This is Brian's story.

What happens when the version of success you were chasing no longer works? In this vulnerable episode, Brian shares how a season of depression led to a deeper, more honest version of his calling. As a young man in ministry, Brian wanted to be the hero—but over time, he discovered that connection comes not from perfection, but from shared struggle.

This episode explores how pride can keep us isolated, how vulnerability builds connection, and what it means to surrender to God’s voice in the quiet.

Themes:

Pride, vulnerability, depression, ministry, mental health, calling, faith, identity, healing, connection

Key Resources & Reflections:

• Isaiah 30:15 – “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…”

• Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”

• Conversation around defense mechanisms, emotional avoidance, and the difference between connection and performance

• Reflection on the spiritual formation that happens in seasons of struggle

• Prompt for listeners: Where do you connect more with the struggler or the hero?

We want to hear from you! We’re preparing a special Season One finale episode—and we’d love to include your voice. Send us your questions, thoughts, or reflections at info@illstartpodcast.com

Connect With Us: X: @illstartpodcast Instagram: @illstartpodcast Facebook: I’ll Start Tag us and share your thoughts using #IllStartPodcast

One of the most difficult parts of mental health struggle is feeling alone. Shame, fear, and stigma keep us isolated and reinforce the belief I am the only one who struggles with mental health. When someone shares their struggle with us, suddenly we have hope. Even when pain is present, there is something so healing about being in community. How do we build a community in the middle of our struggle?

Someone needs to start the conversation.

Most of the time we are hoping someone else will be the one to do it. What if we stopped waiting on others and told our story. What if we said, “I’ll start.” “I’ll Start” is a podcast where individuals bravely share their stories, listen with compassion, and connect through their faith and mental health experiences. Each episode of “I’ll Start” highlights a personal story of mental health challenge, endurance, and hope. At the end of each episode, you will receive mental health tools and theological truth from our Co-hosts, Morgan Arseneau and Heather Kaloupek.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 9-8-8 to speak to a professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are not alone.

This is Stephanie's story.

Stephanie’s story begins in the overwhelm of early marriage, new motherhood, and the crushing pressure to hold it all together. From the outside, she seemed steady. Inside, she was unraveling.

In this episode of I’ll Start, Stephanie opens up about the hidden battles behind perfectionism, the guilt and rage that surfaced in parenting, and the slow, faithful path toward healing.

This story is for anyone who’s ever hit their limit and wondered: Could this also be a turning point?

In this episode, we explore: • Oversharing, shame, and vulnerability • When anxiety is really about love and responsibility • Rage in motherhood and the weight of unrealistic expectations • How scripture and counseling helped Stephanie heal • The lie that “you should be able to figure this out” on your own

Resources Mentioned: • Unhindered: Thirty Days to Liberate the Heart by Charity Byers & John Walker https://renew.org/resources/unhindered-book • Philippians 4:4–7 (“Rejoice in the Lord always…The Lord is near…Do not be anxious…”)

Reflection Prompt: Have you ever felt like you were too much? What’s one small way you can move toward truth or support this week?

We want to hear from you! We’re preparing a special Season One finale episode—and we’d love to include your voice. Send us your questions, thoughts, or reflections at info@illstartpodcast.com

Connect With Us: X: @illstartpodcast Instagram: @illstartpodcast Facebook: I’ll Start Tag us and share your thoughts using #IllStartPodcast

One of the most difficult parts of mental health struggle is feeling alone. Shame, fear, and stigma keep us isolated and reinforce the belief I am the only one who struggles with mental health. When someone shares their struggle with us, suddenly we have hope. Even when pain is present, there is something so healing about being in community. How do we build a community in the middle of our struggle?

Someone needs to start the conversation.

Most of the time we are hoping someone else will be the one to do it. What if we stopped waiting on others and told our story. What if we said, “I’ll start.” “I’ll Start” is a podcast where individuals bravely share their stories, listen with compassion, and connect through their faith and mental health experiences. Each episode of “I’ll Start” highlights a personal story of mental health challenge, endurance, and hope. At the end of each episode, you will receive mental health tools and theological truth from our Co-hosts, Morgan Arseneau and Heather Kaloupek.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 9-8-8 to speak to a professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are not alone.