Return to Heart

We’re made for attachment—but many of us learned to survive by not attaching. Jeff and Phil explore how early abandonment, toxic shame, and fear train us to confuse intensity for intimacy, and what it looks like to regrow our “Velcro” in real relationships. You’ll hear a son who stands his ground, friends who travel to grieve with —and why the four S’s (seen, soothed, safe, secure) matter so much....

In this episode of Return to Heart, Jeff and Phil explore the meaning of attunement — the deep, relational connection that allows us to truly be seen and known. Through vivid metaphors, a humorous moment at the symphony, and heartfelt stories about parenting, marriage, and faith, this conversation shows how attunement brings restoration, combats loneliness, and invites us back to the heart. Whethe...

In this episode of Return to Heart , we unpack the difference between healthy and toxic shame, how childhood abandonment shapes the stories we tell ourselves, and why God calls us back to live unashamed and loved. Shame was never meant to define us, yet many of us carry the lie that our needs make us “too much,” “not enough,” or “unlovable.” Together, we explore: The biblical picture of healthy sh...

What is abandonment, really? At its core, it’s this: “I needed you, and you weren’t there for me.” Whether it’s parents, friends, coaches, or even people who were in the room but emotionally absent, abandonment leaves a mark on all of us. You’ll hear: The simplest and most powerful definition of abandonment Why the brain registers abandonment the same way it registers physical pain Stories of how...

Discover the meaning of Imago Dei and what it means to find your identity in Christ. In this episode of Return to Heart , Todd Warmers and Phil Herndon share Christian transformation stories that reveal how God sees you, why relationships matter, and how Jesus speaks to your deepest self. Through personal experiences, Bible teaching, and practical insights, they unpack what it means to be created...

How to Reconnect with God, Yourself & Others (The Tin Man Story)— Jeff Schulte, Todd Wermers, and Phil Herndon share personal stories of burnout, healing, and transformation. Learn what it means to “return to heart,” reconnect emotionally, and build deeper relationships with God and others. Using the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor, they explore self-awareness, emotional health, an...