Return to Heart
Tin Man Ministries
What if the path to real transformation isn't found in more information, but in deeper conversation? From Tin Man Ministries, Return to Heart brings together seasoned theologians and mental health professionals with over 100 years of pastoral and clinical experience who've walked the journey in their own lives from brokenness to recovery of heart and wholeness. Through authentic conversations at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and theology, Return to Heart is a dialogue about topics that matter most like shame, attachment, identity, belonging, and finding those parts of you that got lost along the way to surviving. Return to Heart is an invitation to come home to honest connection with God, home to intimate relationships that matter to you, and home to the life your heart was made for. Return to Heart releases a new episode every other Wednesday morning.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 12, 2025 • 38min
007: Addiction: The Hidden Addictions We Don’t Talk About
Addiction isn’t only about substances—it’s about survival. In this powerful conversation, we reveal how our need for connection can twist into compulsions that look acceptable on the outside but exhaust us on the inside. From food to phones to ministry itself, we expose the subtle ways we try to escape loneliness, fear, and shame.You’ll hear how dopamine, shame, and “chunking” shape addictive cycles—and how genuine connection breaks them. This episode is raw, redemptive, and full of practical hope for anyone caught in performance or perfectionism.✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:- Addiction as a response to codependency and exhaustion- The neuroscience of dopamine and “chunking”- Why the opposite of addiction is connection—not sobriety
6 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 40min
006: The Work of Attachment: Seen. Soothed. Safe. Secure
Discover the essential role of attachment in our relationships. Learn why many confuse intensity with intimacy and how to reestablish deeper connections. The Velcro metaphor illustrates the struggle to stick in relationships. Delve into the four pillars of secure attachment: being seen, soothed, safe, and secure. Hear heartfelt stories of grief, the emotional risks of reattaching, and the impact of divine love on human connections. Plus, practical journaling exercises to map your primary attachment figures and explore where you long to reconnect.
Oct 15, 2025 • 40min
005: The Power of Attunement: Finding Connection, Healing Shame, and Coming Home
Discover the profound impact of attunement in human relationships. Jeff and Phil delve into how it fosters deep connection, combats loneliness, and heals toxic shame. They share touching stories of family moments, including a heartfelt interaction between Jeff and his grandson as they navigate sadness together. Explore the role of vulnerability in marriage and learn about the power of curiosity and compassion in fostering genuine relationships. This conversation offers hope and practical insights for anyone seeking deeper connections in their lives.
4 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 35min
004: Shame: Understanding the Stories We Tell Ourselves
Discover the stark contrast between healthy and toxic shame. Unpack how childhood abandonment shapes self-perception and can lead to a distorted identity. Explore the idea that our needs don't make us unlovable, and see the biblical perspective on embracing our vulnerabilities. Hear personal stories revealing how toxic shame affects relationships and work. Learn how confronting shame can unlock hidden gifts and lead to a life of authenticity and connection.
4 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 41min
003: Abandonment: I Needed You and You Weren't There
What defines abandonment? It's the deep feeling of needing someone who isn't there. Discover how emotional pain is processed like physical pain in our brains. Delve into subtle forms of abandonment and how everyday life events can trigger these feelings. The discussion explores allowing parents to be imperfect, the disciples' fear of abandonment, and the drastic choices people make to avoid loneliness. Concluding with a practical journaling takeaway, this conversation inspires healing from the painful echoes of our past.
8 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 36min
002: Finding Your True Identity in God | Imago Dei & Transformation
Explore the profound meaning of Imago Dei and its impact on finding true identity in Christ. Hear personal transformation stories that reveal how God sees us and the importance of love and relationships. Discover how early experiences shape self-image and the brain's role in connection versus protection. Learn about Jesus' powerful interactions that affirm our worth and how understanding God's love can lead to healing. This enlightening discussion empowers listeners to embrace their divine identity through reflection and scripture.
5 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 52min
001: How to Reconnect with God, Yourself & Others (The Tin Man Story)
Dive into personal journeys of burnout and healing, using the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor for emotional connection. Discover the importance of storytelling and vulnerability in building deeper relationships. Explore the Trinity of Faith—belief, action, and emotion—and how it shapes spiritual growth. Reflect on the transformative power of authentic connections while learning strategies for self-discovery and emotional health. This discussion is perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and connections with others.
