Scar Stories: Recent Episodes
Nicole Faye Golden
Our scars become our stories. We can use our brokenness to comfort, change and challenge others. I’d love for you to tune in to “The Scar Stories Podcast” as my friends and I share how our messes have transformed into messages of hope. Check out my website nicolegolden.org for more resources!
I love Jessi's candor and kindness. She is bold on her socials about her former struggles with body image and food. She shares how she's worked hard to change her perspective on what a healthy body is. She also talks about how our body images affect our relationships and our sex lives. Make sure to check her out on social media after listening to our conversation!
Jud and Lori Wilhite pastor Central Online based in Las Vegas, with multiple extension campuses around the country. He shares his story of drug addiction and sobriety and how he still struggles answering the question, "Am I worthy?" His story is compelling.
Kirsten is the author of "Among Lions", a book for parents who are loving on kids who are battling mental illness. Her son battled disordered eating, self harm, and suicidal thoughts seemingly out of nowhere for several years. I so enjoyed our honest, emotional conversation. Check out her website at kirstenp.com and get her book, "Among Lions".
Sebastian is a stand-up comedian who has used laughter to process and to heal from trauma. I'm so thankful he was brave enough and kind enough to share his story. He's helping so many people reframe their pasts and to not live in fear of what has happened to them. Laughter allows us to be vulnerable and tears down walls for us to get real and begin to heal.
Trigger Warning: He shares his story of being molested from 8-10 years old. The language we both used would not be suitable for kids, so please listen to this with discretion.
If you were molested or are aware of a child being molested, please find someone safe to tell. We have to end this epidemic!
Make sure to check out Sebastian's organization for more resources on ending child molestation.
I've been loving these interviews lately because we cover so many topics, I can't give you a main theme. I so enjoyed my conversation with Kristen - we talked about purity culture, parenting, race, adoption, marriage, divorce, LGBTQ community, and so much more! I can't wait for you to listen!
I devoured her book Rage Against the Minivan! Make sure to check out her website rageagainsttheminivan.com and follow her on social media!
I'm not really sure what to tell you this conversation was about because we talked about so much! I really enjoyed talking with Justin about divorce, being a single parent, faith, and running, just to name a few of the topics we covered! Make sure you follow him on socials @kellerthinks. He's one of my new favorite people!
I met Jenna through a friend and gosh, I'm so glad I did! She shares her story of addiction recovery on her socials (@jennadillulio) and she was kind enough to join me on the podcast. We had quite a bit in common and I cannot wait for you to hear her honesty, vulnerability, and strength.
I met Emy and his wife Emily a few years ago when I heard him share his story for the first time at a conference. I listened in tears. He talked about his trauma so vulnerably and hilariously (wild, right?)...I was blown away. This was a few months after losing my brother to suicide. I felt like listening to him was my first step in healing over the loss of my brother.
Emy is the Lead Pastor at Excel Church in Boston. He is such a dynamic preacher...I can't wait for you to hear his heart...because that's exactly what he shares in this interview. Follow him on Instagram @therealemy.
Ya'll, this was a tough, very vulnerable conversation. We talk about a lot of really hard things, so please listen whenever you are in the right head space. You may even want to listen with someone.
I've known Linda for as long as I've known my husband, Bryant. I can't wait for you to meet her and hear her story. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you listen. You can email me from nicolegolden.org.
For more resources, please visit https://surrenderingthesecret.com/.
My husband Bryant has been a HUGE fan of Carey Nieuwhof and his Leadership Podcast for years. When we found out his wife Toni wrote a book on marriage, we got it right away! I am here to tell you that this is one of my favorite books on the subject. Toni is so honest and thoughtful. If you are considering separation or divorce, Before You Split won't talk you out of it, but it will give you valuable insight from a former Divorce Attorney (Toni).
We have an incredible conversation where she shares her own story of how she almost walked away from her marriage. I can't wait for you to listen to this podcast, follow Toni (@toninieuwhof), and read her book!
Katherine Wolf suffered a life-threatening stroke six months after she had her son, when she was only in her mid-twenties.
The stroke left her severely disabled - but she has used her scars (she has had so many different surgeries) to tell her story of God's grace, rescue and redemption.
I cannot wait for you to hear her story! Make sure to follow their ministry at hopeheals.com and get both of her books: Hope Heals and Suffer Strong.
- This remix of my conversation with Emily includes my podcast's intro and outro. *
I can't wait for you to meet my girl Emily Vasquez. We met two years ago and connected instantly.
Emily shares her wild story of trauma and redemption. She tells how she had a mental/emotional breakdown and her husband contemplated suicide, while they were leading a church in Boston. We talk about how the church (as a whole) has done a huge disservice to those of us in leadership and what we need to do better as Jesus Followers when dealing with brokenness, mental health, and trauma. I'm telling you, this was a good one!
I have been following Carlos Whittaker (@loswhit) for a while now. He took a photo of his anxiety medication years ago encouraging us to keep moving towards healing, whatever it took! I was inspired to begin sharing about my journey with anxiety meds. Carlos is authentic and vulnerable and fun to watch!
In this interview, we talk a lot about anxiety and race. Carlos has challenged and informed my view of racism in America. He is kind and gracious and has friends and followers on both sides. I really want to encourage you to listen to this interview and hear his heart. Regardless of whether you agree or not, it's so important to learn from each other's experiences.
Let me know what you think! Leave a comment and a rating!
Check out Carlos' books: Kill the Spider, Moment Maker, and Enter Wild.
I have followed Jennie and Levi's story for years, but never had the opportunity to meet them personally. Jennie is the real deal. Her humility, grace, and wisdom blew me away. This was one of the most special interviews I've done...I know you are going to walk away challenged, encouraged, and inspired.
After you watch, let me know what you loved the most about the interview!
Be sure to follow Jennie on social media @jennielusko and get her book, The Fight to Flourish anywhere books are sold. Also, check out their podcast: "Hey, It's the Luskos!"
I can't wait for you to meet my girl Emily Vasquez. We met two years ago and connected instantly.
Emily shares her wild story of trauma and redemption. She tells how she had a mental/emotional breakdown and her husband contemplated suicide, while they were leading a church in Boston. We talk about how the church (as a whole) has done a huge disservice to those of us in leadership and what we need to do better as Jesus Followers when dealing with brokenness, mental health, and trauma. I'm telling you, this was a good one!
I cannot tell you HOW POWERFUL Heather's story is...YOU GUYS JUST GET READY FOR THIS. I will say, TRIGGER WARNING: We talk about mental afflictions (wait until you hear her definition) and about suicide. Heather's sense of humor is refreshing and her insight on all things mental health is challenging. I cannot wait for you to hear this interview!
Follow Heather at wondherful.com and on social media at @wondherful.
Darren Copeland is the High School Principal at Lakeland Christian School in Lakeland, Florida. I wanted to get his perspective on how teenagers are processing 2020 and beyond. As a parent, I SO APPRECIATED his insight on how to shepherd our kids' hearts through this unprecedented time. We cover a ride range of topics, believe it or not, so I know you will enjoy this one!
Okay...FANGIRL TIME! I have been following Brandi for about 8 or 9 years and have been so encouraged by her ministry!
Several years ago, Brandi walked through major trauma where God graciously surrounded her and, as she says, "protected her voice" so that she could have an incredibly powerful story to share now.
I know you will be so blessed by all that she has to share because I was blown away. Thank you again, Brandi!
Follow her on Instagram at @lovebrandiwilson and online at lovebrandiwilson.com.
You ask, I deliver!
So many of you wonder what you should do, think, feel if you are in relationship with someone who has a mental illness. I asked my husband to join me on the podcast and I told him to be 100% honest - I said not to hold back at all. And he did just that! I know some of you will find so much comfort from this podcast and will relate to everything Bryant shares!
Rachel Faulkner Brown was widowed TWO TIMES before age 30. She shares her story and how God has healed her heart and freed her from shame. We talk about how to handle difficult seasons in marriage, parenting, and life in general.
Her ministry, Be Still Ministries, released a Bible Study, The Father's House, that starts TONIGHT at 8PM! To join, please go to BeStillMinistries.com or TheFathersHouse.com. I know so many of you would be so encouraged!
Mike is BACK! I'm so thankful for licensed counselors and therapists that are willing to be on the show!
We talk about ADHD and how to help our kids who may be struggling with ADHD. I learned so much and know you will too!
Dena's daughter Renee is the story behind the organzation To Wrtie Love on Her Arms. Renee battled through depression, self-harm, suicide and addcition. Dena and I talk about the toll this took on her and her husband and other children. If you are a parent of a child with a mental illness, addiction, or learning disability, I KNOW this interview will encourage you! Please check out Dena's website hopeforhurtingparents.com and make sure to get a copy of her book, You are Not Alone - Hope for Hurting Parents of Troubled Kids. Also, Dena mentions a online study group for her book that starts TODAY at 7PM! Here is the Zoom link to register if you are intersted: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZIscu2gpjMjHN2cL9maczFpiMuWf...
Justin and Rachel are on staff at Centerpoint Church and some of our best friends. Justin shares his battle with pornography and how it affected his entire life at one point. I can't wait for you to hear their story of forgiveness and redemption!
My friend Ellen talks about her fitness and nutrition journey and how it has impacted her physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Trigger Warning: We do discuss eating disorders and counting calories...so please watch with discretion.
You will not want to miss her story and how she takes a wholistic approach to fitness and nutrition. We even do a 25 minute workout that you can do anytime, anywhere with little to no equipment! You can watch the workout on my YouTube Channel or on any of my social media accounts: @nicolefayegolden.
Stephani is CEO of "Great Life is a Must". She is a blogger of "practical content, solutions, and products to help you have a great life." We talk about six ways to reduce stress this holiday season! Make sure to follow her on social media for incredible resources!
Zach Rippey has been one of my friends for over seven years! He has an incredible story of becoming a single dad before he was 20, marrying the woman of his dreams, raising two amazing boys, and getting into comedy, ministry, and podcasting!
Dale Golden is actually my father-in-law and although I am biased, everyone would agree, is an INCREDIBLE man! We lost mom, Dale's wife of 53 years, last year in September. We talk about grief and walking through all of the firsts.
Mike Brannan is an LMHC and extremely gifted with working with families and kids. We talk all about navigating the holidays with our families and when to know it's time to take our kids to counseling.
Jason and Dena are new friends of mine! They authored "When Anxiety Strikes". Dena and I talk about our familiar struggles with anxiety and Jason explains some techniques for combatting that anxiety and depression.
Megan is a Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist and one of my good friends. I get asked all the time how to find a counselor and what to expect from counseling/therapy. So, I ask her all of those questions plus more!
Shelbie shares her battle with an Eating Disorder. This is an honest, raw, and incredibly hope-filled conversation. It's not just for the ladies: Men, Eating Disorders are becoming more prevalent and deadly with you.
Her books "Kaleidoscope Girl" and "Girls Like Me" are available on Amazon.
Kevin has been my counselor for the past TEN YEARS! We talk all about the stress of 2020 and how our bodies are reacting physically and psychologically. He gives some incredible ways to center ourselves to the moment and to counteract the "Fight or Flight" that we often do automatically during hard seasons.
Hope and I talk all about her husband's battle with PTS(d). We talk about what PTSD is and isn't and why it's important to leave the "D" out of the discussion.
Check out her book "Finding Joy" on Amazon.
My friend Lauren shares her journey with mental illness and how Christians lied and told her she was healed. It's a very raw, vulnerable story of brokenness, forgiveness, and learning to trust again.