From Pressure to Purpose: Letting Go of Perfection, Embracing Growth

The Fruit of Growth with Dr. Karen Bergstrom | Becoming Evergreen Podcast Ep. 10

Episode 10: Season 1 Finale — The Fruit of Growth with Dr. Karen Bergstrom In this season finale, Carissa Fleming and Debbie Brunet sit down with longtime mentor and leadership coach Dr. Karen Bergstrom for a deeply encouraging conversation about growth, identity, and the healing power of safe relationships. Karen draws from decades of leadership, coaching, and nonprofit work to share how our earliest experiences shape us — and how truth, community, and faith help us grow beyond them. What You'll Learn * Why healthy growth starts with desire and a grounded sense of self * How early experiences can distort identity and create limiting beliefs * The four common roadblocks to growth: dependency, abandonment, failure, and inferiority * Why truth, kindness, and safe relationships are essential for healing * How being witnessed in community can unlock growth and emotional freedom Key Takeaways * Growth is possible at every stage of life * Identity should be rooted in truth, not past experience or future hopes alone * Healing often happens when we move from isolation into safe community * We don't have to carry our stories alone Resources & Links Townsend Leadership Program — Dr. Karen Bergstrom [https://drtownsend.com/directors/karen-bergstrom/] Connect with Dr. Bergstrom via email [karen@drbergstrom.net] or on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-bergstrom-19487372/] Learn more about the TPRAT [https://tprat.com/] Join Us at the Fall 2026 Becoming Evergreen Retreat Ready to take your growth off-screen and into community? Register for the Becoming Evergreen Retreat → [https://www.becomingevergreen.com/retreats]

Who's Really In Your Inner Circle? How to Build Healthy Community | Becoming Evergreen Podcast Ep. 9

In Episode 9 of the Becoming Evergreen Podcast, Carissa and Debbie explore the nuances of cultivating genuine connections, emphasizing vulnerability, intentionality, and Biblical principles. They share practical insights on building an inner circle of growth-minded individuals and navigating barriers like perfectionism and vulnerability. Key Topics Covered: * The biblical model of relationship from John 15:15 and modeling after Jesus * What makes a relationship healthy: give and take, curiosity, vulnerability, proximity * Different levels of friendship: inner circle, confidants, acquaintances, and their importance in various life seasons * The role of vulnerability: sharing story, asking for help, trust, and safety in relationships * Barriers to community: perfectionism, unhealthy partnerships, cultural differences, and unreciprocated effort * The importance of orienting life around Christ for unity and intentional growth * Practical ways to cultivate community: time, structure, prayer, and seeking Holy Spirit's guidance Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to community and our model of biblical relationships 02:34 - How healthy relationships thrive: vulnerability and give/take 04:45 - Levels of friendships: inner circle, confidants, acquaintances 07:00 - Vulnerability in building trust and sharing stories 09:20 - Barriers such as perfectionism, cultural differences, and unhealthy ties 12:04 - Living and orienting around Christ for unity 15:00 - Practical steps for cultivating and deepening community relationships 17:00 - The power of intentionality, asking for help, and Holy Spirit’s guidance 18:30 - Final encouragement: we are made for connection Resources & Links: * Register for the Becoming Evergreen Fall 2026 Retreat [https://www.becomingevergreen.com/registration] * Henry Cloud’s Book "Never Go Back"  [https://www.amazon.com/Never-Go-Back-Things-Youll/dp/1451669313/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZM5EXZEERX76&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zpnPu3YHFg9juRlUuHpEb2UtlDsTHcjkIs0hrZH7lxG1_5OfMx5T_9GBWXSTBaHC6DBeP8S0z5I7T3TJJWLQe5s2pqtuXYTyXqgXtr0DFs5sqw-HBeEN58X8GDVa1OfhbSndkpvKTKEwBMqIT6BEmzkY2p8M8nfXLTURVIdwiqccRciMrDIEnXyoD1WokKM3.RYy6KEV9cZdCqOWbsNyBV-OFuPlEy2f31QvCuTjGSlY&dib_tag=se&keywords=henry+cloud+never+go+back&qid=1781100994&s=audible&sprefix=henry+cloud+never+go+back%2Caudible%2C161&sr=1-1-catcorr] * Henry Cloud’s Book "Necessary Endings" [https://www.amazon.com/Necessary-Endings-Henry-Cloud-audiobook/dp/B004JLU0ZQ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gkhHr_y_JLTzAy-b_z5ZRG6_zygAKIjouzA-nUYkw6YpXKGcdA8KRhpVv_45hfsZMz_Pl1zK9eO1S2lOojL6coO7n04PSdILKEwMD3wBBKB1I8sRgWg0_72xaOIAO_xZfhE7wtS-CgHD7zkLz9BwVDn3VLJOujYq6zOr0zK1LfP2ymu1wpvU4jHqUDyjyXlRqhbqMCvuar3wEBBjXn-duDJr_mzuRDCMTsQGF5N-aew.3-ZMk2CE8DQzWNLGYY9rrt9daxO1QoNAdSJdqa-7U_M&dib_tag=se&hvadid=778028334125&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9031601&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=14697361541564338557--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14697361541564338557&hvtargid=kwd-311408459208&hydadcr=22569_13821285&keywords=henry+cloud+necessary+endings&mcid=77e96e82321e3e9f843f93089b7995a4&qid=1781100957&s=books&sr=1-1] Connect with Debbie and Carissa: * Carissa on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carissadrews/] * Debbie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebrunet/]

Stop Fighting Your Season (Start Growing With It) | Becoming Evergreen Podcast Ep. 8

Have you ever felt like your habits just aren't working — no matter how hard you try? The problem might not be your discipline. It might be your season. In Episode 8 of The Becoming Evergreen Podcast, Carissa Fleming and Debbie Brunet dig into why aligning your habits and goals with your current season of life is the missing key to lasting growth. They explore the difference between first and second order desires, how your temperament shapes your routines, and why community might be the most underrated habit tool you have. If you've been white-knuckling your goals and wondering why nothing is sticking, this episode is for you. In this episode: * Why your season matters more than your strategy * First vs. second order desires (and how they drive your habits) * How temperament affects what rhythms actually work for you * The role of community in sustaining growth * Biblical principles of timing and spiritual rhythms Chapters 00:00 Seasons and Habits: A Trader Joe's Perspective 03:19 Understanding Seasons in Life and Scripture 06:19 Desires: First Order vs. Second Order 08:33 The Role of Habits in Achieving Desires 11:04 Temperament and Its Impact on Practices 13:58 Community and Support in Different Seasons 16:16 Setting Goals and Building Habits 19:12 Navigating Interruptions and Maintaining Peace 21:45 Identifying Limiting Beliefs and Spiritual Rhythms 24:13 Life-Giving Habits and Fun Activities 27:16 Reflection and Moving Forward To register for the upcoming Fall 2026 Becoming Evergreen Retreat visit: https://www.becomingevergreen.com/retreats [https://www.becomingevergreen.com/retreats]

Part 2: Overcoming Lies and Embracing Truth in Christ | Becoming Evergreen Podcast Ep. 7

This conversation is Part 2 of a conversation between Debbie Brunet and Carissa Fleming. They explore the impact of limiting beliefs and lies on one's calling and personal growth. Understanding our stories, identifying lies, and embracing our identity can unlock our true potential and purpose. Key Topics * The connection between identity and calling * How lies and beliefs impact personal growth * Practical exercises for identifying and replacing lies * The role of community and spiritual practices in healing * Reflecting on life stories to understand God's purpose Chapters 00:00 Exploring Limiting Beliefs and Identity 02:43 The Importance of Personal Stories 05:10 Life Mapping and Reflection 06:56 Understanding the Harsh Judge vs. Observant Self - John Townsend 10:31 The Impact of Lies on Our Calling 18:34 Journaling and Replacing Lies with Truth 22:13 Building Relationships and Community Support 26:09 The Journey of Transformation and Growth Keywords: limiting beliefs, personal growth, calling, identity, spiritual journey, story reflection, lies, truth, faith, transformation Learn more at BecomingEvergreen.com [https://www.becomingevergreen.com/]

Overcoming Lies and Embracing Truth in Christ | Becoming Evergreen Podcast Ep. 6

Debbie Brunet and Carissa Fleming [https://www.becomingevergreen.com/about], explore the power of journaling for self-reflection and the impact of internal lies on our lives. It delves into the theology of lies and truth, the role of community in overcoming lies, and spiritual disciplines for addressing lies. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing internal lies, navigating difficult seasons, and the impact of lies on our lives. Key Topics * The importance of journaling for spiritual clarity * How lies affect our identity and faith * Biblical strategies for renewing the mind * The role of community and accountability * Spiritual disciplines that foster growth Takeaways * Journaling helps focus and invites the Holy Spirit to speak. * Lies about ourselves and God can deeply impact our faith. * Romans 12:2 emphasizes transformation through renewing the mind. * Community [https://www.becomingevergreen.com/cohorts] provides light and accountability in spiritual battles. * Spiritual disciplines like prayer and scripture meditation are vital. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Becoming Evergreen 03:12 The Power of Mind and Identity 06:16 Understanding Lies and Truth 08:52 Theological Perspectives on Lies 11:52 Recognizing Internal Lies 14:16 Overcoming Lies Through Scripture 16:10 Capturing Thoughts and Community 18:56 Spiritual Disciplines for Growth 21:57 The Power of Journaling 23:22 Walking in Truth and Its Impact 24:17 Life to the Full: A Partnership with the Lord 25:00 Becoming Evergreen outro.mp4 To learn more visit BecomingEvergreen.com