The Allender Center Podcast
The Allender Center
The Allender Center Podcast features Dr. Dan Allender and his team engaging topics on healing and restoration through the unique intersection of theology and psychology. Through questions submitted by listeners, stories, interviews, and conversations, we engage the deep places of heartache and hope that are rarely addressed so candidly in our culture today. Join us to gain refreshing insight into understanding your story, handling relational struggles, recovering from trauma and abuse, and more.
The mission of The Allender Center is to help people tell their stories with awareness and integrity, and to train them to listen to the stories of others with care, artistry, and skill so that they may foster redemption and healing in their lives. The Allender Center is a pioneering organization committed to boldly engaging the impact of trauma and abuse, providing healing and teaching to individuals, couples, and communities, and training professionals to listen and enter into stories in a way that facilitates transformation and hope. For information on all our programs and live events, visit theallendercenter.org
The mission of The Allender Center is to help people tell their stories with awareness and integrity, and to train them to listen to the stories of others with care, artistry, and skill so that they may foster redemption and healing in their lives. The Allender Center is a pioneering organization committed to boldly engaging the impact of trauma and abuse, providing healing and teaching to individuals, couples, and communities, and training professionals to listen and enter into stories in a way that facilitates transformation and hope. For information on all our programs and live events, visit theallendercenter.org
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 2, 2026 • 44min
Living in a Distracted World and Following Jesus Into a New Year
As the new year unfolds, the hosts tackle the weight of modern distractions and unresolved trauma. They explore the necessity of unplugging from media and fostering spiritual rhythms like prayer and journaling. With a focus on staying awake to suffering, they emphasize forming lives centered in love and humility. Insightful reflections on current societal challenges, cultural pain, and the importance of intentional community engagement add depth. Ultimately, the discussion invites listeners to resist chaos and cultivate a grounded life rooted in following Jesus.
Dec 26, 2025 • 43min
Reflections on the Year 2025 with Dr. Dan and Becky Allender
As the year comes to a close, Dan and Becky Allender continue their annual podcast tradition: pausing to reflect on the year that has passed. They share a bit about their own experiences—what they've learned, what they're grieving, and what they're celebrating—as they prepare to enter a new season. Together, they invite you to also pause and reflect: What moments from your year need remembering? What relationships could use repair or deeper care? What desires and hopes might God be stirring in your heart for the year ahead? We are deeply grateful for your presence and support of the Allender Center Podcast in 2025. As we step into 2026, we look forward to continuing this journey together!
Dec 12, 2025 • 48min
God in Relationship: Advent and the Trinity with Rev. Dr. Michael Chen
Rev. Dr. Michael Chen, a pastor, musician, and theologian with a PhD, dives into the significance of the Trinity during Advent. He unpacks how this divine mystery influences our understanding of love, relationality, and beauty. The conversation touches on the profound implications of the Imago Dei, the beauty found in suffering, and divine participation. Michael also draws parallels between musical harmony and the Trinity, while emphasizing the dignity in our faces and the importance of family dynamics. This heartfelt dialogue invites listeners to deeply engage with God's presence this season.
Dec 5, 2025 • 48min
The Story of God With Us: Advent and the Early Church with Blaine Eldredge
Blaine Eldredge, a writer and theologian known for his work on church history, dives deep into the significance of Advent and the early church. He illuminates Athanasius's tumultuous life and his pivotal role in shaping early Christian belief during a period of crisis. The conversation unveils the political implications of Christology debates and the moral challenges posed by aligning faith with empire. Blaine also reflects on how the incarnation invites humility, healing, and a profound understanding of God's presence amid turmoil.
Nov 28, 2025 • 45min
Loneliness, Isolation, and Presence
Dan and Rachael delve into the complexities of loneliness, revealing how cultural factors amplify isolation. They share personal experiences that highlight the struggle to reach out for help, and discuss the significance of honest connections. The conversation shifts to the impact of trauma on our willingness to seek comfort and care. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own feelings of ambivalence and the courage it takes to connect with others, especially in a world that often fosters disconnection.
Nov 21, 2025 • 47min
How to Not Be Consumed at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It can be a day of tradition, family, and connection. It can also bring tension, exhaustion, grief, or even trigger old wounds. Today, Dan and Rachael reflect on the complex reality of the holiday: the joy, the nostalgia, the chaos, and the moments that can leave us feeling overwhelmed or even "devoured" by family dynamics. Drawing on their own stories and looking ahead to this year's holiday, they explore how to hold gratitude alongside grief, and how to create meaningful connection without losing yourself. Whether you're hosting, traveling, or creating a quiet space for yourself, this conversation offers gentle guidance and practical tools. You'll learn how to approach Thanksgiving with intention, better honor your boundaries, and participate with a heart that's more open to the day, however it unfolds.
5 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 51min
Marriage in the Midst of Difficult Seasons
Join Becky Allender, a seasoned ministry partner and wife of Dan Allender, as she shares heartfelt insights on navigating marriage during life's toughest challenges. They discuss how trauma and stress can stretch relationships to their limits and the importance of mutual care and humor in overcoming these trials. Becky reflects on personal experiences with loss and the couple's journey towards acceptance and healing. Their candid conversation reveals how kindness and empathy serve as vital lifelines, even in the darkest moments.
Nov 7, 2025 • 49min
Trauma & Emotional Dysregulation
In this engaging discussion, emotional dysregulation is explored, shedding light on how trauma affects our nervous systems. Personal anecdotes and real-life experiences illustrate common triggers that lead to anxiety. The hosts delve into the roles of the amygdala and vagus nerve in managing stress responses. They advocate for compassion over shame, discussing practical tools like humming and somatic techniques for rapid regulation. Insights from Scripture connect spirituality with emotional care, making the conversation both relatable and enlightening.
Oct 31, 2025 • 48min
Psalm 13, Erin Brockovich, and the Debris of Sexual Abuse
Explore the profound themes of healing and justice in the wake of trauma. The hosts link Psalm 13's lament to the persistent struggles faced by survivors of abuse. They discuss Erin Brockovich's fight for justice as a model for recovery. With candid reflections on emotional volatility and the physiological impacts of trauma, they emphasize the complex journey of healing. Amidst anger and anguish, there's a thread of hope, highlighting the power of community and small acts of goodness on the road to restoration.
Oct 24, 2025 • 52min
"Holy Hurt" with Hillary L. McBride, PhD
Hillary L. McBride, PhD, is a registered psychologist and the author of 'Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of Healing.' In this conversation, she dives into the complexities of spiritual abuse and trauma, revealing how these experiences can be reinforced by the very systems meant to support us. Hillary emphasizes the importance of witnessing, connection, and collective healing. She encourages listeners to reclaim hidden aspects of themselves, grieve effectively, and build supportive communities for a healthier recovery journey.
