
Welcome to Breaking Through with Grace Graber - where faith meets mental health in all its complexity. This is the podcast where faith meets mental health…for real. No pretending. No perfect answers. Just a safe space for honest conversations about anxiety, trauma, healing, hope—and the God who doesn’t back away when life gets heavy. Because brokenness doesn’t disqualify you… it can still reflect light. Whether you’re barely hanging on, learning how to heal, or just trying to breathe through today—you’re not alone. Let’s break through this—together! Subscribe now so you never miss an episode!
Episodes
21- · 40 minVeterans’ Mental Health with Ryan Burnett
How do you connect to your purpose when it is no longer identified by your uniform? In this episode, Grace sits down with Air Force Veteran and certified Pickleball Instructor Ryan Burnett. Ryan shares with Grace how to break through the isolation veterans often struggle with, and how engaging with your hobbies can lead you to new connection, community, and goals. New episodes release every other Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Chapters: 1:06 - Intro 2:54- Interview 28:43 - Closing Resources: If you or someone you love is struggling this Veterans Day: Call 988 and Press 1 K-LOVE Pastoral Care Number: 1-800-525-5683
- · 50 minDiscovering Attachment Styles with Laura Williams
How do you respond to anxiety in relationships? In this episode, Grace sits down with licensed therapist and host of the Encountering You podcast Laura Williams. Laura shares with Grace how to break through the conflict of anxious attachment in relationships by understanding how the different attachment styles — anxious, avoidant, and disorganized — develop and what each person needs for a healthy, integrated nervous system. To catch the full conversation between Laura and Grace, check out their bonus interview here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6DOMfy3wNp0 New episodes release every other Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Chapters: 1:26 - Intro 5:38 - Interview 31:31 - Closing Resources: Attachment Styles: 1. Anxious Attachment 2. Avoidant Attachment 3. Disorganized Attachment K-LOVE Pastoral Care Number: 1-800-525-5683
- · 56 minHolding Vulnerability in the Spotlight with David Leonard
How has God shown up in your suffering? In this episode, Grace sits down with artist, producer, and “Great Are You Lord” songwriter David Leonard. David shares with Grace how he broke through patterns of fear and perception in the middle of a family medical crisis by identifying the ways that God had already shown up in their suffering and allowing gratitude to enter into grief. New episodes release every other Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Chapters: 1:21 - Intro 4:44 - Interview 43:02 - Closing Resources: K-LOVE Pastoral Care Number: 1-800-525-5683
- · 27 minSpiritual Warfare vs. Mental Health
Could your mental health struggle actually be something spiritual? This week on Breaking Through, Grace shares how she broke through struggling to pursue her own healing by discovering three types of spiritual warfare and strategically fighting against them. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 1:43 — Using Psalm 91 as a prayer of protection 4:24 — The three parts to being a human being 8:17 — Why mental health struggles can have more to do with the body than the spirit 10:49 — The three types of Spiritual Warfare: Strongholds, Iniquity, Bondage 15:56 — The whole point is HEALING, and it’s an active process 20:19 — If you feel stuck in your healing journey, try this… 24:24 — Got questions? Get curious! RESOURCES: Psalm 91 1 Thessalonians 5:23 John 4:24 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Exodus 34:7 John 8:34 K-LOVE Pastoral Care Line: 1-800-525-5683
- · 45 minShame Doesn’t Belong in the Church
Are you scared to go to church because you feel like you’ll experience shame there? This week on Breaking Through, Grace shares how she broke through her frustration over the church making people feel shame for struggling with their mental health by advocating to change the narrative around it through a more honest teaching of the Bible that normalizes suffering. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 02:13 — The meaning of Grace's name 05:09 — Shame has no place in the church 07:10 — What the Bible has to say about shame 10:37 — Grace’s journey from coping to healing 17:42 — How to start changing the narrative of shame in the church 26:34 — We need to change the theology around suffering 30:20 — Leaders have to go first 38:02 — Why this is a matter of life or death RESOURCES: Genesis 3:7 Isaiah 54:4 Romans 10:11 I Kings 19 II Corinthians 1:8 Romans 8:1 Psalm 88 K-LOVE Pastoral Care Line: 1-800-525-5683
- · 37 minToo Much? Not for God.
Have you ever believed the lie that you’re too much? This week on Breaking Through, Grace shares how she broke through feeling like she had reached the end of her story by rejecting lies that were spoken over her and pushing through to pursue the dream God had ordained for her life. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 1:59 — Don’t believe the lie that you’re too much 4:18 — Turning failure into fruit (Grace’s testimony) 11:08 — How God brought healing to Grace’s story 16:23 — How a jingle changed Grace's life 22:24 — What's up with the disco balls?! 28:46 — What are you going to do with your healing? 34:47 — Reach out to Grace to share what you’re feeling! RESOURCES: Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) K-LOVE Pastoral Care Line: 1-800-525-5683
- · 34 minIdentity and Idolatry
Are you scared of making an identity out of a diagnosis? This week on Breaking Through, Grace shares how she broke through the fear of making an identity or an idol out of her mental health diagnosis by learning to repent, becoming dependent on Christ alone, and embracing a continual journey of healing. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 2:03 — Finding reconciliation in Christ 7:17 — Learning about the scary word “repentance” 14:19 — Don’t be afraid to get the healing you crave 20:05 — How Grace let go of labels as an identity 25:59 — God is big enough to love ALL of who you are 31:20 — An encouragement from Isaiah 48 RESOURCES: Isaiah 48:10-11 (NLT) K-LOVE Pastoral Care Line: 1-800-525-5683
- · 17 minIs Anxiety A Sin?
Do you struggle with anxiety? This week on Breaking Through, Grace shares how she broke through fighting against her own God-given nervous system by learning to regulate herself, bringing her fears to the feet of Jesus, and taking control of how she responds in anxious moments. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 1:54 — Grace’s history with anxiety 4:04 — The Bible teaches how to regulate your nervous system 7:05 — How (and why) to draw closer to God when you’re anxious 13:04 — If you’re struggling with anxiety, don’t stay silent RESOURCES: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Matthew 26:38 (NIV) K-LOVE Pastoral Care Line: 1-800-525-5683
- · 32 minHow Therapy Saved My Life
Have you ever struggled to name what you’re feeling? This week on Breaking Through, Grace shares how she broke through feeling anxious about a new season of life by learning language in therapy to help place and name her emotions, and by remembering how God already fulfilled her wildest dream when she was just 16 years old. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 1:53 — What Grace is learning in therapy 5:54 — Revolve Tour, Women of Faith, and a childhood dream fulfilled 13:12— Connecting feelings in the body to memories through therapy 18:43 — How celebration can be an act of worship 21:39 — God isn’t scared of your biggest dream RESOURCES: Luke 1:37 (ESV) AccessMore Prayer Line: (800)434-8400
- · 36 minOvercoming Pain through the Promises of God | Lacy Abercrombie
If you’ve ever gone through pain, did you know that Jesus gets it? This week on Breaking Through, Grace sits down with student minister and Air1 Middays DJ Lacy Abercrombie. Lacy shares with Grace how she broke through years of abuse, addiction, and self-harm by accepting Christ at the age of 16 in her grandmother’s house, falling in love with the promises of Scripture, and feeling seen by a God who understands and has experienced pain. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 3:02 — Lacy’s testimony 7:53 — How God intervened in Lacy’s last attempt on her own life 11:00 — How Lacy found freedom in God’s Word (through Psalm 139) 18:49 — Why freedom doesn’t come overnight 24:28 — What younger Lacy REALLY needed (and what she now provides for others) 31:28 — We have a Savior who empathizes with our pain RESOURCES: 1 Peter 5:7 Philippians 4:6 Ecclesiastes 1:9 John 16:33 Psalm 23:4 James 1:2-3 Psalm 139 Romans 8:1 Romans 8:22 Philippians 1:6 Psalm 42 Matthew 26:38 Hebrews 4:15 AccessMore Prayer Line: (800)434-8400
- · 39 minLearning How to Worship Through It | David Curtis
When life is at its lowest, how do you go from worrying to worshipping? This week on Breaking Through, Grace sits down with Worship Pastor and Christian rock artist David Curtis. David shares with Grace how he broke through doubting himself, changing careers, and receiving two cancer diagnoses by engaging with the presence of the Holy Spirit — and learning how to worship through it. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 3:34 — David’s early rock band career 8:06 — From punk-pop to praise and worship 14:58 — Blown tires, dingy hotels, and learning to worship through it 21:04 — Holding space for others and the power of presence 25:55 — Overcoming TWO cancer diagnoses 33:41 — Putting the “why” before the “what” as a Christian artist RESOURCES: AccessMore Prayer Line: (800)434-8400
- · 36 minAn Honest Conversation about Grief, Loss, and Suicide | Brooke Benedict
WARNING: Sensitive topics are discussed in this episode. Why is it so hard for Christians to talk about suicide? This week on Breaking Through, Grace sits down with Christian A&R Manager and Recording Academy member Brooke Benedict. Brooke shares with Grace how she broke through immense grief and unanswered questions after her father took his own life by reframing her understanding of loss and learning to share her story in order to help others. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 3:41 — Brooke’s story of losing her dad 6:05 — Learning how to tell a story of loss 13:50 — Why it’s so hard for Christians to talk about suicide 17:43 — What to do if you’re struggling (talk about it) 23:38 — How to spot the signs of someone who may need help 27:48 — The intentionality of the Lord — and why He wants you to STAY 31:36 — For anyone who’s lost someone… RESOURCES: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (Available 24/7 for free, confidential, judgment-free support. You can call, text, or chat 988 if you are thinking about suicide, experiencing emotional distress, or supporting someone who may be in crisis.) If you are thinking about ending your life, about suicide, you may feel caught between wanting the pain to stop and still hoping things can get better. That struggle can feel exhausting and overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Support is available right now, and talking with someone can help you get through this moment. The K-LOVE / Air1 Pastoral Care Team is available 24/7 at (800)434-8400 for free, confidential, Biblically based assistance and prayer. Ordained pastors and ministers can offer biblical counsel, crisis intervention, life and faith resources, guidance, and prayer.
- · 37 minLet’s Talk About Christians and Medication | Matt Hammitt
Have you ever wondered if medication could be right for you? This week on Breaking Through, Grace sits down with speaker, author, and Christian singer-songwriter Matt Hammitt. Matt shares with Grace how he broke through a series of difficult life transitions by learning to better understand his own feelings and emotions — both with and without the help of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 2:55 — Writing music, speaking, and more 9:08 — First encounters with SSRIs 14:26 — Personal journeys with taking medication 20:55 — How Matt wrote his most vulnerable song 24:56 — Matt's "interesting relationship" with his own emotions 27:40 — If you’re wondering how to get help... 33:20 — You're only as sick as your secrets RESOURCES: AccessMore Prayer Line: (800)434-8400
- · 40 minHow a Diagnosis Saved My Life
Do you feel bound by trauma? This week on Breaking Through, Grace shares how she broke through the effects of several traumatic events in childhood by receiving a CPTSD diagnosis that helped her understand what was going on in her brain — and accept that she’s no less of a Christian because of it. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 1:16 — Why we NEED to talk about trauma 2:56 — PTSD vs. CPTSD 7:50 — How a diagnosis allowed for a relationship with Christ 11:16 — What’s really happening in the traumatized brain 15:10 — What happened in middle school… 28:04 — Getting healing for your younger self 32:19 — When you don’t know what to pray… (pray Psalm 139) RESOURCES: Psalm 139 (NLT) AccessMore Prayer Line: (800)434-8400
- · 42 minHealing the Wound of Rejection | Meredith Andrews
How often do you feel rejected? This week on Breaking Through, Grace sits down with Christian artist, author, and worship leader Meredith Andrews. Meredith shares with Grace how she broke through deep-rooted feelings of rejection by identifying the core wounds underneath them and allowing Jesus to take her on a journey of healing and wholeness. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 2:46 — A journey of healing and wholeness 10:08 — Uncovering childhood wounds 17:02 — Finding and fixing your fractures 22:51 — How Jesus gives life to the full 27:20 — Where is God in your rejection? 33:58 — Uncovering your “core wound” RESOURCES: James 1:8 (NIV) Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) Healing the Wound of Rejection: Becoming Whole in Jesus by Meredith Andrews AccessMore Prayer Line: (800) 434-8400
- · 41 minFinding Freedom through Surrender | Stephen Stanley
Are you struggling to find freedom? This week on Breaking Through, Grace sits down with Christian rock artist Stephen Stanley. Stephen shares with Grace how he broke through finding his voice in the music industry by learning to relinquish control and live a life surrendered to God. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 3:46 — How Stephen learned to write more honest songs 9:43 — How a song can save a life 15:09 — What one book teaches about the church and mental health 22:55 — The beautiful thing about surrender 32:33 — “Controlling” versus “Protecting” RESOURCES: AccessMore Prayer Line: (800)434-8400
- · 50 minFind the Power in Your Story | Sam Wesley
Did you know that there's power in your story? This week on Breaking Through, Grace sits down with up-and-coming Christian artist Sam Wesley. Sam shares with Grace how he broke through feeling disconnected from his own life story by getting to see moments of it reenacted in the major motion picture I Can Only Image 2. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 1:08 — When your life becomes a movie… 5:00 — How a diabetes diagnosis was a blessing 6:22 — The healing process of making I Can Only Imagine 2 13:30 — How the MercyMe song “Even If” came to be 18:19 — A whole new way to look at diabetes… 25:15 — How to stop running from vulnerability 30:34 — How Sam kept ruining takes of I Can Only Imagine 2 37:21 — What “working through it” REALLY looks like 42:01 — Why it’s easy to misunderstand chronic illness RESOURCES: AccessMore Prayer Line: (800)434-8400
- · 36 minYou Can Always Ask for Help | Josh Wilson
Have you been trying to overcome all on your own? This week on Breaking Through, Grace sits down with award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Josh Wilson. Josh shares with Grace how he broke through anxiety, depression, and addiction by not staying silent when he knew he needed help, and by telling God… and somebody else. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 1:45 — What Dove Award “nominated” means and “Franken-strumming” 4:16 — How honesty breeds honesty when it comes to mental health 7:44 — The real reason Josh calls himself a Christian 11:07 — A hope issue, not a faith issue 16:12 — Why it’s okay to seek Jesus AND therapy 20:43 — How medication can help… if you let it 28:47 — Tell God and somebody else 32:15 — How a flood inspired a song RESOURCES: AccessMore Prayer Line: (800)434-8400
- · 30 minWhat Lies are you Believing? | Claire Leslie
Is there a lie you're believing about yourself? This week on Breaking Through, Grace sits down with Christian pop artist Claire Leslie. Claire shares with Grace how she broke through focusing on negative thoughts and feeling behind in life by learning how to have a heart of gratitude and reading more of God’s word. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 0:00 - 3:27 — Opening for Forrest Frank 3:28 - 7:21 — Finding power in the name of Jesus and a “dangerous prayer” 7:22 - 10:37 — What the church sometimes gets wrong about anxiety 10:38 - 15:56 — The powerful lesson Claire learned from touring 15:56 - 17:59 — The key to overcoming anxiety and doubt 18:00 - 20:17 — The devil is not creative… (How not to believe the lies of the enemy) 20:18 - 24:32 — The number one thing this generation should know 24:33 - 27:09 — How Claire and Grace spend time with the Lord 27:09 - 28:48 — It’s all going to work out RESOURCES: AccessMore Prayer Line: (800) 434-8400
- · 18 minHow a Song Saved My Life
Have you ever wondered if it's worth staying? This week on Breaking Through, pop-punk princess Grace Graber shares her story of how she broke through bullying, trauma, and PTSD by discovering that God’s power works best in her weakness — and how her healing started with a song. New episodes release every Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! CHAPTERS: 1:59 - 5:22 — Finding hope and healing through Christian rock 5:23 - 8:02 — The “why” behind the Breaking Through podcast 8:02 - 10:52 — Why you don’t have to be defined by a diagnosis 10:53 - 14:24 — Grace’s life verses and how she learned to share her story 14:25 - 17:04 — God reveals Himself to those who are struggling RESOURCES: 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NLT) 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT) AccessMore Prayer Line: (800) 434-8400