Brave Haven Podcast

What's Next for Brave Haven?

🎙️ What’s Next for Brave Haven? In this short update episode, we share a couple announcements about the future of the podcast. We also share a quick update about the upcoming book release and how to stay connected in the meantime. ❤️ Remember to sign up for the newsletter at bravehavenpodcast.com [bravehavenpodcast.com]

E16: Brave Haven Season One Finale - Reflections, Key Themes, and What’s Next

In this final episode of Brave Haven Season One, we take a look back at the journey so far. We share behind-the-scenes moments from recording, revisit key themes and phrases from the season, and talk honestly about what it was like to record the entire season in a condensed window of time. This season has included conversations around trauma, abuse awareness, forgiveness, justice, triggers, and what it means to walk alongside someone in pain with both truth and compassion. We also share what’s ahead for Brave Haven as we transition into Season Two. This episode is reflective, conversational, and a closing of a meaningful chapter in the life of this podcast. We’re grateful you’re here as we wrap up Season One together! 💬 In This Episode We Reflect On: * Season One highlights and behind-the-scenes moments * Key takeaways from stories shared throughout podcast * What this season has meant personally and spiritually 📢 What’s Next for Brave Haven * A short sidebar episode introducing Season Two’s direction and co-host * A special interview with June this summer tied to the upcoming book release * Newsletter sign-up for updates on the book + Season Two launch 👉 Sign up for updates at bravehavenpodcast.com [http://bravehavenpodcast.com] (form is on the homepage) ❤️ Thank You Thank you for listening, learning, and walking through this season with us. We’re honored you’ve been part of these conversations. Until next time… YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONE -June and Kayla

E15: "When Words Wound" - What Not to Say to Trauma Survivors (and What Actually Helps)

When someone shares their story of abuse or trauma, the response they receive can either bring healing or create a kind of secondary suffering. In this episode of Brave Haven, we unpack the most common hurtful, dismissive, and spiritually misapplied phrases survivors often hear, and explain why they land so painfully. From minimizing comments to victim-blaming and “spiritual clichés,” we respond in real time as honestly and biblically as we can. But we don’t stop there. We also walk through what actually helps: how to support someone in suffering with presence, truth, and compassion. If you’ve ever: * Wondered why certain comments hit so deeply * Struggled with what to say to someone in pain * Been told to “just forgive” or “move on” * Or questioned how faith fits into healing from trauma This episode is for you. ❤️ Helpful Ways to Support a Survivor * Be present (you don’t need perfect words) * Listen before speaking * Validate their experience (“I believe you”) * Offer prayer * Provide specific, practical help * Exercise discernment and patience 🚩 Harmful Phrases Discussed * "Are you sure that happened?" * “It wasn’t that bad.” * “At least…” * “You should be over it by now.” * “God meant for that to happen.” * “You need to forgive and move on.” * “Don’t air your family’s dirty laundry.” * “They did the best they could.” * “Blood is thicker than water.” 📖 Scriptures Referenced * Job 2:13 – Presence before words * Romans 12:15 – "Weep with those who weep" * Galatians 6:2 – Carry One Another's Burdens * Philippians 4:8 – Redirecting anxious thoughts * Romans 3:23 – "For all have sinned" * Matthew 10:37 – Allegiance to Christ * Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan 📚 Resources Mentioned Henderson Series: 1. ⁠Defining Trauma Biblically - John Henderson⁠ [https://store.faithlafayette.org/all-products/defining-trauma-biblically/] 2. ⁠Experience and Expression of Trauma from Childhood⁠ [https://store.faithlafayette.org/all-products/experience-and-expression-of-trauma-from-childhood/] 3. ⁠Body Truly Matters and the Heart Truly Determines⁠ [https://store.faithlafayette.org/all-products/body-truly-matters-and-the-heart-truly-determines/] 4. ⁠Ministry of the Word to Survivors of Childhood Trauma⁠ [https://store.faithlafayette.org/all-products/ministry-of-the-word-to-survivors-of-childhood-trauma/] 5. ⁠Handling the Past Biblically (Applied to Severe Childhood Abuse) - Steve Viars [https://store.faithlafayette.org/all-products/handling-the-past-biblically-applied-to-severe-childhood-abuse/] John Delony [https://www.ramseysolutions.com/john-delony]: A Dave Ramsey personality specializing in mental health and crisis response. 🔑 Some Key Takeaways * Your healing does not have a deadline * Biblical lament acknowledges real pain * Forgiveness is a process * Boundaries can be wise and godly * Telling the truth is not dishonoring * Sin belongs to the sinner, not the victim * God's Word speaks louder than human opinion And...YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONE 💛 -Kayla and June 📢 Share & SupportIf this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs language for what they’ve experienced—or guidance on how to support others well.

E14: "Not Yet" - Navigating Triggers, Trust, and Communication - Part 2

In Part 2 of this conversation, Kayla and AJ move beyond recognizing trauma triggers and into what it actually looks like to live with them inside a healthy, growing marriage. What does it take to build trust when triggers are unpredictable? How do you communicate when you're not ready to talk? And how can both spouses take responsibility without falling into codependency? Together, they share practical tools, real-life examples, and the rhythms they've developed over a decade of marriage—navigating everything from early communication struggles to the ongoing challenges of writing, parenting, and healing in real time. This episode explores: * How simple phrases like “not yet” created safety in hard moments * The role of boundaries, pauses, and “unfinished conversations” * Supporting a spouse without trying to fix them * Recognizing triggers early and responding with wisdom * Avoiding codependency while still loving sacrificially * How healing evolves over time (and doesn’t just “end”) * Navigating new triggers in parenting and everyday life * Why your spouse can be your “home field advantage,” but not your Savior Whether you're a survivor or someone who loves one, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and practical ways to move forward together. 🎧 Listen to Part 1: “Where Did You Go?” - Recognizing Trauma Triggers in a Relationship — If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need encouragement in their own healing journey. YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONE Kayla and AJ

E13: “Where Did You Go?” - Recognizing Trauma Triggers in a Relationship - Part 1

Something kept happening in our conversations...and I didn’t have the words yet to explain why. In this episode of Brave Haven, we begin a two-part conversation about what trauma triggers can look like inside a relationship. Early in our relationship, there were moments that didn’t quite make sense. Emotional reactions that didn’t match the situation, silence where there should have been words, and questions neither of us knew how to answer yet. This episode focuses on recognizing the signs: * What it looked like when I didn’t have words * How AJ noticed patterns * The difference between intentional behavior and trauma responses * Why curiosity (not accusation) matters in early conversations We also share real, everyday moments: miscommunication, emotional shutdown, and even a simple cooking mistake. All of which revealed there was something underneath the surface. If you’ve ever wondered: * “Why did I react that way?” * “Why does my partner shut down or seem to disappear?” * “How do you respond when something doesn’t make sense?” You’re not alone. Scripture Reference “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”— 1 Thessalonians 5:14 YOU ARE WORTH what IT takes to heal AND you are NEVER ALONE -Kayla and AJ