The Allender Center Podcast

Joining the conversation is Linda Royster, Strategic Alliance Manager and lead instructor at the Allender Center, who specializes in healing racial trauma and sexual abuse for women of color. Linda shares her transformative journey with The Wounded Heart and emphasizes the importance of culturally specific healing. They delve into the intersections of shame, sexual abuse, and racial trauma, highlighting how these layers impact survivors. The discussion centers around the courageous act of naming trauma, fostering a pathway toward redemption and healing.

John Cunningham, a thoughtful therapist and potter, and his wife Sue, a poet, join Dan and Becky Allender for a deep dive into creativity in relationships. They explore the delicate balance of nurturing artistic expression within marriage, discussing the vulnerabilities involved and the joyful collaboration it can inspire. Insights include the importance of patience, curiosity, and meaningful feedback to support one another's creative passions. Their conversation highlights how embracing creativity can enrich not just personal lives, but also strengthen connections with loved ones.

Join Becky Allender, Dan Allender, Steve Call, and Lisa Call, authors of The Deep-Rooted Marriage, as they explore the complexities of marital relationships. They discuss how even small disagreements can reveal deeper insights and strengthen connections. The conversation emphasizes the importance of kindness and curiosity in navigating life transitions, household dynamics, and emotional challenges. With personal anecdotes and insights into the impact of oxytocin on intimacy, they offer hope for fostering resilience and a deeper bond in marriage.

In this engaging discussion, Christa Hardin, a therapist, coach, and author of "The Enneagram in Marriage," shares her insights on thriving relationships. She introduces the concept of Glow Stages in marriages, discussing how joy can be more challenging than conflict. The conversation emphasizes the Enneagram's role in fostering self-awareness and curiosity in relationships. Christa explains how nurturing love can transform not just partnerships but also extend blessings into the world, offering wisdom for anyone in different stages of their romantic journey.

Brian Lee, a pastor, coach, and founder of the nonprofit Broken to Beloved, shares his journey through spiritual abuse. He discusses the deep impact of betrayal on trust in God and community. The conversation emphasizes the transformation from feeling broken to recognizing one's inherent worth as beloved. Lee highlights the importance of collective healing and the role of communities in creating safe spaces for survivors. This candid dialogue encourages compassion, curiosity in faith, and the reclaiming of spiritual agency.

What does it look like to stand with a community through fire—both literal and systemic?  In this conversation, Rev. Marcos Canales and Rev. Dr. Robert Chao Romero join Rachael Clinton Chen to share their experiences leading and loving the Latino community in the Los Angeles area, especially during recent times of crisis. From homes lost and families displaced by devastating wildfires this year to the crushing weight of recent unjust immigration policies that threaten daily survival, these realities are urgent and relentless. Amid these challenges, they share how they create space for lament, fierce hope, and necessary rest in their lives as leaders. They show what it means to bear witness with empathy, stand in true solidarity, and nurture resilience when the world feels like it’s falling apart. Beyond politics, agendas, and policies, their witness points to a deeper hope in Jesus—one that sustains, heals, and empowers communities to keep moving forward. We invite you to listen, learn, and be moved by their wisdom—shaped by personal and communal healing. You can learn more about La Fuente Ministries and how you can support their work: https://www.lfmpasadena.org/

Join licensed therapist and award-winning author Eli Harwood, known as the 'attachment nerd,' as she shares insights on cultivating secure attachments with kids. She discusses the impact of personal attachment stories on parenting and the power of being 'good enough' instead of perfect. With a focus on emotional connection over control, Eli emphasizes the importance of repair and consistency in relationships. Get inspired by her practical advice for navigating parenting challenges while fostering empathy and resilience in children.

Dr. Jamie Eaddy, a thanatologist and founder of The Ratchet Grief Project®, dives into the complexities of grief, particularly within marginalized communities. She challenges death-dealing theologies that shame individuals for their pain. Jamie emphasizes that grief should be a communal, not a solitary, experience and critiques societal pressures that hinder authentic emotional expression. Wendell Moss supports the conversation on the importance of community in grief, advocating for shared vulnerability and connection as pathways to healing and resilience.

The discussion centers on the often-neglected practice of reflection during Sabbath. It highlights the dichotomy of savoring joy while grappling with longing and brokenness. Personal stories reveal how recognizing God’s redemptive work can enrich our narratives. The hosts emphasize the importance of navigating grief while celebrating those who inspire us. With humor, they explore how embracing life's moments can enhance personal growth. Finally, there's a heartfelt call to engage with healing work, inviting listeners to contribute to a greater mission.

The discussion navigates the delicate balance between dreaming and facing disappointment. Emphasis is placed on the importance of joy amid life's unpredictability and the power of play as a response to hardship. Personal stories highlight moments of mourning interspersed with genuine connection and delight. The concept of 'defiant joy' emerges, encouraging listeners to find happiness even in challenging times. Ultimately, it's a call to embrace redemptive play and hope, fostering deeper connections and healing.