The Bearing Life Podcast: Recent Episodes
Julie Shannon
Life experiences often lead us to seek answers to key questions: how we bear our burdens well, how we help others bear their burdens, and how we bear fruit or find purpose and passion in spite of difficult challenges. Join Dr. Julie Shannon each week as she explores practical compassion through conversations and stories about life realities (singleness, infertility, childlessness, grief, depression, divorce, job loss, mental health, etc.) Special interview episodes will feature guests who share personal stories about their own life realities—how they walked through them, who helped them, and what life looks like on the other side.
| Theme song written & performed by Joe Passarelli, Dan Wecht, and Alex Shipley | Cover drawing by Ben Humeniuk | Learn more at drjulieshannon.com or find her on IG @drjulieshannon
In this episode, Joe Battaglia joins me to talk about culture, community, and how we can positively engage with others in our lives. He offers much wisdom on showing up and investing time together in order to help one another grow, and his perspective will inspire you to value and build community in your life.
Joe is a Broadcaster, Author, and Founder/President of Renaissance Communications, a media company providing platforms for communicators of biblical truth. He is also the Executive Producer and General Manager of the nationally syndicated radio program "Keep the Faith," heard nationally in over 300 markets and numerous countries overseas with a weekly audience of 2 million.
For over 16 years, he has been involved in the promotion of hit movies such as War Room, God’s Not Dead, The Polar Express, and I Can Only Imagine (to name just a few).
Joe is the author of several books, and his latest release is Make America Good Again: 12.5 Biblical Principles to Unite Our Nation, Restore True Greatness, and Reshape Our Political Rhetoric.
Thanks for listening!
Connect with Joe Battaglia:
Website
Books
A. M. Peters joins me in this episode to talk about truly living life, cultivating courage, and countering the need for approval and the comparison trap. Hearing how he overcame adversity and his willingness to pursue career changes and embrace new seasons of life is truly inspiring. I know you will walk away from this episode with a renewed sense of resolve to pursue your passion and experience authentic joy and peace.
Tony grew up on the eastside of Los Angeles, CA and defied the odds by graduating from UCLA and Loyola Law School. For 11 years he was a successful trial lawyer and at the age of thirty-seven he was sworn into the Los Angeles Superior Court Judiciary where he presided over criminal courtrooms for two decades. His desire to work for real heart change in others inspired him to change his own life and pursue his passion for storytelling. He is the author of three novels, has written a TV series that is currently being pitched to multiple streaming platforms, and is at work on a romantic comedy. He has been married to his lovely wife, Patricia, for thirty-six years and they have three adult children who are each pursuing their purpose-filled, creative dreams.
Thanks for listening!
Connect with A. M. Peters:
Website
Books
In this episode, Roger Murrah joins me to discuss persistence and the pursuit of dreams. Roger is a highly successful songwriter and music publisher in Nashville, Tennessee. With four decades of hit songs, dozens of awards, and millions of records sold, Roger has not only impacted the lives and hearts of listeners, but also influenced and mentored artists in their pursuit of careers in the music industry.
What a fun and inspiring conversation about life journeys, new seasons, and confidence! His authenticity and wise words will encourage you in your pursuit, no matter your dream.
I walked away refreshed with a new sense of resolve to go after my dreams with dedication and I know you will discover the same.
Thanks for listening!
Join Sue Edwards, DMin, Kelley Mathews, ThM, and myself as we have an encouraging conversation about their new book 40 Questions About Women in Ministry, intergenerational friendship & mentoring, teamwork, and women walking well together on this life journey.
No matter your faith, stage, or season, you will gain so much wisdom and inspiration from these two women I call dear friends.
They each have full lives with mission, ministry, purpose, and work, and they have also co-written six books together over the last twenty-three years. Come listen as we talk about a variety of topics and ways we can live out a mission of unity, kindness, and respect.
Thanks for listening!
Connect with Dr. Sue:
Discover Together Series
FB Page
Connect with Kelley:
Blog
FB Page
- Buy their new book: 40 Questions About Women in Ministry *
Diana Spann is a master facilitator in classic trauma healing and joins me on the podcast to talk about joy, heart wounds, resilience, rest, and the rhythms of life.
She offers insight on how we can learn to see ourselves, grow in ways of processing pain and grief, and become people who walk well with others. Heart wounds can impact our everyday life, identity, and maturity. Just as we seek medical attention with a physical wound, we need to know what to do when we experience heart wounds that need our attention and care.
In this episode you will learn more about mending heart wounds, building resilience, and fueling joy. Diana offers rich insight and wisdom on spiritual practices, brain-training, finding our path of purpose, faith, and identity.
I learned so much and know you will too.
Thanks for listening!
Connect with Diana:
- Bio
- March 2023 Trauma Healing Training Opportunity
- If you are interested in joining a Joy/Building Maturity Cohort, contact Diana via email (above). Each cohort has 8 spots available. Weekly gatherings of 75 minutes. Must purchase the book, The Other Half of Church. This cohort is designed for us to practice and learn together about resting in God, building joy, listening with God, and more. We learn best in a modeling, imitating community.
Greg Jones joins me on the podcast to talk about his life of music. We explore how the influence of music and guitar began and talk about the people who sparked his interest and mentored him. What Greg has learned along the way, how he pursues his dream daily, and his philosophy on putting in the time towards excellence, will inspire you in your own interests and efforts. He offers rich wisdom about dedicating time to your craft and developing your talent with intention.
You’ll be encouraged to seek wisdom, invite mentors, and dedicate yourself to developing and honing your own brand and form of artistry, creativity, and life passions...and you might just hear how much of a positive impact you can have when you make yourself available to mentor others in your particular field or interest.
I so admire his talent, work, and dedication and can’t wait for you to hear this episode.
Thanks for listening!
Connect with Greg (be sure to message or email him if you are interested in taking guitar lessons with him):
The start of any life season can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and even exciting! The beginning of a new year offers much of the same.
Wherever you find yourself right now, join us and hear Joseph Bojang's practical, wise advice on how to build your confidence, set your dreams in motion, and act as agent or influencer in your own life.
During our conversation, you will learn simple yet effective ways to begin with small goals and develop a throughline for your life. Joseph provides clarity on how to break down goals and dreams in manageable ways. He offers great creativity and assurance for planning, pivoting, and living out our best life. Can't wait for you to hear all he has to share!
Thanks for listening!
Connect with Joseph:
Website
TikTok
What can we do to cultivate a dream we laid down years ago? Or maybe a dream we've never reached for or thought possible? Join us and hear Debbie's incredible journey of how she pursued a long ago dream: who helped her, how it surprised her, and what new dreams grew out of it.
As you listen to our conversation and hear Debbie's fascinating story, you will find great encouragement and inspiration to give yourself permission: to dream, to try, to fail, to not fail. I can't wait for you to be inspired by her life!
Thanks for listening!
Connect with Debbie:
- Website
- Music
- Book
How can we positively navigate transitions in our lives? We all face times of change (welcome and unwelcome) in our personal lives, families, work, and in community with others (in person and online).
Dr. Peggy Banks and I talk about ways to lead our lives well, know ourselves better, influence others, and counter wounding words from our past.
Her story and wisdom will inspire you! I'm really motivated to move through the "periods of adaption" you'll hear her explain in the episode.
Connect with Dr. Peggy Banks:
- PRo Leadership Coaching
- TWR Women of Hope
Thanks for listening!
I always appreciate the fun and wise conversations with Dr. Les Carter on The Bearing Life®️ Podcast! In this episode, we talk about authenticity - how it plays out in our lives; what it means, how it looks, and ways we can grow in empathy and curiosity. It's a great one and I can't wait for you to listen in!
Connect with Dr. Les Carter:
- Website
- Surviving Narcissism
- YouTube
Episode 25: Narcissism
Episode 16: Anxiety
Welcome to Season 5 of The Bearing Life® podcast!
In this episode, you'll hear a brief update on my upcoming book about weathering life storms and also a story about the challenge I faced and encouragement I received from a small sign in a store window. Its short message made me stop in the middle of the sidewalk and think about life and how I/we handle the unexpecteds (both good & challenging).
This season, we will touch on life dreams, perseverance, authenticity, and self-development - you don't want to miss an episode! I've loved having these conversations with others and hearing their amazing stories and I can't wait to share them with you. I know each one will offer encouragement and hope.
Remember, we aren’t alone in our challenges or our joys.
You are a unique creation, lovingly created for this time and place in order to live out your true life (gifts and talents) and love others well.
Your story matters.
Let's go...
This episode replay offers great wisdom and ideas for gathering community anytime, and especially during the Valentine's Day season. I talk with Annie Tucker, Founder of Take A Bite Blog, about the realities of singleness and the defining steps we can take to walk through this season of life. We can wait well with our hope! Connect with Annie: * Website: http://www.takeabiteblog.com/ * Facebook: Take A Bite Blog * Instagram: Annie Tucker
Joining me on The Bearing Life® Podcast is Dr. Michelle Pokorny to talk about burnout. She offers incredible insight to help us have a better understanding about practices and habits for life balance and mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. How do we handle our lives when seasons of too much become a way of life? What can we do to change or let go of patterns of behavior for our protection, health, and well-being?
Connect with Dr. Michelle Pokorny:
- Website
Subscribe to drjulieshannon.com
Join me and my friend, Jennifer Quinlan, on The Bearing Life® Podcast this week as we look back and talk about our lifetime of friendship...how we first met, ways we’ve reconnected throughout life, and how we’ve maintained our closeness over the years.
Connect with Dr. Julie Shannon:
- Website
Subscribe to drjulieshannon.com
October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness month and this week I share a practical, easy, impactful way we can join together on October 15th to support those in the midst of an often-lonely road of infertility, miscarriage, infant, and child loss.
Episode 12: Walking Well with those on an Infertility Journey
Episode 14: Infertility & Men
Resources:
When the Stork Passes By: A field guide to practical compassion by Dr. Julie Shannon
Infertility & Involuntary Childlessness: Traveling the terrain by Dr. Julie Shannon
Subscribe to drjulieshannon.com
In this episode of The Bearing Life®️ Podcast, I have a conversation with Neil Tomba, who lived out a big dream. Neil is the senior pastor of Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, TX, and the author of The Listening Road. Neil started dreaming of bicycling across the United States 18 years ago. We talked about his June 2019 trip across the US. He rode 3000 miles in 33 days from Santa Monica, CA, to Annapolis, MD.
Connect with Neil:
- Website
The Listening Road is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.
In this episode of The Bearing Life®️ Podcast, I talk with Mike and Sharyn King, the founders of Powered to Move. Mike and Sharyn share their story and the mission of Powered to Move: Putting Christ’s love in action by providing people with disabilities opportunities for physical fitness.
Connect with Mike and Sharyn King:
- Website
- Newsletter
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Powered to Move: The Mike King Story
Joni & Friends
I talked with Dr. Les Carter this week on The Bearing Life®️ Podcast. In this episode, we discuss codependency and how relationships and engagement with others can drift into an imbalance. We talk about ways to define and remember who we want to be in moments of misunderstanding and conflict. Learn how to identify patterns of unhealthy behavior.
Connect with Dr. Les Carter:
- Website
- Surviving Narcissism
- YouTube
Episode 25: Narcissism
Episode 16: Anxiety
Any trauma you have experienced is worth discussing and processing. In this episode with Kat Nasseri, PT, DPT, WCS, we discuss how the body can be impacted by trauma we have experienced over our lifetime. Kat shares how to evaluate conflicts and how to identify trauma and process your emotions.
Connect with Katlyn Nasseri, PT, DPT, WCS:
- Email: deepsouthdoc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thedeepsouthdoc
Episode 21: Carrying Stress: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
Dr. Julie Shannon invites you to listen to the new season of The Bearing Life® Podcast. In this season you’ll hear a variety of guests speak about perseverance, pursuing dreams, and overcoming obstacles. It will be an inspiring and encouraging season! In addition, Julie shares about her move, a new hobby, life lessons, and how we can reach out to others in joyful times and challenging ones.
Connect with Dr. Julie Shannon:
- Website
This episode is for everyone! As we prepare for special celebrations this Mother’s Day, remember to reach out to women and families walking through infertility or child loss to support them on what can be a painful day. When the Stork Passes By is a resource to equip communities and individuals to help build a bridge between the heartbreak of infertility or child loss and the local church, ministry, family, and community.
For those walking through child loss or infertility, you are not alone. I encourage you to invite others into your pain and not to stay silent in your grief. In Traveling the Terrain, I share how to walk this unexpected road, and to invite your friends to walk this road with you. Before you become overwhelmed by Mother’s Day, connect with a trusted friend and invite them to be a part of your journey.
Connect with Dr. Julie Shannon:
- Website: com
- Facebook: Julie Shannon
- Instagram: @drjulieshannon
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- When the Stork Passes By by Dr. Julie Shannon
- Traveling the Terrain by Dr. Julie Shannon
What does narcissism mean? Am I a narcissist? Are YOU a narcissist?? Dr. Les Carter and I explore this topic and how to find emotionally healthy people to walk beside us in life—while also being an emotionally healthy person!
Connect with Dr. Les Carter:
- Website
- Surviving Narcissism
- YouTube
Dr. Willie O. Peterson is a longtime friend and mentor. I’ve always enjoyed our conversations! This week, you can listen in as he shares the story of the legacy of faith and love his parents passed on to him, his siblings, their families, and so many others in their lives. Dr. Peterson tells how his parents overcame adversity to build a connected family.
This week I share an inspiring, fun, and practical conversation with my friends Lacey Congdon and Angela Cirocco. We talk about helpful ways to find true contentment and practical ways to walk through this Valentine's season as a single. We can live purposeful lives right where we are.
Lacey Congdon came to know the Lord at a young age but spent a season of her life as a prodigal in the far country. The Lord’s abounding grace and redemption of her life gives her much reason to celebrate. She has her Master's of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently working toward the Doctorate of Educational Ministry. She works for an organization that serves refugees and international students.
Angela loves Jesus and dark roast coffee, in that order. She moved to Texas from Buffalo, NY 5 years ago and still can't get enough of Tex-Mex. The unexpected joy of her life is serving as the Minister to Women at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas. Angela has a Master's from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Bachelor's in Nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College. No matter the setting, she delights to walk with women as they discover Jesus' love and grace. She praises God for air conditioning in the Texas summers, and come fall, Angela roots for the Buffalo Bills while yearning for the majestic colorful leaves of the Northeast. She misses snow only in December.
Listen to more: Single Seasons
We're one month into 2021. How are you doing? Still feel a bit like 2020? In this episode, I share how we can come together as peacemakers and unifiers to help make our world a better place to live…and maybe leave some of 2020 behind!
Connect with Dr. Julie Shannon:
- Website: https://drjulieshannon.com/
- Facebook: Julie Shannon
- Instagram: @drjulieshannon
In this week’s episode of The Bearing Life® Podcast, we have a revealing conversation about how stress manifests within the body and the frustration and pain that results. My guests, Candice and Kat, share how a diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction exposed a taboo topic among women. Today, we are shedding light on pelvic floor dysfunction and TALKING about it!
Connect with Katlyn Nasseri, PT, DPT, WCS:
- Email: deepsouthdoc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thedeepsouthdoc
Connect with Candice:
- Instagram: @ccunger
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- PT Locator
- Find a Pelvic Rehab Practitioner
This week, I have a conversation about grief trauma with my friend, Ann Golding. We cover this deep topic as Ann shares her story of traumatic loss. We discuss how to help one another bear the burden of great grief.
Connect with Ann:
- Instagram: @anngolding
What a year 2020 was! As we close the chapter on last year, let’s consider what we carry into 2021. Do you carry fear? Comparison? Anxiety? Make 2021 the year you focus on living today. In this episode, I share defining steps you can take each day to intentionally move through this difficult season.
Connect with Dr. Julie Shannon:
· Website: https://drjulieshannon.com/
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjulieshannon
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjulieshannon/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.onebag.com/
In this episode, I speak with Katherine Hill, my friend and creative director for The Bearing Life® Podcast and the DJS Brand. Katherine and her husband have been married for 15 years and they teach the pre-marital class at their church.
We discussed Edward T. Hall’s theory of proxemics and how it applies to interacting with family and friends during the holidays. When we apply this concept to our relationships, we can help create realistic expectations for how we spend our time.
Connect with Katherine on Instagram
In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, I spoke with Maggie during this episode of The Bearing Life® Podcast. As an adopted child herself, Maggie shares helpful information about the adopted child experience and wisdom learned in her biological family search.
Here are a few books Maggie recommends:
God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Pieces of Me: Who Do I want to Be? Edited by Robert Ballard
The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler
Connect with Maggie on Instagram @magsd90
In this week’s episode of The Bearing Life® Podcast I share a conversation with Dr. Les Carter, a best-selling author and therapist. He specializes in anger management and narcissistic personality disorder.
After spending months at home, many people are feeling added strain and pressure from stress and anxiety. Dr. Carter and I review steps we can take to walk through frustrating and uncertain seasons of life.
Connect with Dr. Les Carter:
- Website
- Surviving Narcissism
- YouTube
In this episode, I speak with Rebecca Jowers, Executive Director of Poiema Foundation. The Poiema Foundation, located in the Dallas area, educates the public and raises awareness in order to prevent conditions that foster sex trafficking and other methods of exploitation.
Rebecca and I discuss the steps she took to build the foundation. You will also hear the powerful stories of the women they support.
Connect with Poiema Foundation:
- Website: poiemafoundation.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poiemafound/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/poiemafound
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poiemafoundation/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Internet crimes against children
In this episode, I talk with my friends, Tony and Scott, about their walks through infertility. They talk about the choices they each made together with their spouses. They even share how they would do a few things differently if they could go back.
If you are a man who has experienced the pain of infertility, I hope this episode helps you feel encouraged. If you have experienced infertility in your past, I hope this conversation inspires you to reach out in understanding and support to a friend who may face a similar path.
In the first episode of Season 2, I talk with my niece, Kristen. Kristen's love for her intellectually disabled son shines through in her commitment to him and her family. Her daily attitude (choosing joy and living a full life every single day) offers encouragement to those around her. Our conversation explores how we can walk well with friends and family who have special needs children.
Resources:
- themighty.com
- thearc.org
- jillshouse.org
In this episode of The Bearing Life Podcast, I talk with my friend Dr. Sandra Glahn who has walked the path of infertility. We share stories of past experiences and how friends have come alongside us to help us bear our burdens. Learn practical steps to show compassion to friends, family, and co-workers who are walking through life storms.
Also, I reveal exciting news about my book, When The Stork Passes By.
Connect with Dr. Sandra Glahn:
- Website: http://aspire2.com
- Blog: https://blogs.bible.org/author/sandra-glahn/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandraglahn/
Resources shared in this episode:
When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden by Sandra Glahn
The Infertility Companion: Hope and Help for Couples Facing Infertility by Sandra Glahn
When the Stork Passes By by Dr. Julie Shannon
Join me in my conversation with Michelle Attar, Pastor of Adult Ministries at Bent Tree Bible Church outside of Dallas, TX. We discuss mental health in the home and the realities of life and relationship. Michelle shares the defining steps she takes with her husband and how their friends practically support them.
Connect with The Good Mood Foundation
- Website: The Good Mood Foundation
- Book: My Pursuit of a Good Mood
- Facebook: The Good Mood Foundation
Are you feeling overwhelmed by social media? This week we unpack how we engage online and how we can make a positive impact on those around us.
Connect with Dr. Julie Shannon:
- Website: https://drjulieshannon.com/
- Facebook: drjulieshannon
- Instagram: drjulieshannon
In this episode, I talk with Annie Tucker, Founder of Take A Bite Blog, about the realities of singleness and the defining steps we can take to walk through this season of life. We can wait well with our hope!
Connect with Annie:
- Website: http://www.takeabiteblog.com/
- Facebook: Take A Bite Blog
- Instagram: Annie Tucker
“You do you.” What does that mean in our lives? Really. What does that mean to us? Do we seek to know ourselves or are we too busy and distracted to be intentional and mindful of fulfilling who we were created to be?
Connect with Dr. Julie Shannon:
- Website: https://drjulieshannon.com/
- Facebook: drjulieshannon
- Instagram: drjulieshannon
In Part 2 of this episode on bearing grief, I talk with a dear friend about connecting with friends who are processing through grief. How can we effectively bear their grief with them? Make sure to listen to Part 1 of our conversation to listen about the fog of grief.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy by Barbara Johnson
In Part 1 of this episode on bearing grief, I talk with a dear friend about the fog of grief. The process of grief is not linear, but there are ways to engage in life to bring us to a place of grace. Come back for Part 2 where we will discuss how we walk through our grief with others.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy by Barbara Johnson
In this episode, I share my practice of thankfulness. It is a practice that can help us move through hard seasons. I am reviving my “Thankfulday” on Instagram and I invite you to join me sharing the things for which you are thankful!
Connect with Dr. Julie Shannon:
- Website: https://drjulieshannon.com/
- Facebook: Julie Shannon
- Instagram: @drjulieshannon
Join me while I talk with Ann Golding, Staff Chaplain at UT Southwestern. What can we do when we begin going through depression and how can we help our friends? Ann and I discuss how we can take ownership of our health to make sure we recover. We also discuss how to be a good friend to someone going through depression and how to be a caring listener.
Connect with Ann:
- Instagram: @anngolding
Listen to part two of my conversation with Taurus where we openly process through current storms. How can we apply lessons from past storms and experiences to work together and learn from one another? Find encouragement to face your life storms.
“[The storm] doesn’t always look like we hoped it would.”
Connect with Taurus:
- Instagram: @justTaurus
Both Taurus and I have sheltered in place during extremely destructive tornadoes. Listen to Part 1 of our conversation about what can happen when we observe the noise and chaos that transpires after a tornado and how we can apply these lessons to process other “storms” of life.
“The storm can be extremely ugly, but the cleanup process is crucial.”
Connect with Taurus:
- Instagram: @justTaurus
In this episode, I share a piece of my story: my experience with infertility, and how I realized the steps I should take to move towards a meaningful life. Along the way, I realized that I'd had one all along!
This storm moved me to equip people to practical compassion. How can we take defining steps in the range of reality?
Connect with Julie:
- Website: drjulieshannon.com
- Instagram @drjulieshannon
Life experiences often lead us to seek answers to key questions: how we bear our burdens well, how we help others bear their burdens, and how we bear fruit or find purpose and passion in spite of difficult challenges. Join Dr. Julie Shannon each week as she explores practical compassion through conversations and stories about life realities (singleness, infertility, childlessness, grief, depression, divorce, job loss, mental health, etc.) Special interview episodes will feature guests who share personal stories about their own life realities—how they walked through them, who helped them, and what life looks like on the other side.
| Theme song written & performed by Joe Passarelli, Dan Wecht, and Alex Shipley | Cover drawing by Ben Humeniuk | Learn more at drjulieshannon.com or find her on IG @drjulieshannon