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Is depression really just a chemical imbalance in the brain, or have we missed the bigger picture? In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, the team dives into a candid and eye-opening conversation surrounding mental health, trauma, and the narratives we’ve been handed by both the medical community and the church.

Spurred by a viral clip from a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Phyllis breaks down the origins of the chemical imbalance theory and why treating mental health requires a holistic approach—spirit, soul, and body. The crew gets honest about their own personal struggles with trauma, anxiety, and the dangerous middle ground between medical dogma and pastoral advice.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Chemical Imbalance" Debate: How antidepressants actually work and why trauma is so often overlooked.
• Holistic Healing: Why a single pill can't fix root causes like diet, sleep, and past experiences.
• Church Culture & Mental Health: The tension between faith, medication, and the line pastors shouldn't cross when offering medical advice.
• Rewiring Your Brain: Practical CBT concepts, regulating your nervous system, and overcoming fight-or-flight triggers.
• Intellectual Humility: Learning to hold convictions while staying open to new information and showing grace to others.

Whether you’ve navigated depression yourself, felt stuck between faith and therapy, or simply want to learn how to listen better, this episode will challenge your perspective and encourage your walk.

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Episode 9 - What Is the Church?

What if we’ve gotten church wrong?

In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we wrestle with a question that sounds simple but carries some serious weight: What is the church actually supposed to be?

We talk about the difference between building a church and building a brand, the dangers of influence and platform culture, and what happens when we begin valuing people for their gifts and talents instead of simply loving them for who they are.

We dive into what the early church modeled—community, generosity, serving the vulnerable, sharing life together, and walking through the messiness of life side by side. We also talk about why connection has to come before correction, and why sometimes the church needs to stop asking, “What did you do to get here?” and start asking, “What do you need?”

This conversation gets real about church hurt, leadership, pride, influence, biblical justice, house churches, and what it might look like to get back to the heart of what Jesus intended.

Because maybe the church isn't supposed to be a building, a brand, or a business.

Maybe it's supposed to be a family.

Everyone has an opinion, but not everyone has a conviction.

The question is: What are you willing to stand on when everybody else sits down?

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Episode 8 - Is your health routine glorifying God, or are you just trying to outrun aging? In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, Phyllis, Chandler, and Shawn get real about what it actually means to "protect the temple."

From Kenny Loggins concerts and St. Louis trips to ADHD superpowers, diet trends, and TRT—we’re diving deep into the balance between taking care of our physical bodies and keeping our spiritual priorities straight.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why we rely on quick fixes instead of natural stewardship.
• Viewing ADHD and personal wiring as a God-given strength.
• The danger of "spiritual obesity" (ingesting truth without pouring out).
• How loving God and loving your neighbor directly impacts how you care for your body.

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Episode 7 - Is tithing a biblical command, an act of worship, or something that has become misunderstood in today’s church? In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we have an honest and thought-provoking conversation about tithing, generosity, and the heart behind giving. We explore the difference between giving out of genuine conviction and giving because of pressure, obligation, or religious expectations. What does the Bible really say about giving, and how should our faith shape the way we view our finances and generosity? This conversation challenges us to examine not just what we give, but why we give—and whether our generosity truly reflects what we believe.

To pre-order Phyllis's new book "I Never Knew" visit www.ineverknewbook.com

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Pre-Order Phyllis's new book "I Never Knew" at www.ineverknewbook.com

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Episode 6 - The greatest battle you'll ever fight may not be happening around you—it may be happening inside your mind. In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, Chandler, Shawn, and Phyllis take a deep dive into the real battleground of life: the thought patterns inside our own heads.

Phyllis (our resident therapist) breaks down the powerful psychological and spiritual distinction between fear and anxiety—and why your brain is acting as a "prediction machine" meant to keep you safe. Meanwhile, Shawn highlights a bold perspective from Luke 12:4 on why eternity changes how we view daily battles, and Chandler shares a personal wake-up call about how screens and doom-scrolling are pulling us out of real connection.

Whether you're struggling with high-stakes worry, feeling paralyzed by worst-case scenarios, or searching for practical tools to speak life over yourself, this conversation offers grounded biblical truth, therapeutic wisdom, and a reminder to keep taking steps forward with Jesus.

To pre-order Phyllis's new book "I Never Knew" visit www.ineverknewbook.com

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Episode 5 - Everyone has an opinion about what's wrong with the world, but what if we're trying to solve the wrong problem? In this episode of The Conviction Exchange, we dive into why Jesus pointed to the human heart—not politics, culture, technology, or the economy—as the root of the world's greatest crisis. Together, we explore how our hearts, minds, and identities are shaped, the dangers of chasing influence and affirmation, and why true transformation begins with a deeper relationship with Christ. If you've ever wondered why the world's solutions seem temporary, this conversation will challenge you to look beyond the headlines and examine what truly has your heart.

To learn more about Phyllis Robertson Thomas, and her book I Never Knew, visit www.ineverknewbook.com.

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Ep. 4: The Unforgiveness Epidemic

Everyone wants justice. Few people want forgiveness. What if that's why we're not healing?

Wars continue, political divisions widen, and social media actively rewards our outrage. We’ve become experts at demanding accountability, but totally helpless when it comes to extending restoration. In this episode, we unpack why unforgiveness is the ultimate prison—one we build for ourselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Anatomy of Brokenness: How sin quietly damages our thoughts, eyes, speech, and pride.
• Performative vs. Genuine Change: Why society prefers reputation management over actual humility and repentance.
• The Prayer Life Hypocrisy: Confronting the tendency to pray for someone’s blessing while secretly hoping they fail.
• The Truth About Forgiveness: Why letting go isn't a sign of weakness, but the only way to break the power of past hurt.

History changes when policies change, but eternity changes when hearts change. Stop looking at everyone else's flaws and join us for a radical look at what needs to change inside our own hearts.

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In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Phyllis Robertson Thomas, we dive deep into the beautiful, messy intersection of hard truths, redemption, and biblical grace. Sharing highly sensitive stories requires spiritual discernment, and Phyllis shares how she practically balances the call to walk in the light (1 John 1:7) while fiercely protecting and respecting those who are still struggling.

If you are currently trapped in a season of heavy secrets, deep shame, or a painful history you are terrified to confront, this episode is a gentle reminder that Jesus steps directly into our hidden places—not to condemn, but to bring unexpected healing.

We wrap up the conversation by tackling the modern identity crisis. We look at what happens when we stop finding our worth in our circumstances or our fears, and anchor it in the one who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Thanks for listening to The Conviction Exchange.

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Pre-Order Phyllis's new book "I Never Knew" at www.ineverknewbook.com