Hope Talks

Are you running on empty?

In this episode, Haley and Dustin sit down with Dr. Eric Scalise, President of Hope for the Heart, to talk about one of the most pressing issues in our fast-paced culture: stress and burnout.

With more than 40 years of experience as a licensed counselor, Dr. Scalise brings both clinical insight and biblical wisdom to this important conversation. We unpack the difference between stress and burnout, how they...

Don’t put off listening to this episode!

Procrastination is often seen as humorous or harmless, but it can quietly impact our lives in significant ways.

We all do it—whether it’s delaying a project, avoiding a hard conversation, or putting off something we know God is calling us to do. But procrastination isn’t just about laziness.

In this episode, Haley and Dustin dig into what’s really going on beneath the surface and explore fiv...

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” (Psalm 77:11)

In this episode, Haley and Dustin explore the vital (and often overlooked) spiritual practice of remembering our past and spiritual heritage. 

From God’s mighty works to the faith of those who came before us, biblical remembrance is more than nostalgia—it’s a discipline that fuels present-day faith and worship, anchors our identit...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin are joined by Kari Trent Stageberg, CEO of Strong Families and co-author of The Blessing, alongside her father, Dr. John Trent. Kari shares her powerful hope story of finding healing and restoration after leaving an abusive relationship – and how the love of God and His Word brought her through a journey of renewal and recovery.

Together, they explore the importance of healthy attachment, especiall...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin are joined by Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., and bestselling author of numerous books, including A Million Little Miracles. Mark shares his personal hope story of being miraculously healed from lifelong asthma – an incredible testimony of God’s power and grace.

They dive into the core themes of A Million Little Miracles, exploring how God is “bigger than ...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin are joined by Major General Bob Dees, retired U.S. Army General and President of the National Center for Healthy Veterans. General Dees shares his powerful hope story of walking through the heartbreaking loss of his child and how he and his wife found comfort and healing through the love and support of the body of Christ.

Together, they explore the critical life skill of resilience—what it is, why ...

It’s our one-year episode! Thank you, everyone, for listening and for your support!

In this special episode of Hope Talks, Haley and Dustin reflect on a full year of meaningful conversations – and dive into one of the most important ones yet: how to find rest in the Lord.

Psalm 116:7 says, “Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” Haley and Dustin unpack what it means to be out of rest and how unmet inner n...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin sit down with Mark Matlock—author, ministry leader, and researcher with the Barna Group—for a thoughtful conversation about wisdom, spiritual formation, and reaching the next generation.

Mark shares insights from his book Faith for the Curious and how his research reveals that many people, especially younger generations, are more open to spiritual conversations than we might think. Together, they d...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin are joined by Sheila Walsh, co-host of Praise and Better Together on TBN.

Sheila shares her inspiring story of how the Lord pursued her and gave her hope in the midst of severe depression while in ministry. Together, they discuss the power of God’s presence and grace, how the Lord meets us in our pain and brokenness, and gives us grace to break down the walls we build and be healed.

If you or a lov...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin talk with Jennie Allen, founder of IF: Gathering and New York Times bestselling author of Untangle Your Emotions, Get Out of Your Head, and the upcoming children’s book What to Do with Your Whirly, Swirly Thoughts.

For her hope story, Jennie shares why she’s more hopeful than ever about reaching the next generation with the gospel, including the powerful ministry she’s leading on college campuses...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin sit down with Matt McCullough, pastor of Edgefield Church in Nashville and author of Remember Heaven (releasing May 2025).

Matt shares insights from his first book, Remember Death, and how reflecting on death can be a path to deepening our hope in Christ. He discusses why we don’t like thinking about death, but also why it’s vital for our spiritual growth and identity. Matt also shares insights on ...

Anxiety is everywhere these days, but so is God's grace.

In this episode, Haley and Dustin dive into the growing epidemic of anxiety and how it affects our minds, hearts, and faith. They explore the difference between anxiety, fear, stress, and worry, and unpack the common causes behind anxious thoughts. Most importantly, they share practical, biblical tools for managing anxiety—highlighting the powerful truth found in Philippians...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin talk with Dove Award–winning songwriter and founder of Music for the Soul, Steve Siler.

Steve shares his hope story of how he and his wife processed the difficult news that their son would be born with spina bifida – and how God provided comfort, hope, and supportive friends. He also opens up about the healing power of music and how it can help people express pain, process emotions, and experienc...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They walk through some of the passages and events of Passion Week, discuss what Jesus’ death and resurrection mean for us practically, and share some biblical and historical pieces of evidence for the resurrection. It’s an encouraging conversation on the foundation of the Christian faith and the hope we have in Christ.

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In this episode, Haley and Dustin sit down with Taya Kyle, the wife of the late Navy Seal Chris Kyle from the American Sniper story.

Taya shares her hope story of how the Lord helped her navigate her children’s grief, as well as her own, in the aftermath of Chris’ tragic death. She reflects on the lessons she learned about parenting, faith, and God’s grace in our grief. She also discusses her latest children’s book, Prayers for Bea...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin sit down with Dana K. White, author of Jesus Doesn’t Care About Your Messy House and host of the popular podcast A Slob Comes Clean.

Dana shares her hope story of how the Lord helped her navigate an ongoing struggle with a messy house. They discuss the emotional impact that clutter and disorganization have on so many people and common misconceptions about cleaning and spirituality, such as “cleanli...

The Bible says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story” (Psalm 107:2)

In this episode, Haley and Dustin discuss the importance of sharing your testimony or “hope story.” They share what the Bible says about personal testimonies, the impact they can have, and common barriers to overcome when sharing your story. They also provide practical tips and a helpful framework (i.e., a timeline) on how to craft and share your hope s...

In this episode, Haley and Dustin sit down with Faith Eury Cho, author of Experiencing Friendship with God and Deepen Your Friendship with God, a new devotional.

Faith shares her hope story of how the Lord was faithful to provide for her and her family when they planted a church in the midst of the 2020 pandemic. It’s an encouraging story of God’s faithfulness and nearness during seasons of hardship and confusion. We also discuss...

Do you have a hard time being content? At the heart of discontentment, envy, and jealousy are often at work.

In this episode, Haley and Dustin discuss what the Bible says about envy and jealousy. They explore the difference between the two, common signs of envy and jealousy and the impact these emotions can have in our lives. With biblical insights and practical steps, they share how to overcome these damaging emotions and find...