The podcast that empowers young Christian women with hope and freedom to overcome life’s toughest challenges.
Hosted by Shelley Spence, a Trauma Therapist and certified Christian Life Coach who loves helping women in their teens, 20s, and 30’s get free from what’s weighing them down or holding them back from being all they were designed to be.
Each episode tackles a tough mental health issue with a blend of faith and the best of brain science, and offers practical strategies you can actually use!
New episode released every Tuesday. Head over to ShelleySpence.com to connect and sign up for the Inner Circle newsletter to be alerted to new episodes.
Publisher
Shelley Spence
Category
education · health & fitness · religion & spirituality
Dabbling on the Dark Side?: Why "Harmless" Habits May Be Hurting You
🎙️ Episode Summary:
In this candid and eye-opening episode, I talk heart-to-heart from a coaching perspective about something many believers don't realize: dabbling in the dark side—yes, even unintentionally.
From horoscopes to Ouija boards, and even certain entertainment or exercises like yoga, this episode explores how these "harmless" practices may open spiritual doors that leave us mentally anxious and spiritually oppressed.
You'll be challenged to ask yourself: Are you unknowingly blending light and darkness? And more importantly: What is God inviting you to step away from?
This isn't about shame—it's about freedom, healing, and choosing LIFE.
⏱️ Time Stamps & Episode Flow:
[01:16] — Intro & inspiration behind the episode (a car with "Blessed" and an astrology sticker)
[01:50] — Unpopular opinion: Are Christians playing with fire? (List of common dark practices)
[2:58] — Mental health impact: Fear, anxiety, control & seeking the future
[04:13] — Spiritual consequences: Demonic influence, not possession, and open doors
[06:17] — Eye-opening stats & quotes (Jeremiah Johnston’s research)
[06:54] — Choose Life Challenge
[08:30] — Encouragement to trust the Holy Spirit and pursue God’s best
📌 Key Takeaways:
Even “small” spiritual compromises can open big doors.
Mental health and spiritual health are deeply connected.
Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
The Holy Spirit is faithful to show you what may be blocking your relationship with the Lord.
💬 Challenge for the Listener:
Ask God to show you any place—past or present—where you've opened a door to darkness. Repent and receive His forgiveness. Then close the door for good. 🌿
DISCLAIMER
I am a licensed professional counselor, however this podcast (and the info shared on my blogs and social media) is not therapy. It is for informational purposes only; this is not a professional therapy relationship; and it is not personal advice to your specific situation. If you wonder whether professional counseling may be helpful for you in this season of life, check out this article that outlines when you might need to seek the help of a professional counselor and how to find a good one: https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor (https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor)
LINKS
Book: Unanswered (https://[]—Spiritualconsequences:Demonicinfluence,notpossession,andopendoors) by Jeremiah Johnston
Christian Post Article: Apologists Warning to Christians on the Paranormal
https://www.christianpost.com/news/apologists-warning-to-christians-on-the-paranormal-once-you-open-door-to-the-demonic-its-hard-to-close.html (https://www.christianpost.com/news/apologists-warning-to-christians-on-the-paranormal-once-you-open-door-to-the-demonic-its-hard-to-close.html)
How to Find a Christian Counselor:
https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor (https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor)
Sign up for my Inner Circle newsletter:
Https://shelleyspence.com (http://shelleyspence.com)
I’m cheering you on as you break...
16 Sept 2025
Ep27 Daily Check-In - A Soul Care Habit to Slow Down and Reconnect
🎧 Episode Summary:
In this episode, we explore the power of a simple but transformative soul care habit: the daily emotional check-in. If you've ever felt disconnected from yourself, struggled to recall your highs and lows from the week, or noticed stress and anxiety sneaking in—this practice is for you. Learn how taking just 1–2 minutes a day to pause, breathe, and name your emotions can help you reduce stress and reconnect with what truly matters.
🕰️ Timestamps:
1:06 – Introduction
1:57 – Why Emotional Check-Ins Are Important
Emotions as data
“Name it to tame it” – managing vs. being managed by emotions
Connection between emotional and spiritual health (Dr. Jim Wilder & Dr. Anita Phillips)
3:49 – Who Especially Needs This
If you’re a firstborn, caretaker, or had emotionally unavailable parents
The habit of tuning into everyone else but neglecting yourself
4:11 – How To Do a Daily Check-In
Simple 3-step process
4:27 – Real-Life Example from Host
6:04 – Benefits for Kids, Couples, and Families
Build emotional vocabulary
Reduce problem behaviors
Use check-ins during dinner, car rides, or before bed
✨ Key Takeaways:
Daily check-ins help you slow down and reconnect with yourself and God.
Naming your emotions is the first step toward emotional regulation and spiritual growth.
Emotional maturity impacts spiritual maturity: your emotional health matters deeply.
This simple 1–2 minute practice can benefit not just you, but your relationships with your kids, spouse, and community.
DISCLAIMER
I am a licensed professional counselor, however this podcast (and the info shared on my blogs and social media) is not therapy. It is for informational purposes only; this is not a professional therapy relationship; and it is not personal advice to your specific situation. If you wonder whether professional counseling may be helpful for you in this season of life, check out this article that outlines when you might need to seek the help of a professional counselor and how to find a good one: https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor (https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor)
LINKS
How to Find a Christian Counselor:
https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor (https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor)
Sign up for my Inner Circle newsletter:
Https://shelleyspence.com (http://shelleyspence.com)
I’m cheering you on as you break free from what’s holding you back and keeping you stuck.
9 Sept 2025
Ep26 Even Good Christian Girls Get Mad: What To Do With Hidden Anger & Resentment
💬 Episode Overview
What if your anger wasn’t a problem, but a pointer? In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the truth about hidden anger and resentment — especially the kind we’ve been taught to ignore or hide. If you’ve ever felt guilty for feeling angry, or you’ve been stuffing it down for so long that you don’t even recognize yourself anymore… this one's for you.
We talk about the gift of anger, how Jesus and Moses both expressed it, and how suppressing it can lead to depression, emotional disconnection, and even damage our relationships. You’ll walk away with practical, healthy, and godly ways to process and release anger — and maybe even start your healing journey today.
🕰️ Time Stamps
1:15 – Intro: What comes to mind when you hear the word anger?
1:40 – The 8 core feelings (Chip Dodd – Voice of the Heart)
1:55 – Anger as a God-given gift: It reveals our passion
2:30 – Biblical examples of godly anger: Jesus & Moses
3:13 – The danger of stuffing anger: emotional numbness & depression
4:10– My personal story with hidden anger and the healing process
6:20 – Are you hiding anger? Or exploding it?
6:28 - What about going to bed angry? (Ephesians 4:26 & Psalm 4:4)
7:00 – Plane analogy: Quick vs. slow processors of conflict
8:02 – Balloon analogy: What are you doing with your anger?
8:34 – Helping teens (or yourself) express anger in healthy ways
9:08 – DIY rage room ideas + physical ways to release anger
11:48 – Journaling prompts + what your anger is trying to tell you
12:35 – The power of forgiveness: Resentment keeps you stuck
13:08 – Resources & Choose Life Challenge
🔑 Key Takeaways
Anger is not a sin — it’s a signal that points to your passion, purpose, and values. Sometimes angry behaviors can be sinful, but the feeling itself is not sin.
All emotions, including anger, were created by God and are good.
Suppressing anger can lead to depression, disconnection, and emotional numbness.
You can express anger in healthy and godly ways — verbally, physically, and creatively.
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful ways to release hidden anger and resentment.
DISCLAIMER
I am a licensed professional counselor, however this podcast (and the info shared on my blogs and social media) is not therapy. It is for informational purposes only; this is not a professional therapy relationship; and it is not personal advice to your specific situation. If you wonder whether professional counseling may be helpful for you in this season of life, check out this article that outlines when you might need to seek the help of a professional counselor and how to find a good one: https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor (https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor)
LINKS
Book: The Voice of the Heart (https://www.amazon.com/dp/098439916X?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_QTPZPZ8X62NY684QHY55) by Chip Dodd
Episode 20: (https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/9c853c14-da0e-48cd-a2f9-5d6ce1d3dac2.mp3)How to forgive and start healing
How to Find a Christian Counselor: https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor (https://shelleyspence.com/how-to-find-a-christian-counselor)
Sign up for my Inner Circle newsletter: Https://<a href="http://shelleyspence.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
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