I'll Start

I'll Start This podcast aims to raise awareness and bridge the gap between mental health and faith.

It fosters a supportive community and spreads hope by courageously sharing personal stories and encouraging others to do the same.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week—a reminder that every story matters, every struggle deserves compassion, and h...
10/07/2025

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week—a reminder that every story matters, every struggle deserves compassion, and healing begins when we choose to listen.

Mental health isn’t something “out there.” It’s woven into our everyday lives—in our homes, churches, schools, and workplaces. By speaking openly and offering care without judgment, we break stigma and make room for hope.

💚 A few ways to honor Mental Health Awareness Week:
👉🏻Ask someone how they’re really doing and listen - without rushing to fix.
👉🏻Share a story (big or small) that helps others know they’re not alone.
👉🏻Practice a simple act of compassion: for yourself, for your neighbor, for your community.

Isaiah 45:2 reminds us: “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight.” Even in the hardest places, God goes before us—paving the way for courage, healing, and connection.

💚 You are not alone. You are seen. You matter.

We’ve been behind the mic, holding space for stories you’ll hear in Season 2. 💚Who’s excited for Oct 21?! 🎉 Every story ...
09/18/2025

We’ve been behind the mic, holding space for stories you’ll hear in Season 2. 💚

Who’s excited for Oct 21?! 🎉

Every story matters. Every voice belongs here.

👋 Hey, we’re glad you’re here! This is I’ll Start.If you’ve ever been told that struggling with mental health means weak...
09/16/2025

👋 Hey, we’re glad you’re here! This is I’ll Start.

If you’ve ever been told that struggling with mental health means weak faith—or that theology and mental health tools don’t belong together—this podcast is for you.

Our name says it all—I’ll Start is about going first. Starting the hard conversations. Sharing openly so others can find the courage to do the same.

Our mission: break the stigma, build community, and remind you that your story matters, you matter, and God is with you.

✨ Season 2 drops October 21! Catch up on Season 1 wherever you get podcasts.

💬 How do you like to listen: headphones 🎧 or car speakers 🚗?

Hi, I’m Fred 👋Producer of I’ll Start, audio engineer, and adjunct professor. With over 20 years in live sound, recording...
09/08/2025

Hi, I’m Fred 👋
Producer of I’ll Start, audio engineer, and adjunct professor. With over 20 years in live sound, recording, and production, I love blending technical expertise with a passion for clear, compelling storytelling.
Behind the scenes, I help shape each episode so what you hear isn’t just a conversation—it’s a moment of clarity and connection that lasts.
Off the mic, I enjoy teaching, music, and family time. And when it comes to tech, I’m Apple all the way.
What about you: Apple or Android? 🍏🤖

Hi, I’m Morgan 👋Co-host of I’ll Start and Master of Divinity grad. Since 2010, I’ve served in ministry through missions,...
09/02/2025

Hi, I’m Morgan 👋
Co-host of I’ll Start and Master of Divinity grad. Since 2010, I’ve served in ministry through missions, discipleship, and women’s ministry—all shaped by a heart for listening and meaningful conversation.
On the podcast, I bring over 15 years of ministry experience, connecting stories with God’s truth and steady hope. My prayer is that each episode reminds you that God loves you, wholeheartedly.
Off the mic, I homeschool my three boys and love creating through jewelry making, calligraphy, and drawing. And when it comes to coffee, I’ll drink it black most days—though I can’t resist a seasonal Starbucks drink.
What about you: 🍂Bring on the pumpkin spice OR 🏖 is it still too soon?

Hi, I’m Heather 👋Host of I’ll Start and licensed clinical social worker. I believe mental health and faith go hand in ha...
08/26/2025

Hi, I’m Heather 👋
Host of I’ll Start and licensed clinical social worker. I believe mental health and faith go hand in hand—when we bring them together, we find healing, hope, and the freedom to thrive.
On the podcast, I combine over 18 years of mental health expertise with simple, practical tools you can use every day. My hope is that every story leaves you feeling seen, encouraged, and reminded you are not alone.
Off the mic, I love reading and you’ll often find me leading worship on the weekends. And for the record, I’ll always choose a printed book over an e-book.
💬 What about you: print or e-book? 📚✨

After a few weeks of slowing down, we’re back with some exciting news!🎙 I’ll Start Season 2 is coming October 2025.Until...
08/18/2025

After a few weeks of slowing down, we’re back with some exciting news!
🎙 I’ll Start Season 2 is coming October 2025.
Until then, we’ll be reintroducing ourselves, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and letting you in on what’s ahead.
💬 If you’ve listened to I’ll Start before, drop a 🎧.
💬 If you’re new here, drop a 👋.

Here’s a peek behind the scenes from our recent photo shoot! The future of I’ll Start is taking shape, and we can’t wait...
07/23/2025

Here’s a peek behind the scenes from our recent photo shoot!
The future of I’ll Start is taking shape, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

A huge thank you to teran_elaine_photography for capturing the heart of where we’re headed.

And to Melissa Peterson: thank you for opening your home to us. Your warmth and hospitality made this shoot feel like a deep breath before our next big season.

Stay tuned!

We set a table to honor Season 1. Every seat held a story.Every voice, a gift.Every heart, new compassion.Thank you for ...
07/22/2025

We set a table to honor Season 1.
Every seat held a story.
Every voice, a gift.
Every heart, new compassion.

Thank you for being first.
Thank you for saying, “I’ll start.”

07/22/2025

Sometimes we react before our minds can catch up creating a downward spiral of unhealthy patterns. Start Here and learn how to build something new. :9

This week’s Start Here Tool:👉 Instead of moving forward in fear, what if we moved toward the thing we love?It’s not alwa...
07/15/2025

This week’s Start Here Tool:
👉 Instead of moving forward in fear, what if we moved toward the thing we love?

It’s not always easy—but this shift can change everything.

Start Here:
What’s one way you can move toward love this week?

Want help with a reframe?

🤲🏻 Drop your “Fear says…” in the comments, and we’ll offer a gentle response grounded in truth, faith, and compassion.

💚 Let’s start this journey together.

Let this one sink in.When we compare our struggles, we start ranking who deserves care, rest, support—or even treatment....
07/09/2025

Let this one sink in.

When we compare our struggles, we start ranking who deserves care, rest, support—or even treatment.
And that’s not how healing works.

There’s room for your needs and someone else’s.
There’s space for your story, even if others are struggling too.
Start with self-compassion. End with connection.

🟢 Missed Monday’s reel? Go back and watch it for the full Start Here Tool of the week.

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Decatur, IL

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