:Simple ways to navigate difficult family discussionsConversation starters that build safety and warmthHow to shift from the “Gap” (what’s missing) to the “Gain” (what’s growing)A practical “Gains & Gratitude” ritual to transform your dinner tableTools to help every person—kids, teens, and adults—feel seen and valuedDownload the Holiday Dinner Conversations Worksheet to guide your table this season:👉 https://fearlessfollower.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Holiday-Dinner-Conversations-1.pdfBring intention. Create connection. Experience the holidays in the Gain.

In this episode, we sit down with pastor, speaker, and author Faith Eury Cho to explore what it truly means to experience friendship with God—especially in seasons marked by depression, anxiety, emotional heaviness, or spiritual wilderness. Faith brings a deeply compassionate and Spirit-filled perspective on how God meets us in our most tender places and how the Holy Spirit becomes our Companion through every valley.Faith Eury Cho is a pastor, speaker, and author passionate about helping people encounter the presence of God in their everyday lives. She co-pastors Mosaic Covenant Church in New Jersey.Guest Website:https://www.faitheurycho.com/Book — Experiencing Friendship with God (Amazon):https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593445570/

In this episode we explore how followers of Jesus and the wider church can faithfully respond to political violence in our nation—specifically in light of the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Joining the podcast is Kevin Pike, Senior Pastor of the Fearless Family of Churches. Kevin helps us wrestle with how Christians can navigate grief, fear, anger, and division while embodying the peace, justice, and the light of Jesus.Learn more about KevinLearn more about CarePortal

In this episode we explore the reality of grief and the power of remembering those we've lost. Joining us on the podcast is a wonderful pastor, mentor, and friend - Cindy Nyhoff. Cindy and her husband, Dave, lost their son to cancer and now host a remembrance walk/run to honor those who have lost a loved one.You can get more information about the remembrance walk here!Learn more about our corporate sponsor - CarePortal

In this episode we explore the power of meaningful relationships and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Joining the conversation is thought-leader, author, and speaker Mike Novakoski. Mike is the President and CEO of EV Construction and EV Group. Mike’s latest book, “Right Brain Justified” explores the impact of relational leadership and its connection to company success and culture.Get the BookLearn more about MikeLearn about CarePortal

In this episode – Kyle Hostetler (Veterans of Semco) joins us to talk about mental health and our veterans. Kyle is a volunteer with Operation Injured Soldiers and leads a “Walk for Warriors” – an event promoted to raise awareness and funds for helping veterans work through challenging mental and emotional realities.Learn more about CarePortalLearn more about Operation Injured SoldiersGet involved in the Walk for Warriors

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Alex Vogelzang on the nature of empathy. Learn more about CarePortal!

In this episode, we discuss the nature of empathy and how it impacts our lives and the lives of those around us. Joining this episode is Alex Vogelzang. Alex brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the conversation! Learn more about CarePortal! 

In this episode we explore the nature of anxiety and how we can cope with it in a way that helps us thrive. Joining us for the episode is Mike Maddox. Mike is a business leader and coach with years of experience in the corporate world. He’s also an “expert” in the lived experience with anxiety. Mike is a co-founder of the Anxiety Resource Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Learn more about Mike.Learn more about ARC.Learn more about CarePortal.

In this episode we explore managing anxiety in ourselves and others. Joining us on the podcast is Steve Cuss. Steve is the author of Managing Leadership Anxiety and The Expectation Gap. Steve and his wife, Lisa, are part of an organization called Capable Life. Steve’s personal experience and insight offer practical solution to chronic anxiety. Learn more about Steve!Learn more about our sponsor CarePortal!

In this episode we look at the dynamics of anger and how we process through it. Anger isn’t bad, but unprocessed anger can be destructive to our mind, body, and soul. Pastor Rick Feria helps us to understand the nature of anger and how we can take practical steps toward working through it.

In this episode we talk about Trauma and Internal Family Systems (IFS) with Lisa Cuss, MA, LPC. Lisa and her husband Steve do amazing work in the world of emotional health. This was an incredible conversation about how our past pain influences our present realities. Learn more about Lisa Learn about Capable Life Learn about Altogether You Learn about CarePortal

In this episode Sean Egan, the Deputy Director of Labor for Michigan, joins us to talk about the impact of mental health in the workplace in the State of Michigan. Sean shares about his own journey with mental health and the current realities that he is working to address in the workplace. Learn more about the state of mental health in Michigan Learn more about Careportal!

In this episode we discuss the challenges of mental health in the skilled trades and construction. Joining us is Mark Dyke, a friend, counselor, and professor at Ferris State University. Learn more about Mark Learn more about Careportal

In this episode we explore the impact of finding our identity in the love and person of Jesus. Joining the podcast is Rick Feria. Rick is a counselor and pastor and serves at the Fearless Family of Churches and, also, with the Fearless Chaplaincy. Learn more about CarePortal!

In this podcast we unpack the challenges of starting the school year with Marcy Kolean, founder of Poeima Coaching. Marcy is a wealth of wisdom and created a "vision guide" resource to help teens and their parents get a foundation of self-image and identity grounded in Jesus. Get the Guide Learn about CarePortal

In this episode we explore the nature of grief and the importance of remembering with a West Michigan pastor and chaplain - Cindy Nyhoff. Cindy has a lot of experience with grief, but also a personal connection to the topic. In 2024, Cindy's son Ben passed away after a long battle with cancer. Cindy's shares honestly about Ben's cancer journey, where they found hope through it all, and how they choose to remember Ben now.

In this episode we explore how past experiences can sabotage our present circumstances and future outcomes. We've all had hard or challenging past experiences. If we are not aware of how to handle them - they can wreak havoc on our relationships and lives. Asking good questions about what happened and what is happening can help us avoid further pain and frustration.

In this episode we talk about mental and spiritual health in the lives of veterans and their families and loved ones. Roughly 20 veterans die by suicide every day. Kyle Hostetler joins the podcast to share the heart behind Operation Injured Soldiers and their desire to help veterans heal from invisible emotional and spiritual wounds. Learn more about Operation Injured Soldiers! Join the Walk for Warriors! Learn more about CarePortal!

In part three of our conversation with Steve Carter - we take a look at how grief can help us grow. Steve shares more of his insights and experience through his own grief journey and speaks to the importance of staying curious through it all. Learn more about Steve⁠ ⁠Get the book⁠ ⁠Learn more about CarePortal

In this episode we continue on in a conversation with Steve Carter, author of "Grieve, Breathe, Receive." Steve continues to share his framework for the grieving process. More specifically, Steve takes us through the Good Friday, Silent Saturday, Palm Sunday moments of life and how they can help us see God working in our grief. Learn more about Steve Get the book Learn more about CarePortal

In this episode we talk with pastor, speaker, and author Steve Carter. Steve is known well for his book “The Thing Beneath The Thing” and now has a new book out “Grieve, Breathe, Receive: Finding a Faith Strong Enough To Hold Us.” Steve’s latest book is one of the greatest resources on grief that you will find. Steve’s honest and vulnerable sharing of his own grief journey make this book and conversation so significant. In the first of three parts, Steve talks about the challenging question, “What do you do when life does what it does?”   Learn more about Steve Get the book! Learn about CarePortal

In this episode we talk about the challenges for people who help people and how to keep healthy while doing so. Practicing self-care and self-compassion are critical but also challenging when you are so busy helping everyone else. Learn more about CarePortal!

In this episode we will explore how the practice of curiosity and how it helps us navigate anxiety and even break free from negative thought patterns and cycles. Learn More About CarePortal!

In this episode we will explore some of the challenges that come with helping others navigate hard times in their lives. Often times, when we give care to others who are struggling – we will feel the “sting” of their pains and hurts in the form of an outburst. Similar to a lightning strike – the source of the problem is a person’s pain but it isn’t typically felt until it strikes “the closest rod.” If you’ve ever felt the “strike” of another persons’ pain – this is an important conversation to listen in on. Learn More About CarePortal

How can we help children navigate anxiety? Think about Peanut Butter Pie! Dr. Emilie DeYoung joins us on this episode to talk about her latest book and how the ways she works with children in anxious states can help us with the kids in our lives. Learn more about Emilie! Learn more about CarePortal!

On out 40th episode we close out a conversation on marriage and spiritual foundations as well as the need for core values. Spiritually connecting with your spouse is an incredible way to grow in marriage and core values help guide and keep us on track as we go through life together. Learn more about CarePortal!

In this episode we talk through the dynamics of intimacy in marriage and why having a multi faceted view of intimacy leads to a thriving marriage! Get the Worksheet! Learn About CarePortal!

In this episode we talk through how conflict in marriage works and through strategies that can help us navigate conflict well. Joining in this episode is Dave McGovern, a local therapist and friend to the podcast! Get the Worksheet! Learn About CarePortal!

In this episode we continue our conversation on good communication in marriage by exploring some soft skills. Assertiveness and active listening are the two vital skills that contribute to healthy communication. We unpack how to grow in both of these skills and areas. Get the worksheet! Learn more about CarePortal!

In this episode we begin a series on marriage. Joining this conversation is Dave McGovern, a counselor in the West Michigan area. For our first conversation we explore the importance of healthy communication in marriage and talk through the various "killers" of communication. Learn more about CarePortal.

In this episode we continue our conversation on navigating and managing conflict. We look at some simple, but effective strategies to employ that can help us stop the conflict cycle. Additionally, we discuss at some ways to approach healthy conflict resolution. Get the infographic! Learn more about our sponsor CarePortal!

In this episode we discuss the first of a two part conversation on conflict. We all have conflict in our relationships. It is unavoidable. Unfortunately, many of us make the mistake of trying to ignore it. Conflict - if ignored - will lead to bigger problems and it is important to understand how conflict works. Get the Infographic Learn More About Our Sponsor

In this episode we discuss strategies to stop the neural hijack! Americans have 50,000 thoughts a day and 80% are negative and critical. Of those thoughts, 90% repeat day after day. If you have ever had a thought that has a "life" of its own and you want to stop it - you have to listen in to this episode. Get the infographic! Check out the breathing video! Learn about Care Portal!

In this episode we unpack the different ways we respond to stress. When we experience stress our bodies respond by engaging the Sympathetic Nervous System. This can result in a number of physical and emotional responses that impact our behavior, actions, and reactions. While these responses are normal, it's important to know what they are and be aware of how they impact us and others around us. Get The Info Graph! Learn More About Our Sponsor Care Portal!

In this episode we welcome back Alex Vogelzang in a conversation about Care Portal! Care Portal - Michigan is now a sponsor of the "Chaplaincy on the Go Podcast" and we take some time to talk about how Care Portal connects with local churches and organizations to help families in need. Learn more about Care Portal! Connect with Alex: [email protected]

In this episode we explore more dynamics of parenting and marriage and raising emotionally strong kids. Joining the podcast is Abby Zeerip. As you'll soon find out, Abby is super passionate about marriage and family. Her insight, experience, passion, and engaging wit make for an exciting and inspirational interview and conversation!

In this episode we talk through the dynamics of marriage and happiness and how children impact everything. Deb is a social worker and counselor. She does a lot of work with marriage and family. This conversation was so insightful and has a lot great information for married couples young and old.

In this episode we talk through some helpful tips in talking with your kids about suicide and sudden loss. It can be really scary when a child dies by suicide and we often struggle with how we can talk with our kids or kids that we know and want to support. If you follow a few helpful tips and points, it can be easier and more meaningful for the kids we love and for ourselves. Here are some additional resources: Learn More About Connected Parenting Get The Helpful Hints Handout

In this episode we continue the conversation of raising emotionally strong boys and talk about how our own emotional work is vital to that process. Joining me for the podcast is Alex Volgelzang. Alex joined us for a conversation on addiction a few episodes back and returns, now, as a father of boys. Here's a link to a "feelings chart" that we talk about in the episode.

In this episode we discuss the importance of raising emotionally strong boys with author and therapist - David Thomas. David is an incredible writer, speaker, and counselor. He shares with us the work that parents and people who love children must do to help the young men in their lives become emotionally strong and healthy. Learn more about David and his work here. Get Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys Get Raising Emotionally Strong Boys

In this episode we continue on in a conversation about addiction and how it impacts our lives. Joining us for the conversation are Carolyn and Ben Reuschel. A few years ago - Ben hit rock bottom in his addiction. Together he and Carolyn, along with their friends and family, are on the road of recovery. Their honest and humble sharing gives us some amazing insight and help in learning how to discuss and understand habits, hang ups, and addictions.

In this episode we continue a conversation on addiction and explore the impact that addiction has on children, families, and loved ones. Joining the podcast for this conversation is Alex Volgelzang. Alex currently works for the national non-profit "Care Portal" and has a background in law enforcement and child welfare and protective services. From a career standpoint - Alex has a first hand perspective on how addiction impacts children and families, but he also has a personal experience. Alex grew up in a family impacted by addiction and he graciously shares parts of his journey with us. Learn more about Care Portal here.

In this episode we explore habits, hang ups, and addictions. Addiction rates are at an all-time high in our culture. Many of us struggle with habits that we can't get out of or know aren't very healthy for us. We want to break down the process of how we can end up in addictive tendencies and patterns. Get the worksheet!