Between the Covers Podcast

Let's talk about insecurity, a very old friend of mine. I could even go so far as to say it's a bedfellow since I was a child. There isn't anyone I know who doesn't struggle insecurity in some form or fashion. Whether we're talking with our bodies or image, intellect or knowledge, work experience, parenting, the myriad hobbies out there...need I go on? I think it's a universal human experience to...

Let's talk about purity culture today. This is something that I grew up when it was thriving, and it's still around today, but it's name has changed. If you experienced abstinence only sex education, are familiar with promise rings, have heard that men are more sexually active than women, that men are more visually stimulated than women, that you must remain a virgin until your married, that sex b...

Let's talk about one of my favorite philosophies on life: don't yuck someone else's yum. It's something I've heard from several sources now, but my first experience was around 2010 when I was working through the backlog of Stuff You Should Know episodes where the podcast hosts Josh and Chuck shared this idea. This is a life philosophy that I operate with that has given me so much freedom and joy c...

Let's talk about another hero! This time, it's one of my favorite: Himura Kenshin. He's t he protagonist in the Rurouni Kenshin manga and anime and has been a favorite character of mine since I learned about him. What makes him an iconic hero in my eyes? Listen in to find out! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Website: https://www.betweenth...

Let's talk about hope this week. After the downer of an episode last week as I processed my fears for 2025, there's also hope to be found in everything that's going on. It's important that we don't succumb to fear and undermine opportunities to push forward. Hope can still be found even in the darkest of times. A large part of becoming the heroes of our own stories is to acknowledge the fears arou...

Another year is coming to an end. If only I could be more thrilled about the prospect of another year. This episode was recorded not long after the elections in November and I had some difficult thoughts and feelings. Part of that is what I'm afraid of for the coming year. Don't worry, though. There will be some hope. I fully expect to receive some backlash for what I have to say. However, I ask f...

Let's talk about the difference between protagonists and antagonists. If you're like me, then you see protagonists as the heroes and antagonists as the villains. It's actually much more nuanced than that. Let's look at what they are and how we can relate to them. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoachin...

*Content warning: this episode discusses childhood sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress. For this month's hero study, we're interviewing a friend of mine who fitting for the holiday season is a professional Santa portrayal artist. Mike Chapman is also a Christian recovery coach who works with men who have been sexually abused. He shares his story of healing through childhood trauma and what help...

Let's talk about rest today. During this busy season for many with holidays and family gatherings taking place, maybe even some vacations, shopping, and keeping with traditions, it's important for us to give ourselves time to rest. Regardless of what you're December looks like, make sure you are intentional about setting time aside every week or every day to rest. Please rate and review the podcas...

Let's talk about more things I've learned from some of my favorite things! This time, we're talking about the video game franchise made by FromSoftware, the studio behind the Demons/Dark Souls and Bloodborne games. What have I learned? Let's dive in! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Intere...

Let's talk about taking care of ourselves. It's something that's important, has already been discussed in this space, and this likely won't be the last time. The most important things to remember are: Your care is worth investing time and energy into. You need to feel safe and secure to thrive. While others can help you, no one is going to advocate for your needs better than you. Please rate and r...

Let's talk about this month's hero: Zelda from the Legend of Zelda franchise. Considering the franchise is named after her, she's often been more of a backseat character in the stories. One of the things I've enjoyed about seeing her grow is how she steps out from the shadow of the protagonist, Link, in order to be a hero in her own right. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spoti...

Today I finish telling my story. There is absolutely more to say than what's been in these last four episodes, but it's a pretty succinct telling of the key events. This is also the one where I share the story of how my partner and I met and the almost romcom nature it details. Seriously. It could almost be a Hallmark movie. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your fav...

*Content Warning* This episodes mentions thoughts of suicide and death. If you are uncomfortable with these topics, then skip this podcast. If you are prepared to listen to these stories, then take care of yourself if you ever do get triggered by what is discussed in this episode. US National Suicide Hotline: 988 or visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention Canada National Su...

*Content Warning* This episodes mentions actions of self-harm and bullying. If you are uncomfortable with this topic, then skip this podcast. If you are prepared to listen to these stories, then take care of yourself if you ever do get triggered by what is discussed in this episode. I continue my story this week, discussing how I lost my voice and struggles I had with school. Things start to get d...

It's story time! I've mentioned my story off and on for over sixty episodes, but I think it's time to actually tell my story. This is part one focusing on my early childhood up to my years in school. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery...

Let's talk about this months hero, James Earl Jones. For me, the voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, he has quite the legacy and story of overcoming his own trials in order to become the man that we knew. From Shakespeare to voice overs to recording the New Testament in the Bible, there are many who have heard his iconic voice and seen him perform, and yet I learned more about his story than I ever k...

Let's talk about community, something that is important to our survival as a social animal, and something t hat has been weaponized against us probably more times than we realize. Even a look at politics shows how people in power are trying to pit different communities against each other. It doesn't have to be this way and community can be very healthy meaningful if we find the right community whe...

Let's talk about skepticism and being skeptical. This is almost a four-letter word these days because it's often tied to the questioning of Christianity and the faith's stalwart beliefs. As usual, I want to create a safe space to talk about these "taboo" topics and my own journey in asking questions and the power of skepticism. Being skeptical is not a bad thing. It's actually a great sign of matu...

Let's talk about faith and the nature of it changing. This is something I've seen many people struggle with over the years. Many of my clients who come from a conservative Christian background don't want to admit that they wrestle with the nature of their faith. First off: this is natural! As we grow and experience more in the world around us, we find that things we were told as children don't mat...

Let's talk about another hero! This time, we look at one of my favorite video game protagonists. Cecil Harvey was the first hero to have a huge character arc and visibly changed during the course of his adventure and it's always stood out to me. The battle between dark and light, forgiveness, loss, and overcoming tremendous adversity to be the right person in the right place at the right time. Ple...

Let's talk about mentoring! It's a large part of the hero's journey. All the great heroes have had individuals invest in them to help them achieve their greatness. Do you have someone in your life who is doing that for you? Do you have someone in your life who can? If not, it's valuable to find those who can invest the time to help you become the hero of your own story. Please rate and review the...

Let's talk about creativity. In this consumer society we live in, it seems to be more challenging than ever to create. Not only is more being expected of us in less time, there is so much pressure to monetize our creativity. What if there was a different way? Do you even need to make money off your creativity? Is it pleasurable or work? We'll answer these and more today! Please rate and review the...

Let's talk about Dungeons & Dragons and what I've learned from these adventures. I haven't been shy about my love of D&D and here are only some of the reasons why I enjoy it and other table-top role playing games so much. My original plan was to do ten of these, but I only covered half of them in this episode! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite p...

Let's talk about one of my favorite heroes of all time: Samus Aran! She's the protagonist in the Metroid franchise from Nintendo and she has been a defining character in the female protagonist genre since 1986 with her most recent game coming out in 2021. What makes her so heroic? Listen in and find out! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. We...