HOPE FOR THE AGORA

This was an episode of "Hope for the Agora," a podcast focused on mental health and the church, featuring Allan Gallant, founder of Agora Network Ministries, discussing men's mental health with host Allen. Alan shared how his own mental health crisis after suffering a stroke in 2017 led him to establish Agora Network Ministries to help churches understand and support mental health is...

Understanding and working through grief and loss can be complex. Allen talks with Dr. David Sherbino on this complex topic. Dr. Sherbino has served at Tyndale Seminary for decades. He has taught pastoral ministry, spirituality, and grief care. He coordinates graduate programs in Spiritual Formation...And helps lead work connected to grief, loss, and pastoral care through Tyndale. He has spent year...

This podcast episode featured a conversation between Allen and Laura Bruno, a psychotherapist who recently received an ADHD diagnosis as an adult after 20 years in the mental health field. Laura shared her journey of discovery, including key symptoms like always being late, racing thoughts, perfectionism, and misophonia, which led to her therapist's revealing statement that she was "not n...

Allen and Lorie focus in on Lorie's personal journey, the opportunities she was blessed with and the teaching she now does encouraging women (and men) in growing in their identity with Christ. Lorie Hartshorn is a Canadian Christian author, speaker, and former television host best known for her work with women navigating faith, identity, and real-life struggles. Her book Found is very focused...

Allen speaks with Chuck about the story behind his new book, Healing What's Within: Coming Home to Yourself -- and to God -- When You're Wounded, Weary and Wandering. Chuck shares the inner turmoil that led him to eventually write the book. His insight and understanding of the deepest needs in our lives for healing and understanding is rooted in the healing power of drawing close to God in...

Allen talks with Shelly Calcagno about her and her family's journey through her mother's Alzheimer's. Shelly shares why she wrote the book The Longest Goodbye and how it can bring hope to those on the same journey. The Longest Goodbye by Shelly Calcagno -- on Amazon.ca shellycalcagno.com Her podcast is called A Space for Grace

Allen interviews Glenn Taylor, a pastor and psychologist with 60 years of counseling experience, about his book "Navigating Dementia." Taylor shares his background in pastoral counseling and psychology, noting that he has worked with Christians, particularly pastors and missionaries, in multiple countries. The discussion focuses on Taylor's recent book, which provides insights into u...

The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for healing, confronting personal traumas, and maintaining authenticity in our lives and ministry, while highlighting the challenges pastors face in seeking help and the need for spiritual practitioners to model vulnerability and integrity. Links: Healing Care Canada

Allen talks about how true discipleship takes us into the deeper woundings in our lives where Jesus can bring healing. Without this part of the discipleship journey we will encounter barriers to our walk with the Lord. Working definition of discipleship "Discipleship is helping people move from unbelief to belief in the power of the gospel in every area of life." QUOTES: Brene Brown “Own...

Allen talks with Dr. Steve Grcevich, founder and president of Key Ministry. Key Ministry serves churches seeking to welcome individuals and families impacted by disability, mental illness and trauma, for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ.  Through resources, training, and ongoing support, we help churches create environments where these individuals and families can know Christ.  Dr....

Allen chats with Alicia Tooke who is working with Live Different traveling through Mexico and Dominican Republic as well as across Canada sharing her story of hope to youth. Alicia is 22 years old and shares her story of mental health struggles and her path to healing. She grew up in an unstable home and her brother Matt took his own life when she was ten years old. In essence she grew into her gr...

In today's episode Allen talks with Holly Stoodley about her story of depression and struggle that led her to become a Registered Social Worker. Her passion for her work and the Lord is a powerful reminder of how God walks with us in our struggles. Holly Stoodley RSW, works as a counsellor at The Support Hub and on the Six Nations Reserve near Caledonia ON.

Dean Breton from Impactus Men's Ministry joins Allen to discuss the needs of men on their mental health journey. They discuss toxic masculinity and the struggles it brings in following Jesus as well as being honest about and receptive to support for their mental health. Dean Breton is the president of Impactus (formerly Promise Keepers Canada). Links: impacts.org instagram: impactusmen Faceboo...

Allen has a conversation with Andrew Blackwood aka Coach Drew, about mental health and especially supporting children's mental health. Coach Drew shares some practical and encouraging tips for parents. Dr. Andrew L. Blackwood -- counsellor, psychotherapist, author. Book: The Art of Genuine Apology on Amazon.ca Website: coachdrew.ca

Bonnie Gallant shares the importance women caring for women and the need for the women's conference coming May 2,3. Cultivate Women's Conference Link The Puzzler's Podcast Bonnie Gallant is the cofounder of Agora Network Ministries and co-author of The Beautiful Strokes of God.

Welcome to season 6 of Hope for the Agora Podcast. Karen Kleine Deters shares her story of journeying with FND -- Functional Neurologic Disorder. Functional neurologic disorder (FND) refers to a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks work, rather than changes in the structure of the brain itself, as seen in many other neurological disorders. Physical symptoms of FND are gen...

Our podcast host, Allen Kleine Deters shares an intimate personal story of his mental health journey as he dealt with a broken marriage, bladder cancer, the challenges of ministry and more…. The quote Allen shares from a course he took, is attributed to Dr. Danjuma Gibson, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI. Allen is the Pastor of...

Todd Bymoen has been on a journey for many years with Bipolar Disorder. Listen as he shares this true story of faith, perseverance, and being humbled time and time again. The challenges have helped to grow his faith and relationship with others by teaching him to be vulnerable and trust God's will for his life. Todd wrote about his journey in his book 11-09: Shedding Light on My Faith and Mental H...

Allen speaks with Dr. Grant Mullen, psychotherapist, author and speaker. Everyone struggles with their moods, but what if those moods seem to get regularly out of hand or control. This encouraging conversation is an encouragement to understand and know the next steps to get support and resources. Website: drgrantmullen.com . Change How You Think. Book: Emotionally Free HERE

Allen and Nicole discuss the issues surrounding youth mental health and suicide amongst teens. Nicole gives some direction to help all of us but especially youth and their parents have open conversations around the struggle. Guest: Nicole Smith, founder and director of UR Worth More. Link: https://urworthmore.com/index.html

Understanding trauma is key to finding healing. Join Allen and Catherine as they unpack ways to recognize trauma as it affects one's health and spiritual wellness, and how to unlearn poor coping strategies. ICF CERTIFIED TRAUMA INFORMED LIFE COACH - MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS, PURPOSE, PASSION, HEALING & TRANSFORMATION https://www.facebook.com/legacycoachcatherine   www.catherinegillard....

New podcast host Allen Kleine Deters is joined by Allan Gallant, Director of Agora Network Ministries to discuss stress, it's effects and how to manage day to day stress. Agora Christian Support Line for Mental Health 905-385-2275

Evan and Amanda discuss from Lacy's latest book, "Faith Like a Child" Embracing our lives as children of God. Lacy serves as the Student Care Coordinator for the Renovaré Institute. She teaches classes on children’s spirituality and spiritual direction with children through the Companioning Center. Books by Lacy https://renovare.org/people/lacy-borgo/books

Terra McDaniel talks about lament, grief, mental wellness, best practices, and more. Terra McDaniel is a spiritual director and author whose latest book, Hopeful Lament, offers Biblical and practical insight on journeying through grief.  LINKS: terramcdaniel.com Instagram: @terramcdaniel 

Sam Eaton talks about his own journey and struggles with suicide, how his faith brought him healing, and his ministry, Recklessly Alive.  Sam Eaton is a speaker and author focused on building a world with zero suicides.  LINKS: recklesslyalive.com