Welcome to ground level, to the dirt and the mess. We like green grass under a clear blue sky. We like victory and breakthrough and answered prayers. But sometimes it rains, the shadows deepen, and life turns muddy. Sometimes God seems quiet. What then? What happens when depression descends, or anxiety hangs like a sword overhead? What happens when loneliness suffocates, the thief steals more than stuff, and you get blood on your shoes? In this podcast, we'll delve into the disasters, the darkness, and the deluge, and offer some comfort, presence, and a gentle invitation to hope.
In this episode, Elizabeth and I talk candidly about sex and married sexuality.
Resources:
Sex and the Married Missionary (https://www.alifeoverseas.com/sex-and-the-married-missionary/), by Jonathan
On Making Love (https://trotters41.com/2017/11/25/on-making-love/) [Links to all the books we recommend and the articles we’ve written about sex]
16 Jun 2025
Marriage: Conflict and Tools (with Elizabeth Trotter)
In Part 2, we talk about how we conceptualize conflict, as well as some evidence-based tools for approaching conflict, including what to do if one or both people get “flooded.”
Resources (or ideas) mentioned in this episode:
The Four Horsemen (https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/) (article), by The Gottman Institute
The Vortex of Terror (https://youtu.be/e0PFtTIbzG0) (video), by Jonathan
Flooding (https://www.gottman.com/blog/making-sure-emotional-flooding-doesnt-capsize-your-relationship/) (article), by The Gottman Institute
Jesus Loves Me This I Sometimes Know (https://velvetashes.com/jesus-loves-me-this-i-sometimes-know/), by Elizabeth
When Ministry and Marriage Collide (https://trotters41.com/2015/05/31/when-ministry-and-marriage-collide/), by Elizabeth
10 Jun 2025
Marriage: Part 1 (with Elizabeth Trotter)
In this first installment, Elizabeth and I talk about marriage in general, a theology of marriage, and what the “5 magic hours” means.
Resources (or ideas) mentioned in this episode:
Created for Connection (https://amzn.to/2xjau8k), by Johnson and Sanderfer
Created for Connection Roadmap (https://trotters41.com/2019/07/05/created-for-connection-a-roadmap-for-your-marriage/), by Jonathan
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (https://amzn.to/3f2ZlJV), by John Gottman
A Marriage Blessing (https://trotters41.com/2014/10/02/a-marriage-blessing/), by Jonathan
Our Journey to Finding Joy in Marriage (and the things we lost along the way) (https://trotters41.com/2015/08/13/our-journey-to-finding-joy-in-marriage-and-the-things-we-lost-along-the-way/), by Elizabeth
The Purpose of Marriage is NOT to Make You Holy (https://www.alifeoverseas.com/the-purpose-of-marriage-is-not-to-make-you-holy/), by Jonathan
When We Said I Do (https://trotters41.com/2017/11/07/when-we-said-i-do-the-first-in-a-three-part-series-on-marriage/), by Elizabeth
*affiliate links
13 May 2025
Grief: an Empty Ocean and the Ten Things We Must Remember About Grief and Loss
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast! On today's episode, we'll be chatting about “Grief: an Empty Ocean and the Ten Things We Must Remember About Grief and Loss.”
In future episodes, we’ll continue to feature discussions around listener-submitted questions. You can submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here (https://forms.gle/ngj4sTpk5RrhuyCF8).
Listen in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch each episode on YouTube.
Also, you can buy your very own copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt: Musings on Missions, Emotions, and Life inthe Mud, here (https://amzn.to/45l0irA).
Thanks for stopping by, and have a greatday!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
______________________________________________
Resources Mentioned
Digging in the Dirt (https://amzn.to/45l0irA), by Jonathan Trotter
Dark Clouds (https://amzn.to/4kkzApq), Deep Mercy, by Mark Vroegop
The Gift of Grief (https://www.alifeoverseas.com/the-gift-of-grief-and-the-thing-i-heard-in-portland/), by Jonathan Trotter
On Fundamental Sadness (https://www.alifeoverseas.com/on-fundamental-sadness-and-the-deeper-magic/), by Jonathan Trotter
Serving Well (https://amzn.to/3T3YWga), by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter
*Amazon affiliate links
25 Mar 2025
Anxiety: What C.S. Lewis, Paul, and the Sword of Damocles can Teach us About Living in Terrible Times.
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast! On today's episode, we'll be chatting about “Anxiety: What C.S. Lewis, Paul, and the Sword of Damocles can Teach us About Living in Terrible Times.”
In future episodes, we’ll continue to feature discussions around listener-submitted questions. You can submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here (https://forms.gle/ngj4sTpk5RrhuyCF8).
Listen in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch each episode on YouTube.
Also, you can buy your very own copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt: Musings on Missions, Emotions, and Life in the Mud, here (https://amzn.to/45l0irA).
Thanks for stopping by, and have a greatday!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
______________________________________________
Resources Mentioned
The Quotable Lewis (https://amzn.to/4j6xxVj)
In Defense of Sanity (https://amzn.to/4j2ji3Q), by GK Chesterton
Serving Well (https://amzn.to/3T3YWga), by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter
*Amazon affiliate links
13 Mar 2025
A Lament for the American Church
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast! On today's episode, we'll be chatting about Lament.
In future episodes, we’ll continue to feature discussions around listener-submitted questions. You can submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here (https://forms.gle/ngj4sTpk5RrhuyCF8).
Listen in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch each episode on YouTube.
Also, you can buy your very own copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt: Musings on Missions, Emotions, and Life in the Mud, here (https://amzn.to/45l0irA).
Thanks for stopping by, and have a greatday!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
______________________________________________
Resources Mentioned
A Church Called TOV (https://amzn.to/3DADryR), by McKnight andBarringer
Codependent No More (https://amzn.to/3Du2Pq1), by Beattie
When Narcissism Comes to Church (https://amzn.to/41LZY3G), by DeGroat
*Amazon affiliate links
3 Oct 2024
When Depression Descends
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast! On today's episode, we'll be chatting about “When Depression Descends.”
In future episodes, we’ll continue to feature discussions around listener-submitted questions. You can submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here (https://forms.gle/ngj4sTpk5RrhuyCF8).
Listen in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch each episode on YouTube.
Also, you can buy your very own copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt: Musings on Missions, Emotions, and Life in the Mud, here (https://amzn.to/45l0irA).
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
______________________________________________
Resources Mentioned
988 Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/get-help/)
C.S. Lewis, Sadness, and What Eternal Hope Looks Like (https://relevantmagazine.com/faith/c-s-lewis-sadness-and-what-eternal-hope-looks-like/)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dummies (https://amzn.to/3XUmkxW), by Rhena Branch and Rob Willson
Depression in Adults (https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/depression-in-adults/overview/), by the National Health Service
Outlawed Grief (https://www.gottman.com/blog/outlawed-grief/)
Despair is Where Hope Lives (Psalm 130) (https://trotters41.com/2018/04/11/despair-is-where-hope-lives-psalm-130/)
Serving Well (https://amzn.to/3T3YWga), by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter
*Amazon affiliate links
24 Sept 2024
Gandalf’s Scream, Love, and Why We Need More Anger
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast! On today's episode, we'll be chatting about “Gandalf’s Scream, Love, and Why We Need More Anger.” We’ll also be answering a listener’s questions about re-entry and transition.
In future episodes, we’ll continue to feature discussions around listener-submitted questions. You can submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here (https://forms.gle/ngj4sTpk5RrhuyCF8).
Listen in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch each episode on YouTube.
Also, you can buy your very own copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt: Musings on Missions, Emotions, and Life in the Mud, here (https://amzn.to/45l0irA).
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
______________________________________________
Resources Mentioned
Serving Well (https://amzn.to/3T3YWga), by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter
Burn Up or Splash Down (https://amzn.to/4el4Hyn), by Marion Knell
Returning Well, (https://amzn.to/47BLmX2) by Melissa Chaplin
Looming Transitions (https://amzn.to/47DxueV), by Amy Young
*Amazon affiliate links
5 Sept 2024
'Twas the Night Before Furlough & The Day We Didn't Go Home
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast! On today's episode, we'll be chatting about “The Night Before Furlough” and “The Day We Didn’t Go Home.”
In future episodes, we’ll feature discussions around listener-submitted questions. You can submit your ideas,
comments, and questions for future episodes here (https://forms.gle/ngj4sTpk5RrhuyCF8).
Listen in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch each episode on YouTube.
Also, you can buy your very own copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt: Musings on Missions, Emotions, and Life in the Mud, here (https://amzn.to/45l0irA). [affiliate link]
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
______________________________________________
Resources Mentioned
Serving Well (https://amzn.to/3T3YWga), by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter
21 Jun 2024
The Missionary Life Cycle (in Five Stages)
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast!
Listen to Episode 6 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here (https://seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com/podcast/). Buy a copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt, here (https://amzn.to/49eZy7u).
Submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here. (https://forms.gle/1zEVowUbaw52thiS9)
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
*Amazon affiliate link
10 Jun 2024
One Simple Way to Bless Third Culture Kids
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast!
Listen to Episode 5 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here (https://seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com/podcast/). Buy a copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt, here (https://amzn.to/49eZy7u).
Submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here. (https://forms.gle/1zEVowUbaw52thiS9)
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
*Amazon affiliate links help support the work of A Life Overseas
1 Apr 2024
Don't Call Your Kids "World Changers"
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast!
Listen to Episode 4 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here (https://seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com/podcast/). Buy a copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt, here (https://amzn.to/49eZy7u).
Submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here. (https://forms.gle/1zEVowUbaw52thiS9)
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
______________________________________________
Resources Mentioned
Serving Well (https://amzn.to/3T3YWga), by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter (We've got a whole section in there about caring for the hearts of your kiddos)
*Amazon affiliate links help support the work of A Life Overseas
26 Mar 2024
Sex and the Married Missionary
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast! On today's episode, we'll talk about one of the things that we don’t talk about very much: sex.
In future episodes, we’ll feature discussions around listener-submitted questions. You can submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here. (https://forms.gle/1zEVowUbaw52thiS9)
Listen to Episode 3 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here (https://seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com/podcast/). Buy a copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt, here (https://amzn.to/49eZy7u).
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
______________________________________________
Resources Mentioned
Serving Well (https://amzn.to/3T3YWga), by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter
Want to see what a porn-addicted missionary looks like? (https://www.alifeoverseas.com/want-to-see-what-a-porn-addicted-missionary-looks-like/) By Andy Bruner
Sex Made Simple (https://amzn.to/3xl5oqH), by Barry McCarthy
On Making Love (https://trotters41.com/2017/11/25/on-making-love/), by Jonathan Trotter
Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy (https://amzn.to/3TR3Mhn), by Weiner and Avery-Clark
*Amazon affiliate links help support the work of A Life Overseas
21 Feb 2024
Politics, Plumeria, and the Kingdom of Heaven
Welcome back to another episode of the Digging in the Dirt podcast! On today's episode, we'll look at one of my favorite chapters that was inspired by our time at an international church in Cambodia.
In future episodes, I hope to feature discussions around listener-submitted questions. You can submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here. (https://forms.gle/1zEVowUbaw52thiS9)
Listen to Episode 2 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here (https://seeingtheheartsofthehurting.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/episode-2-final.mp3). Buy a copy of the book, Digging in the Dirt, here (https://amzn.to/49eZy7u).
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
______________________________________________
Resources Mentioned
Serving Well (https://amzn.to/3T3YWga), by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter
A Gentle Answer (https://amzn.to/49lAlta), by Scott Sauls
Dancing in No Man's Land (https://amzn.to/3wkcgUV), by Brian Jennings
*Amazon affiliate links help support the work of A Life Overseas
21 Feb 2024
A Welcome, an Invitation, and the Ten Things Flying Taught Me About Missions
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Digging in the Dirt Podcast! I'm so glad you're here! I will aim to keep this short, simple, and from the heart. Over time, I plan to read through my entire book, Digging in the Dirt (https://amzn.to/49z00y4). Think of it as a sort of free audio book! And in addition to the readings, each episode will feature discussions around listener-submitted questions.
So, where would you like to begin? You can submit your ideas, comments, and questions for future episodes here. (https://forms.gle/1zEVowUbaw52thiS9)
Listen to Episode 1 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here (https://seeingtheheartsofthehurting.files.wordpress.com/2024/02/ep-1.final_.mp3).
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
~ Jonathan T.
www.seeingtheheartsofthehurting.com
________________________________________________
Resources Mentioned
Necessary Endings (https://amzn.to/3OPdvC6), by Henry Cloud
Digging in the Dirt (https://amzn.to/49HgxQu), by Jonathan Trotter
I Walked On the Moon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys1ehx_1JEU), by Brian Regan (YouTube comedy special)
*Amazon affiliate links help support the work of A Life Overseas
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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