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What happens when people commit to a trauma-informed lifestyle? Perspectives and responses shift, behaviors and actions change. Multi-ethnic groups are woven together, cleaving to each other with resilience and a...
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What happens when people commit to a trauma-informed lifestyle? Perspectives and responses shift, behaviors and actions change. Multi-ethnic groups are woven together, cleaving to each other with resilience and a healthy sense of being and belonging. Join Dr. Sanghoon Yoo, founder of The Faithful City and leader of the AZ Trauma-Informed Faith Coalition, and co-host Michelle Stiffler, writer and owner of Sincerity Method, as they discuss all things faith, science, and resilience.
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Episodes & Posts
Episodes
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16 SEP 2026 · Nora had a unique childhood. The child of physicists, she and her siblings were raised in a home where knowledge was priority and feelings weren't tolerated. Still, Nora is grateful to have acquired a zeal for knowledge, and even from an early age, the one thing she wanted to know most about was God. She sought Him on her own and found Him, but her faith in the years to come would be tested in many ways.
Nora's faith journey includes stories as unique as her childhood - leaving a cult, family abuse, plane crashes and tragic deaths, just to name a few. As Nora shares, she handled some of this pain by closing her heart to it and "going inside of herself". But ultimately, her desire to know God led her back to scripture. She discovered that Christ died for her sins AND for the wounds of her heart, that when she wept, He wept, too. Healing took awhile, but she finally opened her heart to it.
Over the previous 19 years, Nora has taught men, women and children in ten countries and four continents about the effects of trauma and abuse, and the hope and healing that only comes from Jesus. She calls her lesson 'The 6 Hearts', and it's brought many the hope and healing of salvation.
Nora is the mother of 3, grandmother of 7, great grandmother of 3, and she's “Mama Nora” to countless others to whom she has ministered. Her faithfulness is powerful. Listen to her story and be encouraged.
Connect with Nora by email: nbpoling@gmail.com.
2 SEP 2026 · Jeff McGee grew up as the son of a pastor and a teacher. He walked away from faith in young adulthood, but then the Lord brought him back. Today, he's a Christian leadership educator, an author, and executive coach committed to helping leaders live and lead according to Kingdom values. Recognized as a Titan 100 Leader in Phoenix, Jeff doesn't just talk about leadership, he models it.
Recently, with the launch of Kingtopia College, Jeff added 'college founder' to his roles, and during his conversation with Sanghoon and Michelle, he shares about the lived experience that prompted him to create a college that removes the financial barriers preventing many single parents (especially single dads) from pursuing a degree. This episode covers many topics, from historical trauma, the struggle of single fathers, leadership pitfalls and how to overcome them, and living a life without fear or regrets. Need encouragement to follow the vision or purpose God has given you? This episode provides it.
For Jeff's book at Amazon “Reimagining Leadership”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTRPMSHQ?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
For Jeff's leadership consulting: https://drjeffmcgee.com/
Email: jmcgee@kingtopia.org
19 AUG 2026 · Jeff and Carissa grew up in two different states with very different childhood experiences. They accepted Christ at different ages, and came into adulthood with different plans for their futures. Then, they met, married, and started a ministry. Now, they integrate their differences to strengthen their work. Jeff, a lifelong learner and public high school teacher who cares deeply about helping people grow in their faith through Scripture, is the head of Reset Ministries. Carissa, who's passionate about discipleship and awakening others to the presence of God in their emotional healing, is the heart.
Join Sanghoon and Michelle as they talk with Jeff and Carissa about how they approach ministry--as individuals and as a couple--and how they find their own reset in the midst of bivocational ministry that demands a lot of listening, presence, and soul care.
This episode affirms the power of God, the power of presence, and the transformation that's possible when people help each other find healing. Listen in.
The next Reset Retreat is October 23 – 24, 2026. Register here: https://resetministries.us/retreat/
For Reset resources, videos, and podcast: https://resetministries.us/media/
Follow Reset Ministries on social media: @resetministries.us
5 AUG 2026 · Pamela Morrison grew up, as she puts it, "poor without knowing it". As far as she was concerned, she had plenty - friends of all ethnicities, two parents at home, and a supportive community. These strong bonds prompted her to give back to her community as a social worker, perhaps a common story, except for Pamela's distinct longevity. In a field known for burnout, her commitment to social work endured for 35 years, and after a brief retirement, she worked at a prominent nonprofit for another 12 years. Pamela tried again to retire, but "found it boring". She became CEO of Mercy Center of Arizona instead, a trauma‑informed reentry program offering IOP services, vocational development, on‑site medical care, and housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Throughout this episode, Pamela shares the secrets behind her steadfastness as a person who is called to care for others. One secret in particular? Don't forget why you do what you do. Wisdom and encouragement abound in this episode, so bring an open heart and listen in.
To learn more about Mercy Center: http://www.mercycenterofarizona.org/
To reach Pamela directly: pamela@mercycenteraz.com
1 JUL 2026 · Hayley Winterberg grew up in a family dynamic that afforded her a 'perfect ACEs score', as she shares tongue-in-cheek. It's this sense of humor that helped Hayley tap into her resilience, and eventually, helped her press into post-traumatic growth. But Hayley also points to protective factors in her childhood, too - a grandfather that took her to church every week, a father that encouraged her to get a solid education, opportunities to get involved in projects that focus on equity and meaningful change. Hayley learned young that people can harm; she also learned young that people can be pretty amazing.
Hayley also learned how to overachieve - a trauma response that has its superpowers and its pitfalls. On the positive side, Hayley's achiever helped her earn two Master's degrees, buy a home as a single mom, build a career that's included healthcare system transformation, policy development, public advocacy, and today, the role of Chief Housing Officer at HOM. On the less positive side, Hayley has had to learn to observe patterns and behaviors that expose her tendency toward workaholism. She shares her personal and professional journey with candor and lightheartedness. We invite you to listen in.
To connect with Hayley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleywinterberg/
To learn more about HOM:https://www.hominc.com/our-why/
17 JUN 2026 · Shomari Jackson was raised in East St. Louis, but he spent most of his childhood and teen summers in Arizona visiting his dad. He went to college in Arizona, but as he puts it, "Arizona chewed him up and spit him out." He returned home, experienced some major life events, navigated mental health issues, and finally grappled with the questions that would move him forward: Who was he? What was he capable of? How had trauma (historical, generational, personal) affected him? And most importantly, how did he want to carry himself into the world? Shomari went on to complete both his bachelors and masters degrees, and he's been advocating for equitable change in Arizona ever since.
Today, Shomari is the owner and executive director of The South Mountain W.O.R.K.S. Coalition, a nationally recognized substance use prevention organization that focuses on systems change and building resilient communities in South Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County. He is the 2021 recipient of the Arizona Innovation in Health Equity Award, and on this episode, he shares what it means to reshape systems of inequity and support communities with an equity lens. Not only is this conversation timely, it's necessary. We hope you'll listen in.
To learn more: http://southmountainworks.org/
To connect with Shomari: shomari@southmountainworks.org or harmreduction@southmountainworks.org
3 JUN 2026 · Carol grew up in a home where church and service to others was paramount. This was a wonderful thing as it prompted her to pursue social work, but it also had its detriments - which Carol didn't recognize for many decades. She didn't know she had a savior complex. Or codependency issues. Or a desire to control people and situations. But then a series of heavy circumstances hit Carol and her family, and she could no longer ignore the truth. One, she had work to do, and two, she needed help. Carol joined Al Anon and Celebrate Recovery, and in finding the support of others in recovery, she began her own journey to hope and true strength. Now it's her mission to share that hope with others.
Join Sanghoon and Michelle as they talk with Carol, a social worker, consultant, and advocate for quality family support and training. Working across the non-profit sector and state government, she works to prevent child abuse through family resource centers, home visitation, and child development and parenting programs. Carol is also the co-dependent spouse of a recovering opioid and alcohol addict, a part of her story she honestly shares on this episode. Listen in and be encouraged.
To connect with Carol: carollopinski@gmail.com
To learn about Carol's consulting services: https://lopinskiandassociates.com/
20 MAY 2026 · Ben and Sarah met at as ASU students at a prayer gathering thirty-five years ago. They were just friends at the time, but God had other plans. Through their time together in prayer and faithfulness, God was growing their resilience, their desire to bring people together, and their trust in His timing.
Today, Ben and Sarah are Directors of the Campus Christian Center (C3), next to Arizona State University, which is now home to more than 20 Christian ministries and hundreds of weekly student visitors. Additionally, Ben is the Executive Director of the Arizona Center for Christian Studies (AzCCS), which seeks to engage ASU students and faculty with a Christian academic presence and perspective.
Over the decades, Ben and Sarah have seen many prayers answered. They've ministered to countless students, professors, and leaders. They've also experienced challenges. Through it all, they've been reminded of God's good timing and purposes. He's been trustworthy before. He is trustworthy now. They are trusting Him into the future.
This episode will energize your faith and your hope. Give it a listen and be encouraged.
To learn more about C3 or Arizona Center for Christian Studies: http://www.c3tempe.org/ or http://www.azccs.net/
Social Media: @c3tempe
To connect with Ben and Sarah: info@c3tempe.org
29 APR 2026 · Mary's life changed in her early teens when her parents divorced. Not only did her family change, she also moved, and went from a private school setting to attending public school. It was a difficult adjustment at the time, but now she sees how the Lord used those experiences to open her eyes and heart to a bigger world than the one she had always known.
As Mary grew, so did her global perspective. She went on a mission trip to West Africa, came home and made friends with Lost Boys from Sudan, worked for Food for the Hungry, and eventually, went on to get her Master's degree in social and cultural pedagogy. Today, Mary is a the Executive Director of Phoenix Refugee Connections, a ministry that equips and sustains Christians to walk in love with their refugee neighbors. She and her husband have four children - two biological and two from the foster care system for unaccompanied refugee children - as well as four grandchildren. Mary shares about her family's dynamics on this episode. It's beautiful, heartwarming, and definitely worth a listen.
To learn about Phoenix Refugee Connections: http://www.phxrc.org/
To connect with Mary: mary@phxrc.org
8 APR 2026 · Curtis enjoyed a childhood surrounded by family and centered on Christ. It was idyllic...mostly. But Curtis also experienced trauma very young - events he didn't consider a big deal, until decades later, as a biblical counselor, the heaviness of his work finally collided with his own personal heaviness. He was forced to confront his trauma and work toward healing.
During his healing journey, Curtis began seeing gaps in trauma care, particularly for military veterans with PTS (also known as PTSD). This prompted him to write the book, https://newgrowthpress.com/christian-books/biblical-counseling-books/i-have-ptsd-reorienting-after-trauma/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7BBCI_PMAX_Main%7D&utm_term=&utm_content=%7Badgroup%7D_c&utm_name=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19826505776&gbraid=0AAAAADQ2Ly8YzUrKe0VxwWQGTRbsJfyul&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm6POBhCrARIsAIG58CLmNkqUWO8dqCU3J2wBeTuNj-bPL7D9ZGbWmEeOUNVis1nR_xJ7rkQaAsQbEALw_wcB It also fueled his research for his doctorate, which helped him identify the need for empirical research within the field of biblical counseling.
Today, Dr. Curtis Solomon is the Executive Director and co-founder of the https://thesentinelinstitute.org/, a ministry that supports the wellbeing of populations impacted by trauma through empirical research and biblical scholarship. He serves as Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor for Biblical Counseling at Boyce College. This episode is well-rounded, with a little something for every kind of helper professional - those who love personal story, and for those who love science. Listen in!
To purchase Dr. Solomon's books https://www.amazon.com/s?k=curtis+solomon&i=digital-text&crid=1IG736BOXJQ30&sprefix=curtis+solomon%2Cdigital-text%2C213&ref=nb_sb_noss_2.
To learn more about the Sentinel Institute https://thesentinelinstitute.org/meet-the-team/.
To contact Dr. Solomon: https://thesentinelinstitute.org/contact/
What happens when people commit to a trauma-informed lifestyle? Perspectives and responses shift, behaviors and actions change. Multi-ethnic groups are woven together, cleaving to each other with resilience and a...
show more
What happens when people commit to a trauma-informed lifestyle? Perspectives and responses shift, behaviors and actions change. Multi-ethnic groups are woven together, cleaving to each other with resilience and a healthy sense of being and belonging. Join Dr. Sanghoon Yoo, founder of The Faithful City and leader of the AZ Trauma-Informed Faith Coalition, and co-host Michelle Stiffler, writer and owner of Sincerity Method, as they discuss all things faith, science, and resilience.
show less
Information
| Author | The Faithful City |
| Organization | michelle |
| Categories | Social Sciences |
| Website | www.thefaithfulcity.org |
| thefaithfulcity@gmail.com |
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