The CrossCounsel Podcast

Episode 172 begs the question, are we truly being transformed, or just wearing the costume of faith? In this episode, we explore the danger of spiritual performance—appearing strong while hiding deep brokenness. AJ and Hillary share their journey through The MELT Process, revealing how unresolved pain once fueled their need for approval but is now an invitation into real freedom. We also discuss t...

On this podcast, Steve and Hillary finish up their long discussion exploring biblical stories that indirectly reflect the principles of the MELT Process. We’ll look at the bleeding woman in Mark 5 , who was told she was unclean and how that label shaped her identity until she encountered Jesus. We’ll consider the story often called The Prodigal Son , though it could be better named The Compassiona...

Hi everyone, and welcome! In this podcast, we’re joined by Justine Roberts. This recording follows a recent session she had with Steve, where they ran out of time before fully resolving a particular memory. In the days that followed, Justine took time to sit with the unresolved part, creating space to explore the barriers that still needed to be confronted. In that moment, Jesus met her with a bea...

Hi Everyone!  On this episode, Steve and Hillary explore how Jesus broke societal norms in His transformative encounters with two women: the Samaritan woman at the well and the woman caught in adultery. They discuss how Jesus, by engaging with the Samaritan woman, defies cultural barriers, offering her living water and revealing profound truths about identity and faith. Steve and Hillary emphasize...

Hi Everyone, This episode kicks off with some light banter between Steve and Hillary, including his morning at Truax Field in Madison, home of the F-35. It's a cutting-edge, stealthy multirole fighter with advanced avionics and supersonic speed, capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and intelligence missions—a game-changer for modern air forces. But that’s not why you tuned in... We dive into...

Hello Everyone! Music has touched all of our lives in ways we may not even realize. In this episode, Steve is joined by guests Jenni Freitag, Shane Buol, and Jason Hoffman—three talented musicians with a deep commitment to the truth and beauty of the MELT Process. Together, they explore how music can be a powerful tool for transformation, discovering in real time how the Lord can use it to deepen...

Hi Everybody. This episode features the return of Mary Carlton for a special appearance. The topic was inspired by Mary's words soon after the school shooting in Madison. As simplistic as it may sound, we truly believe that the inner turmoil that we feel from both historical wounding and present day pain can be authentically and genuinely address by posturing our hearts to receive experientia...

We’re coming to you today with heavy hearts in light of the recent tragedies in Madison, Wisconsin, and the heartbreaking school shooting that occurred on Monday, December 16. These events have shaken our community and reminded us, once again, of the brokenness in the world. As we head into 2025, we’re creating and building the 100 Club—a community of partners giving $100 monthly to support CrossC...

Our discussion on this episode gets into an unexpected and very brief overview of Love Bonds and Fear Bonds from the book  Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You. In summary, love  bonds are secure connections built on mutual care, trust, and the ability to return to joy together, fostering healthy relationships.  In contrast, fear bonds are formed out of control, obligation, or avoidance of pain, o...

Hello Everyone, In this episode, we dive into a powerful conversation. Hillary shares her inspiring journey through the MELT Process, highlighting how she's overcome symptoms of ADHD and the profound impact it has had on her life. She discusses how AJ's observations have helped her recognize the shifts in her thinking and behavior through the power of the Holy Spirit's work.  Steve...

Hello Everyone! We were originally going to call this episode, "Ope! Throw another shrimp on the barbie!" That was to be a tongue-in-cheek tip of the cap to us Midwesterners and to Australians who may be listening.  However, this conversation with Chuck (our Wisconsin rep) and Kylie (originally from the land Down Under), goes deep into their journey of loving God wholeheartedly through t...

Hello Everyone, We jump right into a discussion on how we hope that after some time with us, they can start MELTing without us.  We discuss recognizing that many things we do to find peace are often only half measures, bringing temporary relief.  Ugh, we're not unlike the Israelites of old, those our idols may be more sophisticated than theirs. Still, they fall short.  We wrap up talking abou...

Hello Everyone, On this episode, we discuss how important it is to face what needs to be faced in our lives.  We talk about how the subconscious tries to trick us into believing that we're doing better than we really are. We talk about how walking to the edge of the cliff staring down and is not enough to find truth and freedom. CrossCounsel Website CrossCounsel on Facebook

Hello Everyone, On this episode, Shane Buol returns! The "No Need for Weed"  (Ep. 155), podcast he first appeared on resonated with many people. We talked about his deeper reflections from that first podcast.  We talked about this as an ongoing process as he grows and matures in Jesus. We discussed how others in the CrossCounsel community are connecting with one another to sling more fre...

This podcast moves forward into the second half of “Boy MELTs, Meets Girl.”  Part 2 picks up with Steve talking about how he dealt with certain issues as a dad with their kids.  We talked about AJs adjustment from home school to life as an 8th grader. We talked more about Hillary being married to a guy who has a grip on healthy emotions. You’ll hear about the adventure of AJ bringing Hillary home...

Hi Everyone! On this podcast you are introduced to AJ & Hillary Freitag. AJ's parents were introduced to principles much like we use in our MELT Process. What the Lord is doing in AJ is just what Hillary hoped and prayed for in a husband. Now they are walking their lives out with Jesus being central to everything in their lives. It's a fun listen! Also, if you are in the Madison area...

Hi Friends! As we return to our regularly scheduled podcast, we give you a glimpse into our staff meeting where we heard from our staff who traveled to Malaysia. So download this download of great info. We also have a sad update regarding how we've had to pivot with a key staff position. You can also check out our fall class offering for our Level One class that has been helpful for so many....

Hello friend!   On this episode, Steve sits down with Shane Buol. Shane gave an excellent testimony at our annual Golf Event. You'll hear his testimony from June. Then he and Steve get into a great conversation about the freedom and maturity that Shane has experienced. If you, or anyone you know, struggles with addiction, this is a must listen and one to pass along!  If you have questions abo...

Hello friend!  On this episode of the podcast, Jon and Steve chat with Jenni, Brynn and Lucy about the family movie "Inside Out 2" and the lessons it teaches about feelings. If you have questions about our ministry, want to know how to donate, or want to schedule a ministry session, please go to crosscounsel.com for more details. Don't forget to hit follow, and we'll see you on...

Hello friend!  On this episode of the podcast, Jon and Steve chat with Jenni, Brynn and Lucy about the 2015 family movie "Inside Out" and the lessons it teaches about feelings. A few of the topics covered: 0:30 - Meet the panel; 7:15 - Movies speak to us 9:50 - which emotion do you relate to; 22:00 - Bing bong; 33:00 - The difference.  If you have questions about our ministry, want to kn...

Hello friend!  On this episode of the podcast, Jon and Steve talk about the nature of joy, and how it differs from happiness. You won't want to miss it! A few of the topics covered: 5:45 - Looking for verifiable evidence; 10:45 - Knowing the "right words"; 15:10 - The woman at the well; 18:57 - Consider it all joy; 21:45 - Happiness versus joy.  If you have questions about our minis...

Hello friend!  On this episode of the podcast, Jon and Steve talk about what can be done in the time between sessions, and bring up 3 ways you can prepare for your next session with CrossCounsel.  A few of the topics covered: 6:30 - Tuned in to the pain; 8:48 - What to do in between sessions; 13:05 - Social anxiety; 24:13 - Jon's experience. If you have questions about our ministry, want to k...

Hello friend!  On this episode of the podcast, Jon and Steve talk about the events of July 13th, and the importance of forgiveness.  A few of the topics covered: 0:30 - Witty banter and upcoming events; 10:05 - A quick word from Steve; 12:45 - What are we looking for from our leaders; 16:10 - an example of forgiveness; 24:25 - Addressing underlying currents.  If you have questions about our minist...

Hello friend!  On this episode of the podcast, we finish out interview with Terry Harris, discussing her experience with CrossCounsel, and how that experience influenced one of her novels.  You won't want to miss it! A few of the topics covered: 0:30 - Conversation continues; 8:25 - What are the takeaways; 11:20 - Fictional characters, real resources.  If you have questions about our ministry...

Hello friend!  On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Terry Harris to talk about her experience with CrossCounsel, and how that experience influenced one of her novels.  You won't want to miss it! A few of the topics covered: 1:00 - Introducing Terry; 9:55 - Sharing through characters; 12:00 - Love Remains. If you have questions about our ministry, want to know how to donate, or wan...