Madness & Grace Podcast

The impact of trauma extends beyond memory, shaping how we think, feel, and connect with others so we can respond with compassion and care. 🎙️ In episode 9 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew S. Stanford, Ph. D., behavioral neuroscientist and CEO, and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, Chief Clinical Officer, explore Trauma and the Journey of Healing . Tune in to discover: What trauma...

What if purpose isn’t something you find, but something you uncover in seasons of struggle or transition? 🎙️ In episode 8 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew S. Stanford, Ph. D., behavioral neuroscientist and CEO, and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, Chief Clinical Officer, explore Finding Purpose and Meaning . Tune in to discover: Why meaning is essential for mental health and resil...

Doomscrolling could be affecting your mental and emotional health. 🎙️ In episode 7 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew S. Stanford, Ph. D., behavioral neuroscientist and CEO, and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, Chief Clinical Officer, explore Doomscrolling and News Fatigue . Tune in to discover: Why constant exposure to bad news affects mental and emotional health How to recognize w...

Perfectionism often looks like strength on the outside, but fuels anxiety, shame, and exhaustion. What if there’s a healthier way to strive — and a more grace-filled way to live? 🎙️ In episode 6 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew S. Stanford, Ph. D., behavioral neuroscientist and CEO, and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, Chief Clinical Officer, explore Letting Go of Perfectionism . ...

What if doubt could strengthen faith, deepen community, and help faith communities better support those who are struggling?  🎙️ In episode 5 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew S. Stanford, Ph. D., behavioral neuroscientist and CEO, and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, Chief Clinical Officer, discuss Spiritual Doubt and Deconstructing Your Faith .  Tune in to discover: Why doubt is a...

🕊️ Feeling anxious? Discover how prayer can calm your mind and restore peace to support everyday mental wellness.   🎙️ In episode 4 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew S. Stanford, Ph. D., behavioral neuroscientist and CEO, and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, Chief Clinical Officer, explore Finding Peace Through Prayer .  Tune in to discover:   How prayer can calm anxiety and re-cen...

Feeling burned out or overwhelmed at work?   🎙️ In episode 3 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew S. Stanford, Ph. D., behavioral neuroscientist and CEO, and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, Chief Clinical Officer, discuss Mental Health in the Workplace , and how we can create healthier, more supportive work environments.   Tune in to discover:   How stress, burnout, and anxiety commo...

🧠 What if caring for your brain today could change your mental health tomorrow? 🎙️ In episode 2 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew S. Stanford, Ph. D., behavioral neuroscientist and CEO, and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, Chief Clinical Officer, dive into Prevention and Brain Health , and why it matters at every stage of life. Tune in to discover:  What brain health means for eve...

📣 Welcome back to the Madness & Grace Podcast! 🎙️ We're excited to launch Season 4 and can’t wait to bring you more evidence-informed conversations each month! Season 4, Episode 1 Hosts Matthew S. Stanford, Ph. D., behavioral neuroscientist and CEO, and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, Chief Clinical Officer, dive into the topic of Loneliness .  Tune in to explore:  Why loneliness has be...

📣 Tune in to the final episode of the 2025 season of the Madness & Grace Podcast! In Season 3, Episode 16, host Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, is joined by special guest Peggy L. Determeyer, Ph. D. , to explore the important topic of Grief and the Holidays , which can be challenging at any time and especially during the holiday season. Dr. Determeyer is the Director of HHCI CARES at the Hop...

AI Chatbots and Mental Health Support: Are They Helpful or Dangerous? As AI is increasingly prevalent in our day-to-day lives, this presents a meaningful opportunity for faith communities or organizations to have a conversation about equipping young individuals to support and comfort one another within a faith-based setting. Because no one should walk this journey alone. 🦋 In Season 3, Episode 15...

Did you know many people turn to a faith leader first when facing mental health challenges? In Season 3, Episode 14 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, dive into the topic of Lay Counseling and Pastoral Care: When to Seek Professional Help .  They emphasize the importance of lay counseling, pastoral care, and proactive support wi...

Is Mental Illness a Spiritual Battle? Mental health struggles affect people in every aspect of life and call for a holistic approach—one that addresses the physical, mental, spiritual, and relational aspects of our being. 🦋 In Season 3, Episode 13 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, explore this powerful question—tune in for a m...

How do you support someone you love when they’re struggling with mental illness? It starts with being there for those challenging conversations, having a strong support system, being present to listen, and stepping in as a caregiver when needed. Remember, you are not alone. 🦋 In Season 3, Episode 12 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., L...

How do you engage with someone who shows no remorse, lacks empathy, and manipulates others—while still setting healthy boundaries and avoiding enabling harmful behavior? These are tough, emotional questions people face when navigating relationships affected by Antisocial Personality Disorder or Psychopathy . In Season 3, Episode 11 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D....

🤝 Have you ever felt truly understood by someone who’s walked a similar path? In Season 3, Episode 10 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, dive into The Benefits of Support Groups: Finding Strength in Community .  Support groups are safe spaces where people with shared experiences provide each other with encouragement, support, c...

How do I know if I'm depressed? It's one of the most common conversations we have. People want to know how to recognize depression in themselves, a friend, or a loved one.  In Season 3, Episode 9 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, dive into the topic of How Do I Know If I’m Depressed? Signs and Spiritual Insights . We&...

Tune in to a special episode of the Madness & Grace Podcast! Have you ever wondered how your faith community could make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges? Don’t miss this powerful conversation with our host, Matthew Stanford, Ph. D ., and guest speakers Kathy Smith and Tanya Melendez , as they share their journey behind a thriving mental health mi...

Can faith and therapy work together to bring healing to the body, mind, spirit, and relationships? In Season 3, Episode 8 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, dive into Faith vs. Therapy: Can They Work Together? Both faith and therapy share the same goal of alleviating suffering and helping us find purpose and meaning in life. If...

Is social media helping or harming your mental health? In Season 3, Episode 7 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, dive into Mental Health in the Digital Age: The Impact of Social Media . Learn how to create a healthier, more balanced digital environment that protects and supports your mental and emotional well-being.  Remember: M...

Have you ever been hurt by a faith community? You are not alone, and your faith journey matters. In Season 3, Episode 6 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, dive into Religious Trauma: Healing from Harmful Church Experiences . This heartfelt conversation offers insight, compassion, and hope for those on a path to healing.  If you...

Tune in to a special episode of the Madness & Grace Podcast.  Join Dr. Madeline Stiers, Chief Clinical Officer at the Hope and Healing Center & Institute, on The Wayside Podcast as she provides expert insight on how to support children after traumatic events—like the recent Texas floods. ________________ HHCI The Hope Line Are you in need of free mental health support? Call our Hope Line t...

Feeling Hopeless? You're not alone! 🦋 In Season 3, Episode 5 of the Madness & Grace Podcast, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, dive into Rebuilding Lost Hope —even when life feels overwhelming. How would you define hope? What does hope mean to you?  If you have a question or topic you'd like for us to address in an upcoming episode, please email us...

In our fourth episode of Season 3, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, dive into the topic of Religious Delusions and Hallucinations: Where is the Line? This powerful conversation offers clinical and compassionate insights for families, faith leaders, and individuals. Learn how to recognize, understand, and support loved ones navigating these challenging experience...

In our third episode of Season 3, hosts Matthew Stanford, Ph. D. and Madeline Stiers, Ph. D., LCSW-S, dive into the topic of Dealing with Anxiety as a Person of Faith . Matthew Stanford, Ph. D. offers a neuroscience perspective, explaining what anxiety is and how it presents both physiologically and psychologically. If you have a question or topic you'd like for us to address in an upcoming e...