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.

This is Nic's story.

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 Abbey's story.

Resources from Abbey’s Story:

1. “Name It to Tame It” – Dr. Dan Siegel

This phrase comes from brain-based research on how naming our emotions helps regulate them. Learn more:

• Dan Siegel’s Website
• Book: The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson

2. Scripture Reflection: 1 John 4:18

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…”

This verse reminds us that God’s love is greater than our anxiety—and invites us to root our identity in Him.

3. Mental Health Tool: Emotional Check-In

Try this simple tool:

• Pause
• Name what you’re feeling
• Ask: “What is this emotion trying to protect or show me?”
• Invite God into that space with grace, not shame

4. Recommended Devotional:

“Anxious for Nothing” by Max Lucado - Faith-based encouragement for those navigating anxiety.

5. Crisis + Professional Support Resources:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org
• Faithful Counseling (Christian therapy online): faithfulcounseling.com
• In a crisis? Text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor via the Crisis Text Line (U.S. only)

6. Book Recommendation:

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

A powerful exploration of the cultural shifts—especially around screen time and social media—that have shaped today’s mental health landscape. This book pairs well with Abbey’s story and offers practical insight for parents, leaders, and anyone who cares about the next generation.

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 Heather's story.

In this deeply honest and encouraging episode, Heather shares her personal journey of living with undiagnosed ADHD for most of her life. From early struggles in childhood to the quiet exhaustion of constantly masking, Heather opens up about the moment things finally began to make sense. Through clarity, kind words, and a faith-filled lens, she began to reframe her story—and in doing so, found hope.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, love someone who has, or simply know what it feels like to wrestle with feeling “too much” or “not enough,” this episode is for you. It’s a powerful reminder that understanding changes everything.

In this episode, we explore: • What it’s like to live with undiagnosed ADHD as an adult • How childhood experiences can shape our inner narratives • The power of kind words and community • Faith as a source of clarity and hope • Tools for reframing identity and embracing your true self

Resources Mentioned:

ADHD is Awesome by Penn & Kim Holderness – Buy the book

1. “Females with ADHD: An Expert Consensus Statement” This article discusses how females with ADHD often exhibit different symptom profiles compared to males, including variations in comorbidity and associated functioning. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7422602/

2. “Gender Differences in Adult ADHD: Cognitive Function Assessed by the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery” This study explores how ADHD manifests differently in adults based on gender, noting that females are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms, while males often display combined symptoms with higher rates of hyperactivity and impulsivity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7561166/

3. “Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women” This systematic review highlights that women with ADHD are often rated as more impaired on various measures of ADHD symptoms and tend to score higher on related rating scales compared to men. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38324203/

4. “How ADHD Differs in Males and Females” This article discusses how females with ADHD may experience more significant subjective impairment than males, with a tendency to report more severe inattention symptoms. It also notes different patterns of comorbidity, with males more likely to have externalizing disorders. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876201822002039

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 Fred's story.

In this heartfelt episode of I’ll Start, Fred shares his raw journey through grief and the emotional challenges of losing his father. He talks about how grief can shape our lives, but also how healing, though difficult, is possible. Fred opens up about the importance of breaking generational patterns, addressing mental health openly, and finding strength in faith.

In the Post-Story Discussion, Heather and Morgan explore how healing from grief and anxiety is a gradual process, offering encouragement for those who are struggling. They discuss the power of reaching out for help, leaning into coping tools, and trusting in your faith.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it. And if you’re walking through a similar journey, know that we are in your corner.

Mental Health Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.): 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): www.adaa.org • GriefShare: www.griefshare.org • Mental Health America: www.mhanational.org • The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org

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 Morgan's story.

If you’re struggling with depression, you’re not alone. Here are some trusted resources that can offer support, guidance, and hope: Crisis Support & Hotlines: • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (Available 24/7 in the U.S.) | 988lifeline.org • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support | crisistextline.org • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline – Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HelpLine” to 62640 | nami.org/help • SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services) – Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | samhsa.gov Faith-Based Support: • GriefShare – Support groups for those struggling with loss | griefshare.org • Focus on the Family Counseling – Free one-time consultations with licensed counselors | Call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) | focusonthefamily.com • Find a Christian Counselor – aacc.net (American Association of Christian Counselors) Therapy & Mental Health Resources: • Psychology Today’s Therapist Finder – Find a licensed therapist near you | psychologytoday.com/us/therapists • Open Path Collective – Affordable therapy options | openpathcollective.org • To Write Love on Her Arms – Mental health resources & encouragement | twloha.com/find-help • BetterHelp – Online therapy platform | betterhelp.com Community & Self-Help: • Celebrate Recovery – Christ-centered support groups for mental health and addiction | celebraterecovery.com • The Mighty – An online mental health community | themighty.com • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Reliable information on depression | nimh.nih.gov

You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a trusted friend, pastor, or therapist. You are not meant to carry this burden by yourself—there are people who care and want to support you. Asking for help is a brave and powerful step toward healing.

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.