Thrive In The Mess with Lisa Hutchcraft Whitmer

Single mom life. With all the ups and downs in life, becoming a single mom hits hard for any woman. Life can quickly become overwhelming. Join Cheryl - single mom, author, and Lisa’s friend - and leave with practical help for single mothers and needed hope for single moms.You are not alone!For more insights on faith and being a single mom, check out her book: Steadfast Hearts: Navigating the Single Mom Life in Community, by Cheryl Joy.

Cancer twice. Stroke in the basement. Coping with bad news from the doctor, it’s hard to find peace.Host Lisa welcomes her friends and guests, Joe and Sue, who offer hope during health struggles, and talk about finding peace during illness. You, or someone you know, will leave this honest conversation with some tangible ways of loving through the hard times, and finding peace and faith during a health crisis.  Like what you’re hearing or watching? To make this available to encourage more individuals, please share and leave a review wherever you listen or watch!

Ever wonder where you fit in? With a missing father and family drama, Lisa’s guest, Kyle often questioned, “Where do I fit in?” With the pressures at home, along with the categories of ethnicities in his country of South Africa, Kyle was unsure of who he was, and where he fit. Living in this uncertainty led to depression and wanting to end it all. If you, or someone you know, need hope that finding identity and purpose in life is possible - this raw, honest conversation is for you. Share with that friend you know who needs some tangible hope.  (Content provided through this podcast is not a substitute for seeking consultation and guidance from a counselor or medical professional. Please reach out to a local professional for further resources and assistance.) Need to Talk? 🗣️Call / Chat / Text 988ChatAboutJesus.com ➡️ Want to help this kind of hope and encouragement reach more individuals who need it? Please leave a review for “Thrive in the Mess” on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen.  Episode 30

Depression can be crippling. Meet Will, Lisa’s guest, who has walked through depression. Don’t miss this honest conversation full of helpful tips and hope. Leave with encouragement, and some practical ways to handle depression. Know you matter and are not alone!Please be aware the following topics are mentioned: physical ab*se, domestic ab*se, taking one’s life, loss.(Content provided through this podcast is not a substitute for seeking consultation and guidance from a counselor or medical professional. Please reach out to a local professional for further resources and assistance.)Need to Talk?Call / Chat / Text 988.ChatAboutJesus.com

In this raw and powerful episode, “Naked and Ashamed: Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places”, Coreen shares how she spent years looking for love in all the wrong places – addicted to online dating, stuck in toxic relationships, and silently carrying shame.  If you’re tired of repeating unhealthy relationship cycles and ready for healing and hope, this story will encourage you. Successful in her work, seeking love, partying, and a sexual abuse survivor – hear how Coreen found hope, purpose, and life.Tired of the mess? This episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a path forward.✨There is life beyond the mess. ✨There is healing beyond the shame. Subscribe for more honest conversations, and real stories of transformation. Listener / Viewer Advisement: Please know the above-mentioned content is discussed in this episode.  

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa’s friend Nancy shares her honest and deeply personal journey after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. While each individual’s story is unique when it comes to living through any kind of diagnosis, Nancy walks us through the uncertainty, and her hope and faith that carried her forward. This is not just a story about cancer—it’s a story about finding hope even when the road ahead feels unclear. Whether you or someone you love has faced a diagnosis, Nancy’s story offers encouragement, connection, and a reminder that you are not alone. (Content provided through this podcast is not a substitute for seeking consultation and guidance from a counselor or medical professional. Please reach out to a local professional for further resources and assistance.)Need to Talk?Call / Chat / Text 988.ChatAboutJesus.com

“I created a monster with my lifestyle.”Justin tells the raw and honest truth about his past—gangs, anger, and lost identity—and the journey that led him from the streets to hope. This is a powerful conversation about life choices and finding who we are.👇 Listen and share.

Lisa is honored to have her friends, Dino and Nanette join her on this episode. An amazing married couple - as two adult survivors of sexu@l ab*se they share their personal stories, how fear was part of their childhoods, and how they found hope after walking through tr@uma. When surrounded by hopelessness, healing seemed hard to find, and the question, “God, where were you?” popped up, they each found healing and hope in God.As Native Americans, they have worked with Native young people their entire lives, sharing the hope and peace that have changed their lives. This conversation is shared with honesty, care, and compassion in the hope of encouraging others who may feel alone in their healing journey. May you, or a friend you know, be encouraged in your own journey. Content Warning: This episode discusses sexu@l ab*se and tr@uma.

Adult sibling relationships don’t come with a manual – but they shape our lives in powerful ways. This episode explores the real dynamics of adult siblings and the intentional choices we make to stay connected through the roller coaster of life.Join Lisa, and her two younger brothers, Doug and Brad, for an upbeat look at the chaos and fun of adult sibling life. Lots of laughter and practical tips about doing life together - plus, some special holiday memories.Through honest conversations, personal stories, and practical reflections, Lisa and her brothers dive into topics like communication, boundaries, supporting one another, grieving differently, and choosing connection. No matter where you are with a sibling relationship, tune in for some insights and encouragement!

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, have you ever wondered:- Why was Jesus born?  - Did anyone know to expect His birth?  - How did all of this come to be?Join Lisa and her nephew Sam, as they walk through promises God made to men and women thousands of years ago, and how they came true in the birth of Jesus! Enjoy this meaningful way to celebrate the days leading up to Christmas, Christ’s birth.You’ll discover…- The first promise of God sending a rescuer was shared with Adam and Eveback in the Garden of Eden.- God communicated over thousands of years the promise of a comingMessiah, through a specific nation and family, completely fulfilled in thebirth of Jesus.Lisa personally revisits this story each year before Christmas, because it has deeply impacted her life and belief in God. This year, she wants to share this powerful story with you, and people you love. So, grab some hot cocoa, a Christmas cookie or candy cane, and jump into this fast-paced look through thousands of years, unpacking "The Road to the Manger:  The Epic Origin Story Leading to the Birth of Jesus."

Help for the Holidays is HereFeeling Broken at the Holidays? Loss? Stress? Anxiety? Family tension?  The holidays can be beautiful, but they can also be painful, anxious, and overwhelming. With heightened expectations, we experience the sentimental highs, but also the pain of so much brokenness – with others, and even in our own life.In this episode, join Lisa and her friend, psychologist Dr. Kelly for some encouragement and peace. They talk honestly about what it’s like to move through Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, and Christmas when your heart feels heavy.Dr. Kelly offers practical help and hope with navigating relationships, loss, and healing.Come explore practical ways to cope with loss, manage emotional triggers, set boundaries, and find peace and hope. Whether you're grieving a loved one, healing from heartbreak, feeling disconnected, or simply struggling to stay afloat, this conversation is for you.Don’t miss this special holiday edition of “Thrive in the Mess!”Viewer / Listener discretion advised with potential triggers, as the following topics are mentioned: physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, suicide, trauma, loss.  (Content provided through this podcast is not a substitute for seeking consultation and guidance from a counselor or medical professional. Please reach out to a local professional for further resources and assistance.)Need to Talk?Call / Chat / Text 988.ChatAboutJesus.com  If you like this, you can hear more from Dr. Kelly, on Episode 2 - “Mental Health: Hope in Trauma for Your Journey with Special Guest: Dr. Kelly!”. Click link below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/2497523/episodes/17124342

Eight hearts, four cultures, one incredible story of family.What a powerful journey of how one couple’s open hearts built a family of eight through love, faith, foster care, and adoption – showing family can be beautifully unexpected. Join Lisa and her friends, Robert and Jessica, and hear the sorrows and joys of how their family came together from foster care to international adoption.Listen in for some hope and encouragement and see how God “sets the lonely in families.”

Special Dad / Daughter episode! Lisa invited her Dad, Ron Hutchcraft, to talk about some of the messes he's walked through in life.There were surprise questions, some never-before-heard answers, and lots of laughter!Join this genuine conversation of hope and encouragement from Ron's life ranging from the loss of his wife to what he began calling his daughter as a new dad.You'll leave encouraged with practical help and a whole lot of hope!

What happens when your children lead you to God? This mom’s story is honest and full of hope.It’s never too late to find faith. This mom’s story proves it. God works in ways we never expect – sometimes through our own children.Her daughters never gave up praying, and their mom found hope.Join Lisa, and her friends, Cristina, along with her daughters Jade and Amber, as they share this powerful story of when hope enters a family.Find real hope in this episode for yourself, for your family, for a friend.Episode 19

Empty Nest!  When your children are young, it's unthinkable they might someday leave the home.  And yet, 18 years can go by quickly!What happens when the nest starts to empty out?  What about when the last childheads for college?  Or gets married?  What then?Lisa invites her husband, Rick, to join her in a fast-moving, fun and candid conversation about navigating the "empty nest" journey.  • How can we best prepare our young people to leave the home?  (pro tip:  Start young!)• How do we best influence our young adult child?• Why is offering grace so important?• How do we best navigate this new season -- for our young adult child?  For a marriage?  For us as individuals?No matter where you are on the parenting journey, this powerful conversation will help trigger thoughts and ideas to prepare your family for the exciting new season of Empty Nest.  Ready?  Let's go! #EmptyNestPodcast #EmptyNestParenting #ParentingAdultChildren #LifeAfterParenting#ParentingPodcast #FaithPodcast #ParentingTransitions #EncouragementPodcast#EmptyNestLife #RediscoverYourself #ParentingStories #ParentingAdvice #HopeAndFaith#PurposeInEverySeason

Jay was in his 30’s when he ended up losing his health and his job. For this hard-working business professional, leader, husband, father, and friend, his family’s world was turned upside down.Life may be going great, but what happens when it’s not? This conversation is vital for anyone who wants to take a look at life and priorities.Join Lisa and her guest, Jay, who also is her brother-in-law – for this open and honest story. You’ll leave with the opportunity to draw closer to those you love, and focus on what matters most.

A Gen Z young woman shares her raw and powerful story of walking through years of addiction to alcohol, marijuana, and pills. She opens up about the dark moments, the struggles to break free, and the emptiness she felt while searching for escape.But her story doesn't end there - she found true freedom and lasting hope in God. This conversation is about redemption, healing, and the unshakable peace and calm that come when faith steps in.*Discretion advised for these possible trigger warnings: substance use and abuse, su*cide, loss, physical abuse.*

In this powerful episode, a mother shares her journey through the heartbreaking loss of her adult son. 💔Lisa’s friend, Allison, speaks honestly about grief, love, and the painful reality of living with loss.  Yet, woven through her story is the unshakable hope God has given her each step of the way. If you’ve walked through loss or know someone who has, this conversation offers comfort, faith, and the reminder that you are never alone. Ep. 15 🎙️

Walking down the aisle on their special day, a bride and groom are not usually thinking about their marriage ending. Their hearts are full of hopes and dreams. What a contrast to stepping out into life after divorce.  It’s oftentimes a challenging road for any individual. Lisa’s friend, Angie, honestly opens up about her own journey living life after marriage fell apart.Need encouragement and a dose of hope after divorce, or know someone who does? Join this raw and real conversation, and leave with some practical tips for your own journey.  

“Empty arms” month after month?From heartbreak to hope: here is Laura’s journey through infertility to international adoption.Walking through that same journey, or know someone who is? Join or share the conversation and hear some encouragement and hope from Lisa’s friend, Laura, who has experienced the heartbreak of infertility.Along the way, Laura ultimately turned to adopting internationally. Learn more of her story, and Lisa’s, who adopted internationally as well. Whatever you’re walking through, you’re not alone!

As a Native American young woman, Caitlyn “didn’t want to be another statistic.” After seeing what “alcoholism, drug stuff, su*cide, broken home, the hurt it really brought. I felt like there was something more in life. I wanted a purpose.” Join Lisa and her incredible guest, Caitlyn – and hear insights about growing up on the rez to walking through grief to how to say a few words in her Native language!Come for the hope and conversation; leave with practical encouragement for any mess you’re walking through.

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa sits down with her friend, Logan, a young man living with autism, to hear his unique perspective on life, relationships, faith, and the world around him. In this uplifting conversation, he shares both the challenges he’s faced and the strengths that make his story one of resilience and authenticity.  His story is a powerful reminder that every life is uniquely designed with purpose – and that hope, joy, and love can shine brightest through the most unexpected journeys.  This is a candid, inspiring walk in Logan’s shoes, with intentional choices and lessons about life we can all take away from it.    

Two young men share their most vulnerable moments in this hope filled conversation – and how they found a reason to stay. Through raw honesty, Lisa’s friends, Joseph and Kyle, share what it’s like to face suic*dal thoughts, the challenges of mental health, and how they found hope. This is a conversation about survival, resilience, and the courage to keep going.Struggling with mental health? Or know someone who is? Discover Kyle and Joseph’s practical tips and a whole lot of hope through their personal stories and the hope they’ve found. You are not alone! There is support and hope available.Content Warning: this episode contains discussions of suic*dal thoughts and mental health struggles. Viewer/listener discretion is advised. Topics also include family trauma, self-h*rm, crisis, and recovery. (Content provided through this podcast is not a substitute for seeking consultation and guidance from a counselor or medical professional. Please reach out to a local professional for further resources and assistance.)Need to Talk?Call / Chat / Text 988.988lifeline.orgChatAboutJesus.com

Busy caring for her young children and her aging parents, Maryann and her husband had alarming news out of the blue. Maryann received a scary diagnosis requiring urgent surgery, and this Type A personality no longer had control. What happens when Maryann, the family glue, is now miles away, unable to help shepherd the people she loves most? Join Lisa and her friend, Maryann, as she shares the anchors that helped navigate an uncertain future.

Annalisa was six-years-old when she was first exposed to p*rnography, something that deeply shaped her view of herself, relationships, and the world. This is her story. You will leave seeing how life can go from deep hurt to great hope! Viewer discretion advised with potential triggers, as the following topics are discussed: abuse, self-harm, r*pe, tr*fficking, violence. Join this brave, raw, honest, and HOPEful conversation between Lisa and her friend, Annalisa.  Need to Talk? Call / Chat / Text 988.ChatAboutJesus.com

Tom and Amy were excited about their new life together.  Like all young couples, they had dreams and goals for a great future.Around their first anniversary, Tom and Amy’s life would forever change with news from the doctor: Amy had a massive brain tumor, with only a short time to live.Hear Tom’s messy story - a heartbreaking journey through the ups and downs of treatments and surgeries, unimaginable suffering, and saying good-bye to his young bride.  Don’t miss this riveting conversation with Lisa and her friend, Tom, as he unpacks some amazing wisdom for how to thrive in the midst of such an extreme mess. 

When life is not what we expected, it’s easy to feel isolated and alone. Encouragement and hope can be hard to find!Lisa’s friend, Hasin, had her world up-ended.Surprised “in the best way” by a pregnancy, giving birth at 26 weeks old, basing for 11 months away from family in a hospital intensive care for newborns (NICU), and now her daily reality of caring for a young child with a chronic illness – what a roller coaster!In this honest, fast-paced conversation about lessons learned when life is turned upside down, there are sobering moments, yet hope and humor. Whether you or someone you know are walking through an uncertain and unexpected season, listen in and you’ll find tons of practical encouragement!

Ever feel like you’re not enough? Or have to “measure up” to some impossible standard?As a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, Lisa’s friend, Carolyn, honestly shares how she often based life on what people around her thought.So many voices come at us in our world about how to look or dress or talk, what to do or eat or weigh – and wow, it’s exhausting!  It’s easy to look for affirmation in all the wrong places, so you’re invited to come find some encouragement and hope in this transparent conversation about how we can see the truth about ourselves.  Leave knowing you’re valuable, and worth knowing, loving and investing in!

Life doesn’t have to be over, after making certain choices!  Join Lisa and her friend, Todd, as he walks through his life with drugs, alcohol, verbal abuse, domestic abuse, loss, being broken, and seeking acceptance in a gang.  (Viewer / listener discretion advised with the above potential triggers.)Todd was on a journey looking for answers. Hear his riveting story, how he overcame, and now life is completely different!ChatAboutJesus.com

Don’t miss finding some encouragement in the middle of the mess and adventure of parenting – from potty training to car rider line to college send-off, and from the empty arms of miscarriage to an empty nest.Jump in and join Lisa & Lisa – no, that’s not their ‘80s girl band name - as these moms have an honest, fast-paced conversation about being a parent through all the seasons - baby through adult.  Every parent wishes they had an instruction book when they bring their baby home and each stage along the way. Messy doesn’t just describe changing diapers or Legos on the floor, it’s a part of everyday life as a mom or dad!  Plus learn what their sons said they may or may not have “done well” as a parent!Discover practical ways to handle the challenges of parenting, some laughter to brighten your day, and timeless hope of how God “gently leads those that have young.”No matter where you are in the parenting journey, or even if you’re not a parent, if you connect with children and young people – you’re invited to find encouragement and laughter here!Grab a coffee and let’s thrive in the mess of parenting together!

Join Lisa and her friend, Dr. Kelly, in this month of Mental Health Awareness, as they have a transparent conversation about Kelly’s personal trauma. Viewer discretion advised with potential triggers, as the following topics are discussed: physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, suicide, self-harm, loss, rape.  As a psychologist and leading professional in her field, Kelly opens up and shares a rare look into her journey. Learn why Kelly and her story have brought hope to many!Don’t miss this honest and raw conversation that is also filled with laughter, encouragement, and faith. Discover practical ways to handle the challenges of Mental Health, for you or someone you love. (Content provided through this podcast is not a substitute for seeking consultation and guidance from a counselor or medical professional.  Please reach out to a local professional for further resources and assistance.)Need to Talk?Call / Chat / Text 988.ChatAboutJesus.com

Kicking off "Thrive in the Mess," Lisa Hutchcraft Whitmer invites the one who knows all her messes - her husband, Rick Whitmer. Join one couple's journey, as they take an authentic and light-hearted look at messes from throughout their lives. Childhood, dating, marriage, parenting, loss, their different personalities, and so much more. Join the Laughter, Hope, Faith and Launch of Thrive in the Mess!