Hello listeners! The Soul Care Matters Podcast has packed everything up and is moving to a new home. But don't worry, you will still get new episodes every other week starting in January 2025. Join the guys this week as they talk about the history of the Soul Care Matters podcast, where it's moving to and why it's moving and...a discussion about th…

What an episode we have for you today! If you're one who likes quotable and tweetable nuggets of wisdom, this is your episode! Today the guys spend some time with friend and Pastor Zach Cochran to continue the discussion of holistic care for oneself. Today the conversation turns to emotional a health, and vital piece of the puzzle. Zach provides in…

She's back! Listener's favorite guest, Marla Vroegop, is back with us on this episode to continue our series on self-stewardship. She is going to talk to us about embodiment and even walk us through an exercise she often uses in the counseling room to help others pay attention to what their God-given bodies are telling them. Send us a text…

Join Jeff and special guest Pastor Bob Martin as they continue the series discussion on holistic care of self. In this episode they dive into what it looks like to care for oneself spiritually. This isn't your typical "read your Bible more" kind of chat, this ones gives far wider and more helpful and practical perspective. Send us a text…

Today the guys are introducing a new series on Biblical Self-Stewardship or Biblical Self-Care. This is a necessary topic for our world right now. Jump in with the guys and hear about why this is something we should consider. Resources mentioned: The Whole Life: 52 Weeks of Biblical Self-Care Send us a text…

Author, counselor and speaker Jonathan Holmes joins the guys today to discuss sexual integrity and his book "Rescue Plan" that helps folks break free from sexual sin. Resources mentioned in this episode: Jonathan's Book Rescue Plan: Charting a Course to Restore Prisoners of Pornography An Open Letter to Those Frustrated by Their Progress in Sanctif…

Join the guys as they welcome good friend Jim Soots to the podcast to discuss his history with sexual sin, his path to freedom and how God is now using him and his story to help others find healing and forgiveness in that area. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Today the guys start a new series on Sexual Integrity and the devastating effects of sexual sin. Join Jeff & Ryan as they talk about the important underlying reasons why people often fall into this trap. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Join guest host Marla Vroegop this week as she sits down with her friend Rhoda as she shares her traumatic loss and impact it's had on her life. Listen as Rhoda encourages us with how she has walked through this trauma and how she has experienced the love of Jesus during some of the most challenging moments. Send us a text…

Man, this one is GOOD! Join Ryan & Jeff as they welcome Beth Broom to the show to share her experience and expertise regarding ways in which we should consider trauma. Whether you are a trauma survivor, caring for a survivor of trauma or simply want to know more about this topic, this episode is for you! Beth's Website Christian Trauma Healing Netw…

It's time for a new series on Trauma. This is a tough one to dissect quickly, so we will take our time. In this episode the guys simply talk about trauma, what it is, how its become such a buzzword, and how should we, as followers of Jesus, consider this important topic? Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

In our ongoing series on friendship, we have invited life-long friends Megan & Sarah to join Ryan and talk about their friendship, what makes it work, what makes it last, and how other might go about developing new friendships. This is a good one, you'll laugh, cry, and maybe even learn a thing or two! Listen to Megan's Lifestory Episode Empathy vs…

This episode has to be Ryan's favorite episode ever of the Soul Care Matters podcast. In this episode Ryan is joined by three of his closest and most life-giving friends for a roundtable discussion about friendship, how theirs began, how it works through conflict, and practical ideas for establishing friendships of your own. Made for People: Why We…

Welcome to the new series on friendship. This one is going to be a little bit of a different vibe. In this series we will talk about the need for friendship, how the lack of it affects you, and even hear some strong friendships discussed and unpacked. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

It's the third episode in our opening series on anxiety. This is the episode that will provide some practical tools for you to put in your tool belt as you seek to manage your own anxiety. This is just an overview as you could do a years long podcast just on this topic. If you want an even deeper dive, consider joining an Managing Anxiety Cohort wi…

This is episode 2 of our series discussing anxiety. It's finally here! This is the episode Ryan has been wanting to produce for almost three years. Join Ryan & Jeff as they welcome pastor and author Steve Cuss to the podcast to discuss chronic anxiety and it's effects on us but also some helpful ways to manage it. If you're only able to listen to o…

Welcome back! We are here with season four of the Soul Care Matters Podcast. In this episode Jeff & Ryan talk about how season 4 will be a little bit different and intro our first series topic: Anxiety. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Thanks for listening to season three of the soul care matters podcast. We hope you enjoyed it. We are already busy producing season 4. Listen in and get a quick sneak peak into what we have in store for you next season. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

In the final episode of season 3 Jeff & Ryan tackle one of the hardest topics they have discussed yet. Forgiveness. Listen in as they talk about what forgiveness is, what it isn't and the common misconceptions regarding this tough issue. Also, forgive us (pun intended) for only doing a brief flyover in this episode. We will revisit this in future e…

Today the guys are joined by Dwight and Kim Wharton. These two have been married for more than 34 years and provide some insight and funny stories that help illustrate the ways in which they have maintained and even thrived in marriage. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Today the guys welcome friend and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Dr. Michael Trexler to discuss ways in which caregivers, counselors, pastors, people-helpers can struggle to maintain work/life balance and also ways in which they can pursue health. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Pastor Alex Anderson joins the guys today to share some insight and practical wisdom on the daunting task of navigating technology with students and kids. Don't miss this one, its extremely helpful. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Rejoin the conversation from our last episode where we began unpacking the critical concept of childhood vows. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

This week the guys tackle the concept of childhood vows. This one is particularly meaningful in Ryan's life. Listen to his story of how childhood experience and the vows he made as a result greatly impacted his life, even to this day. This is part 1 of a 2 part series on Childhood vows. Send us a text…

Today you'll hear a familiar voice sharing their lifestory. Pastor Mark Schuitema, executive pastor at Pennington Park Church shares his story of rescue and redemption. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Capable Life Coach, Jimmy Carnes, joins the guys this week to give some insight into this anxiety tool called "differentiation." Ryan says this is one of the most helpful and profound episodes he's ever been a part of. This is one you don't want to miss. If you're interested in learning more about differentiation and learning how to manage anxiety,…

In this episode the guys welcome back one of their favorite guests, Marla Vroegop, licensed social worker and counselor at College Park Church. She shares much of her research, insight and experience working through attachment theory with those in her care. This episode is especially poignant and beneficial, check it out today. Video referenced in …

Come listen to Angie's story about growing up and some of the trials that came her way, how they affected her, and how she has processed that as a follower of Jesus. This is a good one that many will relate to. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Just kidding! You will probably listen to more, but this one is gold. Pastor Mark Schuitema joins us to discuss wise parenting through different ages and stages. We are sure this one will generate questions, so send them our way and we will bring Mark back for part two! DM us on our instagram. @collegeparksoulcare Send us a text…

This is a "don't miss" lifestory. If you or anyone you know struggles with chronic pain, this is one for you. Come hear our friend Megan share about her experiences with that and what it looks like to "find her squad." Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

One of College Park Church's 2023 "Think Conference" speakers joins the show today to discuss his book "Following Jesus in a Digital Age" and to help share a philosophy of using technology with wisdom and to the glory of God. To purchase Jason's book click here. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

We're back and better than ever! Join the guys as they give an overview of season 3 of the Soul Care Matters Podcast. This season is going to be better than ever, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Share this podcast with 3 friends this week and lets watch the audience grow! Send us a text…

It's hard to believe, but this is the last episode of season two! Jeff and Ryan take a short walk down memory lane from season two and give a look ahead to what season three holds. NOTE: At the time of this recording there was one additional episode that would have come out before this one. Due to unforeseen circumstances, that episode isn't availa…

Join the guys today as they discuss what is and what isn't a good definition of "safe people." This term and topic is tricky and it is very much a "buzz" word these days, so the guys provide some helpful definitions and ideas when considering how you select a "safe" person to talk to but also how yourself should function as a "safe" person for othe…

Kevin Myers and Karesse Warren join Ryan and Marla today to discuss trends and methods of counseling with students and teens. This is an important podcast episode because recent stats have shown student counseling jumping over 600% in the past three years. Also, did you know there is such a thing as burrito volleyball? Well there is! Come find out …

Steven Lopez joins us again this week to further discuss the power and benefit of story work in counseling. Also, in this episode, learn what super heroes we identify with most, why does Ryan not believe that Batman qualifies as a super hero and Ryan also reveals breaking news that nobody else in the world has ever said before! (Sarcasm added) Send…

On today's episode Ryan and Jeff are joined by Pastor Don Bartemus, pastor of compassion at College Park Church. Don has a unique perspective and experience as a pastor. He is on the front lines with grief and loss as the pastor of a large church who does the hospital and shut in visits as well as the primary pastor over funeral. Listen in as Don s…

On today's episode of Lifestories, Steve shares about his battles with church hurt, and cancer. Steve has an amazing story of God's grace while dealing with some of the hardest things imaginable. Check it out today for some encouragement and a greater appreciation for God's grace! Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Join Ryan and special co-host Marla Vroegop as they discuss "story work" in counseling with Steven Lopez. Steven has done extensive training in story work and brings to light the benefits of utilizing story as we care for one another. This is the type of episode you might want to take notes during. There are many helpful exercises and quotes you wi…

On this episode Pastor and author, Mark Vroegop joins us to discuss the language of lament. Come here him discuss what lament has meant to him personally in moments of tragic loss as well as how it can unlock healthy emotional processing for believers in all walks of life. Mark also gives the inside scoop on his newest book the: "Dark Clouds Deep M…

On today's episode we welcome Dan Nishida. Today's episode is kind of a SCM/Lifestories hybrid. Dan shares his story of battling addiction and how God rescued him from that. We also discuss what it looks like to find help for a person struggling and how you could walk alongside a friend or loved one who is deal with addiction. Links from this episo…

Come here a conversation from when Ryan reconnected with his good friend Tim from November 2021. Tim shares about how he battles anxiety in parenting. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

On this week's episode special guest, Jill Wamsley, joins the guys as they discuss community, vulnerability, transparency and what all those terms mean. Listen as the team also shares about how others being vulnerable with them gave them the courage to do the same. Ryan gives an update on the 2022 reading goal and Jeff straight up preaches! Don't m…

Jeff & Ryan discuss some guiding principles for how one can study God's Word with confidence that they're interpreting it correctly. Also, Jeff was singing on this podcast and it was hilarious. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Come listen to Jill's incredible story of how God met her at her worst moments with His absolute best! Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Jeff and Ryan discuss ideas for a new year and a fresh start. Ryan shares some insights from his "day away" and the guys share what they have been up to during hiatus. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

It's the Christmas episode! Join the guys to hear what their favorite Christmas songs, movies and memories are. Does Ryan secretly love Hallmark Christmas movies? How should I prepare for the holiday interactions with family? What do I do if I'm alone? How can I process grief over loss during the holiday season? Hear all this and more in the final …

Today LeEtta from Indianapolis joins us to share her lifestory. Listen as she talks about what it was like for her when she walked away from the church but God lovingly and consistently pursued her anyway. Send us a textJeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving with friends and family. On our episode today special guest, Daniel Teater, joins us to discuss Gospel Culture. What should relationships look with those who follow Jesus? How can our churches become more of a gospel-centered culture? Have your phone ready, there are a LOT of tweetable q…

On this episode of Lifestories, a listener, Nathan, shares his story of feeling hopeless, lost in sin, alone and depressed. But God...He steps in and rescues, giving hope and encouragement. Feeling alone and hopeless is something we can all relate to on some level. It is our hope that you will hear Nathan's story and find hope to endure and turn to…