Through The Valley artwork

Through The Valley

40 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratings

Through The Valley explores depression, anxiety, mental health, and suffering from a Christian worldview. Cole is a 25 year-old Christian who has dealt with general depression and anxiety for around 7 years. His hope is that by sharing his journey and views he can open the floor on mental health in the Church and be a companion to others in their darkest seasons of life. The title "Through The Valley" is a reminder of God's faithfulness to us in our darkest seasons of life.

Episodes posted on Thursdays Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/throughthevalleypodcast/support

Mental Health Health & Fitness
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Episodes

Turning to God During a Brain Injury - w/ Pedro Santos

June 01, 2023 19:57 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

Pedro Santos, a soccer player at Wingate University, shares his story about a brain injury that threatened his ability to play soccer for the rest of his life. After turning to God during this time, Pedro shares how Christ has transformed his life since then. Share your Story: https://forms.gle/gENg3D85CzKWuH6m7 Connect With Me: Follow the podcast on Instagram: @throughthevalley_podcast Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book and music: https://www.facebook.com/Through-The-Valley...

Rescued from the Pit of Depression - w/ Vontrez Roberts

May 11, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MB

Vontrez Roberts, a senior at Wingate University, joins TTV to share his journey with depression, anxiety, and the unique pressures he faces with mental health as a student athlete. A common theme that came from our talk was that God is faithful and able to rescue us from our pits of depression and anxiety. I pray you are blessed by Trez's transparency and can see the hope of Jesus Christ through his story. Connect With Me: Follow the podcast on Instagram: @throughthevalley_podcast Follo...

Ep. 10 - How Should Christians Respond to General Anxiety?

April 20, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB

In the last episode we established how sincere believers in Jesus do indeed experience prolonged seasons of General Anxiety. Now, how should Christians respond? Is it okay to even feel anxious? What practical things can be done to alleviate or get to the root of our General Anxiety? Resources: DSM Criteria for General Anxiety Disorder - ⁠http://images.pearsonclinical.com/images/assets/basc-3/basc3resources/DSM5_DiagnosticCriteria_GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder.pdf⁠  “My Battle With Anxiety” ⁠...

How Should Christians Respond to General Anxiety? (Ep. 10)

April 20, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB

In the last episode we established how sincere believers in Jesus do indeed experience prolonged seasons of General Anxiety. Now, how should Christians respond? Is it okay to even feel anxious? What practical things can be done to alleviate or get to the root of our General Anxiety? Resources: DSM Criteria for General Anxiety Disorder - ⁠http://images.pearsonclinical.com/images/assets/basc-3/basc3resources/DSM5_DiagnosticCriteria_GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder.pdf⁠  “My Battle With Anxiety” ⁠...

Ep. 9 - What is General Anxiety & Can Christians Struggle With It?

April 13, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

What is General Anxiety, as opposed to Panic Attacks, Social Anxiety, or just the normal stress of life? Can true, sincere Christians struggle with this? If so, how do we respond? Resources: DSM Criteria for General Anxiety Disorder - http://images.pearsonclinical.com/images/assets/basc-3/basc3resources/DSM5_DiagnosticCriteria_GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder.pdf  “My Battle With Anxiety” https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/personal-stories/my-battle-anxiety  Some Things You Should Know About...

What is General Anxiety & Can Christians Struggle With It? (Ep. 9)

April 13, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

What is General Anxiety, as opposed to Panic Attacks, Social Anxiety, or just the normal stress of life? Can true, sincere Christians struggle with this? If so, how do we respond? Resources: DSM Criteria for General Anxiety Disorder - http://images.pearsonclinical.com/images/assets/basc-3/basc3resources/DSM5_DiagnosticCriteria_GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder.pdf  “My Battle With Anxiety” https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/personal-stories/my-battle-anxiety  Some Things You Should Know About...

Why Easter Matters for Your Mental Health (Easter 2023)

April 06, 2023 09:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

What does Easter have to do with mental health? Is that even a relevant question? In this episode, we see how the Easter story actually has a lot to say about you depression, anxiety, stress, or grief. "But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." -1 Cor 15:13-14 -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://ww...

Easter 2023 | Why Easter Matters for Your Mental Health

April 06, 2023 09:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

What does Easter have to do with mental health? Is that even a relevant question? In this episode, we see how the Easter story actually has a lot to say about you depression, anxiety, stress, or grief. "But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." -1 Cor 15:13-14 -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://ww...

Ep. 8 - Should I Go to Counseling/Therapy?

February 02, 2023 10:00 - 36 minutes - 34 MB

Sincere Christians often ask the question, "Should I go to counseling or therapy for my depression/anxiety/relational problems?" Within this question lie a few assumptions we need to clarify. One, what do we mean by counseling/therapy? Second, what are the negative stigmas that make us ask this question in the first place? And third, if we answer in the affirmative, how should we walk in wisdom when we seek out counseling? All this in today's episode. Resources: "Why do Christians need cou...

Should I Go to Counseling/Therapy? (Ep. 8)

February 02, 2023 10:00 - 36 minutes - 34 MB

Sincere Christians often ask the question, "Should I go to counseling or therapy for my depression/anxiety/relational problems?" Within this question lie a few assumptions we need to clarify. One, what do we mean by counseling/therapy? Second, what are the negative stigmas that make us ask this question in the first place? And third, if we answer in the affirmative, how should we walk in wisdom when we seek out counseling? All this in today's episode. Resources: "Why do Christians need cou...

Ep. 7 - Winter Blues & Seasonal Depression

January 05, 2023 22:00 - 30 minutes - 35.2 MB

Do you ever notice patterns in your life? Not just in the day to day, but over seasons or years? Seasonal Depression (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD) is a common phenomenon where people experience a depressed state in a specific time of the year, typically Fall or Winter. A milder form is known as the Winter Blues - general feelings of sadness during colder months.  What are these things, and what biblical hope do we have for those who experience them?  Sources Mayo Cli...

Winter Blues & Seasonal Depression (Ep. 7)

January 05, 2023 22:00 - 30 minutes - 35.2 MB

Do you ever notice patterns in your life? Not just in the day to day, but over seasons or years? Seasonal Depression (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD) is a common phenomenon where people experience a depressed state in a specific time of the year, typically Fall or Winter. A milder form is known as the Winter Blues - general feelings of sadness during colder months.  What are these things, and what biblical hope do we have for those who experience them?  Sources Mayo Cli...

Special Guest #2 - Matt Hannon: Depression in Athletes (pt. 3/3)

September 01, 2022 09:00 - 15 minutes - 17.6 MB

Matt Hannon, a long-time friend of mine, joins me to talk about mental health in athletes. In part 3 of this talk, we discuss the roles of the general population, health-care professionals, and athletes themselves in helping stem the tide of depression in the athletic population.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/throughthevalleypodcast/support

Depression in Athletes w/ Matt Hannon (pt. 3/3)

September 01, 2022 09:00 - 15 minutes - 17.6 MB

Matt Hannon, a long-time friend of mine, joins me to talk about mental health in athletes. In part 3 of this talk, we discuss the roles of the general population, health-care professionals, and athletes themselves in helping stem the tide of depression in the athletic population.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/throughthevalleypodcast/support

Depression in Athletes w/ Matt Hannon (pt. 2/3)

August 04, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes - 27.1 MB

Matt Hannon, a long-time friend of mine, joins me to talk about mental health in athletes. In part 2 of this talk, we discuss stats surrounding depression in collegiate athletes, the challenges of diagnosing depression in athletes, a tragic story of an athlete with undiagnosed depression, the day-to-day grind of college athletes, and the hope of the gospel in finding our identity in Jesus. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/throughthevalleypodcast/support

Special Guest #2 - Matt Hannon: Depression in Athletes (pt. 2/3)

August 04, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes - 27.1 MB

Matt Hannon, a long-time friend of mine, joins me to talk about mental health in athletes. In part 2 of this talk, we discuss stats surrounding depression in collegiate athletes, the challenges of diagnosing depression in athletes, a tragic story of an athlete with undiagnosed depression, the day-to-day grind of college athletes, and the hope of the gospel in finding our identity in Jesus. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/throughthevalleypodcast/support

Special Guest #2 - Matt Hannon: Depression in Athletes (pt. 1/3)

March 17, 2022 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

MARCH MADNESS is here. Have you filled out a bracket? If you're listening to this podcast, it's probably too late. Anyways, we have another special guest on the podcast today. Matt Hannon, a long-time friend of mine, joins me to talk about mental health in athletes. In part 1 of this episode, we get to learn a little about Matt, why he is pursuing an athletic trainer degree, his experience with depression, and his heart for athletes who struggle behind closed doors with the same things he ha...

Depression in Athletes w/ Matt Hannon (pt. 1/3)

March 17, 2022 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

MARCH MADNESS is here. Have you filled out a bracket? If you're listening to this podcast, it's probably too late. Anyways, we have another special guest on the podcast today. Matt Hannon, a long-time friend of mine, joins me to talk about mental health in athletes. In part 1 of this episode, we get to learn a little about Matt, why he is pursuing an athletic trainer degree, his experience with depression, and his heart for athletes who struggle behind closed doors with the same things he ha...

Special Guest #2 - Matt Hannon | MARCH MADNESS: Depression in Athletes (pt.1)

March 17, 2022 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

MARCH MADNESS is here. Have you filled out a bracket? If you're listening to this podcast, it's probably too late. Anyways, we have another special guest on the podcast today. Matt Hannon, a long-time friend of mine, joins me to talk about mental health in athletes. In part 1 of this episode, we get to learn a little about Matt, why he is pursuing an athletic trainer degree, his experience with depression, and his heart for athletes who struggle behind closed doors with the same things he ha...

Ep. 6 - Reach Out Anyways

March 04, 2022 14:58 - 33 minutes - 38.5 MB

Have you ever felt alone in your depression? Have you ever thought "no one will understand me?" "If they only knew what I was going through." If so - you need to listen to this week's podcast. How do we "reach out anyways" as those who suffer, and what is the role of the local church in ministering to those who deal with depression and anxiety? All this and more on this week's episode of Through The Valley -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon...

Reach Out Anyways (Ep. 6)

March 04, 2022 14:58 - 33 minutes - 38.5 MB

Have you ever felt alone in your depression? Have you ever thought "no one will understand me?" "If they only knew what I was going through." If so - you need to listen to this week's podcast. How do we "reach out anyways" as those who suffer, and what is the role of the local church in ministering to those who deal with depression and anxiety? All this and more on this week's episode of Through The Valley -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon...

Ep. 5 - The Myth of 'Have More Faith'

February 10, 2022 18:27 - 26 minutes - 29.8 MB

Have you ever had someone say to you during a trial: "oh, just have more faith!" or "just pray more" or "let go and let God"? What do these phrases truly tell us about our understanding of suffering in the Christian life? In this episode, we continue our series on depression by exploring what true, biblical faith is. Even in our darkest seasons, true faith is not a feeling or a call to move on quickly from our grief, but rather to meet God with that grief and wrestle with His promises. -- ...

The Myth of 'Have More Faith' (Ep. 5)

February 10, 2022 18:27 - 26 minutes - 29.8 MB

Have you ever had someone say to you during a trial: "oh, just have more faith!" or "just pray more" or "let go and let God"? What do these phrases truly tell us about our understanding of suffering in the Christian life? In this episode, we continue our series on depression by exploring what true, biblical faith is. Even in our darkest seasons, true faith is not a feeling or a call to move on quickly from our grief, but rather to meet God with that grief and wrestle with His promises. -- ...

What Exactly Is Depression? (Ep. 4)

January 27, 2022 17:53 - 33 minutes - 38 MB

What is "depression"? How do we define it from a biblical standpoint? Can Christians be depressed? How has modern psychology helped clarify some of these questions? All this and more on this weeks' episode of Through The Valley! -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book and music: https://www.facebook.com/Through-The-Valley-109942323982587/ Feel free to email ...

Ep. 4 - What Is Depression?

January 27, 2022 17:53 - 33 minutes - 38 MB

What is "depression"? How do we define it from a biblical standpoint? Can Christians be depressed? How has modern psychology helped clarify some of these questions? All this and more on this weeks' episode of Through The Valley! -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book and music: https://www.facebook.com/Through-The-Valley-109942323982587/ Feel free to email ...

Ep. 3 - New Year, Same World

January 13, 2022 11:00 - 20 minutes - 23.1 MB

How should we approach the New Year as Christians? Where is our true hope? The reality is, it may be a new year, but the world is still the same as it has always been since the Fall. Our hope is not in a New Year, because its the same world. Rather, its a New Year, but we trust in the same God. -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book and music: https://www.fa...

New Year, Same World (Ep. 3)

January 13, 2022 11:00 - 20 minutes - 23.1 MB

How should we approach the New Year as Christians? Where is our true hope? The reality is, it may be a new year, but the world is still the same as it has always been since the Fall. Our hope is not in a New Year, because its the same world. Rather, its a New Year, but we trust in the same God. -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book and music: https://www.fa...

Valley Stories: Ian Leighninger | Brokenness & The Grace of God

January 06, 2022 11:00 - 47 minutes - 54.1 MB

Ian Leighninger is a college student at Wingate University in North Carolina. Ian's story is one of God's grace working in the midst of brokenness and loss. We are thankful for Ian's willingness to share his story, all in hope that you too will be encouraged by his faith and the faithfulness of Jesus in the most broken parts of life. -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for upda...

Brokenness & The Grace of God - w/ Ian Leighninger

January 06, 2022 11:00 - 47 minutes - 54.1 MB

Ian Leighninger is a college student at Wingate University in North Carolina. Ian's story is one of God's grace working in the midst of brokenness and loss. We are thankful for Ian's willingness to share his story, all in hope that you too will be encouraged by his faith and the faithfulness of Jesus in the most broken parts of life. -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for upda...

Special Guest #1 - Ian Leighninger | Brokenness & The Grace of God

January 06, 2022 11:00 - 47 minutes - 54.1 MB

Ian Leighninger is a college student at Wingate University in North Carolina. Ian's story is one of God's grace working in the midst of brokenness and loss. We are thankful for Ian's willingness to share his story, all in hope that you too will be encouraged by his faith and the faithfulness of Jesus in the most broken parts of life. -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for upda...

A Baby Is Your Hope - Advent 2021 (3/3)

December 23, 2021 15:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

It sounds strange, doesn't it? A baby born 2,000 years ago in a dirty stable is the hope for humanity. But this is exactly what the Christmas season is about. This baby, this Jesus, this Immanuel, is our hope.  -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book: https://www.facebook.com/Through-The-Valley-109942323982587/ Feel free to email me or reach out at throughth...

Advent 2021 | Ep. 3 - A Baby Is Your Hope

December 23, 2021 15:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

It sounds strange, doesn't it? A baby born 2,000 years ago in a dirty stable is the hope for humanity. But this is exactly what the Christmas season is about. This baby, this Jesus, this Immanuel, is our hope.  -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book: https://www.facebook.com/Through-The-Valley-109942323982587/ Feel free to email me or reach out at throughth...

He Knows Your Pain - Advent 2021 (2/2)

December 16, 2021 11:00 - 16 minutes - 19.4 MB

Jesus became like you in every way. He knows the human experience. He was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. This is your Savior, your Friend, your Redeemer, and your Hope. -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book: https://www.facebook.com/Through-The-Valley-109942323982587/ Feel free to email me or reach out at [email protected] --- Sup...

Advent 2021 | Ep. 2 - He Knows Your Pain

December 16, 2021 11:00 - 16 minutes - 19.4 MB

Jesus became like you in every way. He knows the human experience. He was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. This is your Savior, your Friend, your Redeemer, and your Hope. -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book: https://www.facebook.com/Through-The-Valley-109942323982587/ Feel free to email me or reach out at [email protected] --- Sup...

Advent 2021 | Ep. 1 - He Knows Your Darkness

December 09, 2021 10:00 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MB

What does Christmas have to do with your mental health?  Well, in Christian tradition, Christmas celebrates the Advent of Christ. What is Advent? It's the Coming of Jesus Christ into this world. He is the light in the darkness. This is truly good news for those who deal with depression, anxiety, or any effects of living in a fallen world. What is the Christian hope? It is knowing that our God has come to dwell in our darkness—and He has overcome it.  -- If you appreciate my work, please c...

He Knows Your Darkness - Advent 2021 (1/3)

December 09, 2021 10:00 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MB

What does Christmas have to do with your mental health?  Well, in Christian tradition, Christmas celebrates the Advent of Christ. What is Advent? It's the Coming of Jesus Christ into this world. He is the light in the darkness. This is truly good news for those who deal with depression, anxiety, or any effects of living in a fallen world. What is the Christian hope? It is knowing that our God has come to dwell in our darkness—and He has overcome it.  -- If you appreciate my work, please c...

A Biblical Worldview for Suffering Souls (Ep. 2)

December 02, 2021 12:00 - 28 minutes - 32.5 MB

Why does suffering exist? What does the biblical worldview have to say about it? Join Cole in this episode as he talks about the "Four C's" of a biblical worldview: Creation, Curse, Cross, Coming. These four main points of the Bible form a robust worldview for dealing with mental suffering in this world.  -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book: https://www.f...

Ep. 2 - A Biblical Worldview for Suffering Souls

December 02, 2021 12:00 - 28 minutes - 32.5 MB

Why does suffering exist? What does the biblical worldview have to say about it? Join Cole in this episode as he talks about the "Four C's" of a biblical worldview: Creation, Curse, Cross, Coming. These four main points of the Bible form a robust worldview for dealing with mental suffering in this world.  -- If you appreciate my work, please consider supporting me as a creator on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32541928 Follow my Facebook Page for updates on my book: https://www.f...

Ep. 1 - "Hello, I'm a Christian and I've been on the verge of suicide"

October 30, 2021 13:21 - 38 minutes - 43.6 MB

Hello, I'm a Christian and I've been on the verge of suicide. To some, that may sound paradoxical. It may sound wrong. A Christian? On the verge of suicide? How can that happen? Well, let's talk. My name is Cole, I'm 23 years-old, and I've struggled with general depression and anxiety for around 7 years now. I am a Christian. But depression is real. Anxiety is real. We live in a world where these things happen. Even Christians face these things. Don't we talk about mental health enough? We...

MY STORY: "Hello, I'm a Christian and I've been on the verge of suicide" (Ep. 1)

October 30, 2021 13:21 - 38 minutes - 43.6 MB

Hello, I'm a Christian and I've been on the verge of suicide. To some, that may sound paradoxical. It may sound wrong. A Christian? On the verge of suicide? How can that happen? Well, let's talk. My name is Cole, I'm 25 years-old, and I've struggled with general depression and anxiety for around 9 years now. I am a Christian. But depression is real. Anxiety is real. We live in a world where these things happen. Even Christians face these things. Don't we talk about mental health enough? We...