The Defender Podcast

In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we explore Lifeline Children's Services' Heritage Builders program alongside guests Sean and Jenny Miller. The Millers share their inspiring journey with Heritage Builders, shedding light on their personal connection and commitment to serving the foster care community. Through engaging dialogue, we uncover the holistic approach of Heritage Builders, which e...

In this episode of The Defender Podcast , we are joined by foster parents Matthew and Makyna Hart. They share their heartfelt journey of opening their hearts and home to vulnerable children. Against the backdrop of National Foster Care Month, we delve into Lifeline's mission to mobilize the Body of Christ to support foster families, birth families, and state caseworkers. Join us as we uncover the...

In this special re-aired episode of The Defender Podcast, we delve into the depths of motherhood with Scarlet Hiltibidal, an international adoptive mom. As we approach Mother's Day and Birth Mother's Day, Scarlet shares her poignant journey of motherhood, offering insights into both its biological and adoptive forms. GUEST Scarlet Hiltibidal has three daughters, one brought home through internatio...

In this episode of the Defender podcast, we honor Birth Mother's Day. Dr. Rick Morton welcome listeners into a special conversation featuring one of Lifeline's Pregnancy Counselors, Lauren Eddie, along with two remarkable birth mothers. Together, they discuss the significance of Birth Mother's Day, sharing personal insights, emotions, and reflections on the courageous decision these two women made...

In this episode of "The Defender Podcast," we explore the synergy of therapeutic integration. Lifeline's very own, Angela Mains, talks with host Dr. Rick Morton to uncover how blending modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and somatic experiencing fosters holistic healing. Join us as we navigate the pathways to wellness, revealing the transformative power of integrated therape...

In this episode of the Defender Podcast, hosts Herbie Newell and Rick Morton engage in a discussion on Child Abuse Prevention with guest Julie Lowe, a highly experienced author, speaker, and counselor. With over two decades of expertise in counseling and advocacy for vulnerable children, Julie offers invaluable insights into the nuanced understanding of child abuse, highlighting lesser-known forms...

In this episode, host Rick Morton is joined by Ann Maura Hinton to delve into the transformative power of Camp Empower, Lifeline's trauma-informed day camp designed to serve children with academic, relational, and emotional differences. With Camp Empower's focus on equipping children with social, emotional, and cognitive development skills, Ann Maura shares insights into its evolution and impact o...

In this episode of the Defender Podcast, host Rick Morton delves into the transformative power of play in parenting with guest, Ann Maura Hinton. They explore how playful engagement with children not only fosters joy and connection but also aids in cognitive development and emotional well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and scientific insights, they discuss the importance of mirroring and...

In this special Easter episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the significance of Holy Week amidst their own family traditions and memories. Through these anecdotes, they underscore the central message of Easter—the sacrificial love of Christ and the hope it brings. Amidst laughter and cherished memories, they emphasize the daily importance of remembering the...

Join hosts Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton in this special episode of The Defender Podcast as they express gratitude to the unsung heroes of Lifeline Children's Services during Social Work Appreciation Month. Featuring inspiring conversations with Jessica Cumbers, a dedicated caseworker on the South Carolina team, and McKenzie Bussman, an International Social Worker on the Asia team, the episode...

The latest episode of the Defender podcast delves into the celebration of International Women's Day by highlighting the work of Global Orphan Care Partner in Pakistan. The episode sheds light on Christina and her husband Hanoch's incredible journey, where they answered God's call to serve in Pakistan and set up a comprehensive ministry that caters to the needs of the vulnerable in the country. GUE...

In this episode of the Defender Podcast, join us in an inspiring conversation with Beau Sides, the founder and president of Global Partners In Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting orphans, widows, and individuals with special needs globally. Beau shares his personal journey and the inception of Global Partners In Life, emphasizing the profound impact these experiences have had on...

In today's episode of The Defender podcast, we sit down with Rev. Zach Coffin, whose incredible journey began with a miraculous encounter with God at the age of 5 when faced with a fatal kidney disease. Zach, alongside his wife Becca and their two daughters, embraced a full-time RV lifestyle in 2022, responding to a clear whisper from the Lord. As a former kids and youth pastor, Zach brings a uniq...

In our latest episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Justin Myers, the Director of Programs at Show Hope discussing the Hope for the Journey Conference. Justin passionately shares insights into this annual event, shedding light on its focus on addressing the unique needs of children, parents, and families navigating adoption and foster care. Discover how churches can actively engage with the...

In this insightful episode, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton explore the significance of Valentine's Day through the lens of Christian values, emphasizing the importance of fighting for the sanctity of marriage and life. As advocates for God's word, they discuss how embracing love in the Biblically prescribed manner contributes to the strength of marriages and, subsequently, forms a foundation fo...

Join Dr. Rick and Kara Clark in this follow-up episode as they expand on the " Coping with Emotional Exhaustion " episode from last year. They delve into the intersection of parenthood, faith, and recognizing our limitations, finding strength in our "call" and faith amidst life's trials. They tackle questions about balancing roles as caregivers, acknowledging dependency on Jesus, and the impact on...

In this episode, Lifeline's very own Karla Thrasher and Jana Lombardo join the podcast to talk about the landscape of international adoption. Listen in as they reflect on the highlights of Lifeline's international adoption program in 2023, celebrating the impactful stories of waiting children whose lives were touched by Lifeline's ministry. Karla and Jana share the evolving landscape of internatio...

In today's episode we are joined by Lynn Becket, a seasoned professional with a background in social work and extensive experience in foster care and adoption. Listen as Lynn and Dr. Rick explore the phenomenon of the "winter blues," unraveling its impact during colder, darker months. Lynn sheds light on how these seasonal changes specifically affect children from challenging backgrounds and offer...

In today's episode of the Defender podcast, Dr. Rick Morton engages in a deeply moving conversation with Alexis Morris, a pregnancy counselor at Lifeline Children's Services. Alexis shares her personal journey through abortion, highlighting how her faith in Christ became a source of redemption and healing. This episode offers a beacon of hope and understanding, emphasizing the options and support...

In 2023 Chelsea Sobolik shared of her family's adoption journey. Now home from India, she joins today sharing the exciting changes that have happened since last year. Also, in the midst of this, she published a new book, "Called to Cultivate: A Gospel Vision for Women and Work". Listen along as we sit down with a colleague and sister in Christ to hear these updates and more. GUEST Chelsea Patterso...

For the first episode of 2024, we are taking a look back at one of our most-listened to episodes of 2023. Chelsea Patterson Sobolik joins the podcast today to talk about how adoption has deeply impacted her life. She shares about her personal adoption story, her and husband's pursuit of adopting a child internationally, and her book "Longing for Motherhood: Holding Onto Hope in the Midst of Childl...

As we approach the end of 2023, we are sharing one the most popular episodes this year. Ann Maura Hinton, Program Director of Bridge Educational Services at Lifeline, joins the podcast to talk about the power of play in kids' lives and how it affects their ability to learn and grow. GUEST Ann Maura is the Program Director of Bridge Educational Services at Lifeline. She loves to learn and is consta...

Today on the podcast, we have a special holiday episode! Herbie and Dr. Rick reflect on the goodness and grace bestowed upon us by the Lord throughout the year. Christmas isn't just a celebration; it's a time for deep gratitude. Hear of the Lord's hand at work through His people, caring for orphans and vulnerable children. It's a testament to the true spirit of Christmas. HOST Herbie Newell is the...

Today on the podcast, we are joining you with a special story from our annual fundraising event in Birmingham, Alabama. The Vest family shared not only of their international adoption journey and how Lifeline was able to aid them after a traumatic family event, but how these events provided a unique insight which led them to becoming involved the Families Count ministry.  GUESTS Rich and Johanna V...

Today on the podcast, Kenny and Kristen Anderson join us again with an update on their adoption. In August, we talked with the Andersons as they were about to head to China to bring home their daughter. Listen to part two as they share of life after coming home.   GUESTS Kenny and Kristen Anderson have been pursuing international adoption over the last 3.5 years. They have a biological daughter na...