I’ll Start

In this episode of I’ll Start, we pause to reflect on the stories that shaped Season 2 and the ways they stayed with us long after the recording stopped. Rather than revisiting highlights, this episode invites listeners into a slower, more intentional look at what these stories asked of us as hosts and listeners. Together, we reflect on themes of trauma, memory, loss, and unresolved pain, and expl...

In this episode of I’ll Start, Michelle shares what it’s like to be changed by bearing witness to suffering, and to carry that impact home in ways that don’t neatly resolve. Through multiple trips serving Ukrainian refugees, she reflects on the cumulative weight of what she’s seen, the loneliness of returning without shared language for the experience, and the tension of still feeling called to ke...

In this episode of I’ll Start, Daniel shares his story of growing up under the weight of comparison and the deep fear of never being “enough.” From early academic struggles to internalized shame, Daniel opens up about how those beliefs followed him into adulthood and shaped his relationships, self-worth, and sense of identity. With honesty and courage, Daniel reflects on what it cost him to stay s...

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Follow @illstartpodcast on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes moments, listener reflections, and episode updates. Together, we share, listen, and connect. 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...

In this special I'll Start episode, Heather, Morgan, and Fred address a topic that has surfaced across multiple stories this season: suicidal thoughts, stigma, and the myths that keep people suffering in silence. With clinical insight, biblical context, and compassionate honesty, this conversation is designed to support both those who have struggled with these thoughts and those who love someone w...

In this week’s episode of I’ll Start, Victoria shares her story of depression, anxiety, and the quiet belief that she is a burden. A season of college transition left her feeling disconnected from friends, failing classes, and stuck in a cycle of numbness, panic, and loneliness. On the outside she kept showing up, but on the inside she wondered if anyone saw her, or if she even mattered to God. On...

In this week’s episode of I’ll Start, Adam shares his honest story of anxiety, depression, loss, and the pressure to “hold it together” when life comes apart. What began as childhood fear became a quiet companion in adulthood, and a miscarriage brought every unspoken worry to the surface. As a pastor, Adam felt the weight of being strong for everyone else while silently unraveling inside. After hi...

In this episode of I’ll Start, Hannah shares what it’s like to live inside a mind that won’t turn off. From childhood panic attacks to compulsions that made everyday moments like church, Target runs, and dinners with friends feel impossible, she names the shame, fear, and exhaustion of living with OCD. Heather unpacks radical acceptance and the Both/And mindset—learning to say, “This is hard, and...

In the Season 2 premiere of I’ll Start, Dustin shares his honest journey through addiction, recovery, and faith. A high-school injury led to years of alcoholism and secrecy, but connection and grace changed everything. Heather unpacks shame resilience—the mental-health tool that helps us move from hiding to healing—while Morgan reflects on Psalm 40 and reminds us that confession is for our hearts,...

We’re back! Season 2 of I’ll Start launches October 21! Join Heather, Morgan, and Fred as they share what’s ahead: more stories of mental health and faith, honest conversations about courage and healing, and a reminder that your story matters. This sneak peek dives into what it means to integrate Scripture and psychology, to hold both faith and evidence-based tools with integrity, and to build a b...

In this Season 1 finale of I’ll Start, Heather, Morgan, and Fred sit down—this time with all three mics on—to reflect on how the podcast began, what they’ve learned, and what happened behind the scenes. They answer listener questions, talk about when it’s time to seek help, and share how faith and vulnerability shaped the season. It’s honest, hopeful, and the perfect way to close out Season 1. If...

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 p...

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 h...

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,...

This is Abbey's story. In this tender episode of I’ll Start, Abbey shares how anxiety slowly crept into her life, stealing her sense of joy—even in the spaces she loved most. With honesty and heart, she talks about the moment she realized she needed to name her anxiety instead of hiding it, and how that act became a turning point in her healing. Abbey opens up about the pressure to appear okay, th...

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—an...

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...

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     •    Nat...

Welcome to "I'll Start," a podcast where we integrate faith and mental health—no filters, no pretenses, just raw stories and the hope that comes with sharing them. Our mission is simple: break the stigma, build a community of support, and remind you that no matter where you are in your journey, you're not alone.

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 strugg...