The Pod at My Village
Hosted by Phil Krause and Melody Marshall, The Pod at My Village is a podcast about all things My Village Ministries. We aim to teach and to talk about Family Preservation, as well as the Church’s role in this important work.
51. The Long Game -- Looking Toward the Kids
With over ONE THOUSAND less kids in the Franklin County Foster Care system than when MVM began, family preservation work looks different. In this episode, Phil and Mel discuss what is on the horizon for My Village Ministries. They discuss families "in the lobby" of many partner churches, bringing a holistic solution that also incorporates a better vision for the kids of the families we serve.
50. The Expectant Family Model
An unexpected or difficult pregnancy can leave a family wondering where to turn. What if the church could be part of the answer? In this episode, MVM administrator Hannah Weber sits down with Expectant Family Model lead Morgan Trainer to explore how churches can come alongside expectant families with practical support, meaningful relationships, and lasting hope.
49. The Church as a Place of Hope in Trauma (w/ Stacey Gagnon)
In this episode, Phil and Mel continue their conversation with trauma educator Stacey Gagnon. They keep it real as Stacey opens up about some of the difficult and hurtful situations that she has experienced in the Church because of the family god has called her to Mother. But they also go beyond and paint a picture for what it would look like for the Church to welcome in the messy and hard of traumatized stories, provide rest for the weary, and healing for the broken.
48. Trauma and Brain Development
In this episode—the first of a two-part conversation—Phil and Mel sit down with trauma expert Stacey Gagnon.
Stacey shares her powerful journey into trauma education and breaks down how trauma impacts young brains and development. Together, they explore why authentic relationships are the ultimate key to healing and overcoming childhood trauma.
We hope you enjoy the episode!
Connect & Subscribe: 🎧 Subscribe for Part 2 releasing next week! 💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
47. Trauma and the Family (w/ Mandy Litzke)
This episode is part two of a two part conversation with Mandy Litzke. Despite enduring considerable trauma in her childhood, Mandy chose to take in children with trauma in her adult years. In this episode, Phil, Mel, and Mandy talk about what caused her to begin taking in children with trauma, developmental, and other disabilities. She shares her and Dave's heart posture in parenting, as well as practical advice for understanding and parenting children with trauma. In this conversation they also discuss Trust-Based Relational Intervention and the importance of cultivating relationship over seeking results.
46. Enduring Trauma (The Mandy Litzke Story, Part 1)
In another episode of the trauma resource, Phil and Mel sit down with Mandy Litzke, an MVM Community Couch Supervisor. Mandy had an especially traumatic upbringing, ending her up in the foster system before being adopted. This episode covers her childhood story. They discuss what trauma is, what it looks like to move forward with trauma, triggers, and the hope of the gospel.
Part 2, airing next week, will explore Mandy's adult home. In contrast to the brokenness of her childhood home, Mandy and her husband have taken in 15 kids with a wide array of needs and backgrounds. <...
45. Intro to Trauma
This episode kicks off the trauma module. Phil and Mel dive into the topic of trauma, discussing the need for trauma-informed training in the work of family preservation. They introduce Trust-Based Relational Intervention, which prioritizes developing relationship over attaining corrective behaviors. They also introduce the three founding principles of Trauma.
For More on TBRI, see episode 5 of the Pod.
00:00:00 - Start
00:05:17 - Making Ben uncomfortable
00:11:38 - What the Green Mile?
00:16:09 - Phil's most traumatic injury
00:19:59 - Why Phil is passionate about...
44. Intentional Fatherhood (w/ Mike Mattes)
In this episode, Phil and Mel chat with Mike Mattes, the Executive Director of Kingdom Dads. They talk about his journey into ministry, how he cultivated his home/ministry philosophy, and how college ministry led to building stronger families.
To learn more about Kingdom Dads: https://kingdomdads.org/
To partner with Kingdom Dads: https://kingdomdads.org/register
43. Kam Babb on Faith and Fatherhood
Join Phil and Mel as they talk with Kim Babb: former OSU football player turned Man Up and Go Senior Philanthropy Officer. They talk about the Uber that changed Kam's life, his college football career, and the importance of fatherhood.
For more about Man Up and Go: https://manupandgo.org/.
To Give to the work: https://manupandgo.org/?give=PYEVM6DX.
42. Suffering Well (pt 2)
In this episode, Phil and Mel continue their conversation about suffering. They continue last week's points on suffering, emphasizing worship, the Word, and the power of lament.
00:00 - Start
03:23 - Office sleepover must-haves
06:44 - Phil's best and silliest qualities
12:32 - Being found by the Lord in loneliness
16:57 - Letting your kids into your suffering
22:12 - Worship amidst worry
32:55 - Accountability for steadfastness and integrity
42:31 - Finding ultimate satiation in the Word
45:31 - Lament Well
41. Suffering Well (pt 1)
In the first of a two part conversation, Phil and Mel discuss what it looks like to suffer well. They explore what it means to be led by the wisdom of God, rather than the wisdom of man, the importance of praying for protection, and the comforting truth of the Lord's discipline on those he loves.
41. Suffering Well (pt. 1)
In the first of a two part conversation, Phil and Mel discuss what it looks like to suffer well. They explore what it means to be led by the wisdom of God, rather than the wisdom of man, the importance of praying for protection, and the comforting truth of the Lord's discipline on those he loves.
40. Cultivating Discipleship (w/ Rachel Smith)
In this episode Phil and Mel talk with Rachel Smith, Director of the Columbus Discipleship Network, about discipleship. They take on discipleship being a life-on-life, not a classroom. Rachel encourages people to invest deeper into investing into the lives of those around them in order to become better followers of Christ.
39. Overcoming Through Relationship (w/ Ali and Auner)
In this episode, Community Coach Supervisor Ali talks with Auner, a single teen mother currently being hosted through MVM. They talk about where she was before coming to MVM, what living with the Hoover's has been like, and where she hopes to go with her baby daughter, Desire. Their conversation shows the importance of relationship in overcoming difficult situations.
For the Poverty Resource: https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep
38. Navigating Compassion (w/ the Johnson's)
In this episode, Mel sat down with the Michael and Kelsey Johnson, a host family from Three Creeks Church. They talk about walking in relationship with a family through several years of ups and downs. Kelsey and Micheal have opened their house and heart to this family for the long term, determined to seek their good.
For the Poverty Resource: https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep
37. Wealth and Poverty Mindsets
In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about the different "mindsets" that can infect people; both those with and without material wealth. Understanding your potential mental blindspots and being prepared for those of others is an essential step to helping without hurting.
For the Poverty Resource: https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep
To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bwz_8EfK_tQ
36. The Success Sequence
In this episode, Phil and Mel discuss the Brookings Institute research on the Success Sequence. They explore how these seismic findings could rewrite the realities of poverty in future generations.
For the Poverty Resource: https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep
For more on the Success Sequence: https://ifstudies.org/success-sequence
35. Poverty and the Local Church (w/ Eugene Norris)
In this second part of his interview, Chalmers Center Ambassador Eugene Norris looks to the local church as the solution for poverty. Eugene encourages churches to adapt what they are already doing in order to more relationally serve those experiencing poverty. He stresses the transforming presence of Christ in church communities.
For the Poverty Resource: https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep
To get in touch with Eugene: [email protected]
For more on the Chalmers Center: https://chalmers.org
For Chalmers Center Courses: https...
34. Recovering a biblical View of Poverty (w/ Eugene Norris)
Phil and Mel kick off the first episode of the Poverty Module by talking with Eugene Norris, Chalmers Center Ambassador. In the first of a two part conversation, Eugene explains a biblical view of poverty -- poverty as not merely material, but fundamentally relational.
For the Poverty Resource: https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep
To get in touch with Eugene: [email protected]
For more on the Chalmers Center: https://chalmers.org
For Chalmers Center Courses: https://chalmers.org/courses/
To become a Chalmers Center Ambassador: https://chalmers...
33. Phil and Ben Chop It Up
Boys episode! Mel is gone, which leave Phil and Ben to chop it up. They talk about Central Ohio North, the younger generation, and how Ben found himself at MVM.
32. Biblical Fatherlessness
In this episode, Phil and Mel discuss what an orphan is. They open Scripture and show how the biblical understanding of orphan may be different than the West's current view. They explore the relationship between "the orphan and the widow", calling the Church to serve this population as we see them today.
31. Toward an Understanding of Anger
In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about anger. They address the biblical mandate against improperly managing anger, the danger of downplaying anger, as well as the deeper roots of expressions of anger. They conclude in giving practical advise for those dealing with and feeling anger in family preservation ministry.
For the Wheel of Emotions: https://canva.link/wjti6k8gjzpjbt0
30. A Conversation about the Church of Columbus (w/ Pastor Nick Nye)
This episode is about the Church of Columbus. Phil and Mel talk to Nick Nye, pastor and Executive Director of For Columbus. For Columbus is a collaborative of churches and kingdom minded businesses in Columbus, looking to unify for the Kingdom of God. This episode explores how Nick came into a city unity movement, the importance of unity in the church, markers of unity, and much more. We hope you enjoy!
To learn more about For Columbus: https://www.forcolumbus.org/about
29. A Mentorship Hang (w/ the Knoop's, Journey, and Jhasir)
This episode is a long-awaited conversation with two mentor-mentee pairs: Skyler and Connor Knoop mentor sibling set Journey and Jhasir. In this episode we step into their relationship and hear about the mentorship program from the inside. Connor and Skyler also share about their experience with Mentorship in a separate conversation with Payton.
28. Establishing Strong Families (w/ Dr. Tom Edwards)
Part 2 with Tom Edwards -- toward building stronger families.
28. Establishing Strong Families (with/ Dr. Tom Edwards)
In part two of a conversation about the family, Dr. Tom Edwards provides wisdom and practical insights as to how the church is the answer for establishing strong families.
27. The Breakdown of the Family (w/ Tom Edwards)
In the first of a two-part conversation with Dr. Tom Edwards, Phil and Mel converse about the historic breakdown of the family unit in the United States. Dr. Edwards shares from his research from his latest book: "Rise and Rebuild: Why Black Families Matter", as well as from decades of experience.
26. Marriage and Hosting (w/ the Zwyth's)
In this episode, Phil and Mel sit down with a long standing host family: the Zwyth's. Peter and Julie talk about how to manage a marriage and a household while living out biblical hospitality. They speak on the importance of community, working as a team, and hosting rhythms.
25. Newlywed Game (w/ Erin Krause and Jeff Marshall)
In this episode Phil and Mel are joined by their spouses! The Krause's and the Marshall's go toe-to-toe in a newlywed game, competing to determine which couple knows each other better. After the games, the couples talk about marriage and family life in a hosting.
24. Mentorship Now (w/ Payton and Botto)
In this second conversation about the mentorship program, Phil talks with Payton Connor and Ben Otto about the mentorship program now.
23. Mentorship Origins (w/ Payton and Ben Connor)
In this episode, Mel talks with staff member Payton Connor and her husband, former staff member Ben Connor. They chat about the development of the mentorship program from being Learning Extension Centers during Covid, about Payton and Ben's job swap, and about why Ben is still engaged in the program.
We hope you enjoy!
22. Expectant Prayer (w/ Gerald Murphy)
In the fourth part of the prayer series, Phil talks to Gerald Murphy, the Senior leader of Garden City Church. Their conversation covers the Disciples' Prayer, praying in community, healing prayer, and praying with expectation.
Use the link below to access MVM's prayer resource!
https://www.canva.com/design/DAHCQF4J97c/aHYCkoQ2diP1N0Y6TdOJxw/view?utm_content=DAHCQF4J97c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hdf7604fcc1
For more about Garden City Church:
https://gardencitychurch.tv/
21. Modeling Prayer (w/ Sarah Gilmore and Hannah Baltz)
In the third part of the prayer series, Mel talks to Contrast Church Prayer Director Sarah Gilmore, as well as Contrast Church Develop Director and MVM staff member Hannah Baltz. Sarah shares how her perspective on prayer has matured through her relationship with prayer. They discuss creating a culture of prayer in the family and in the church.
Use the link below to access MVM's prayer resource!
https://www.canva.com/design/DAHCQF4J97c/aHYCkoQ2diP1N0Y6TdOJxw/view?utm_content=DAHCQF4J97c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2...
20. Praying Out of Scripture (w/ Scott Burns and Jess Napolitano)
In the second interview for the Prayer Module, Mel sits down with staff member Jess Napolitano and Cross City Church Pastor Scott Burns to talk about prayer. In this episode, Scott and Jess talk about what it means to pray out of Scripture. Conversation points include prayer informing Church unity, keeping prayers simple, the "6 S's" of prayer, and more.
Use the link below to access MVM's prayer resource!
https://www.canva.com/design/DAHCQF4J97c/aHYCkoQ2diP1N0Y6TdOJxw/view?utm_content=DAHCQF4J97c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source...
19. Pursuing Presence w/ Michael Oldfield
(Prayer Series, Pt. II). This episode is a conversation with the first guest for the MVM prayer series -- Michael Oldfield, lead pastor of The Potter's House Church. In today's conversation, Phil, Dana, and Michael examine the difference in being a "house that prays" and a "house of prayer". Michael and Dana share insight into the cause and effect of a culture of prayer.
Use the link below to access MVM's prayer resource!
https://www.canva.com/design/DAHCQF4J97c/aHYCkoQ2diP1N0Y6TdOJxw/view?utm_content=DAHCQF4J97c&utm_campaign=designshare...
18. Intro to Prayer
In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about MVM's philosophy on prayer, as well as introduce prayer resource that MVM has created to support churches.
Use the link to access MVM's prayer resource!
https://www.canva.com/design/DAHCQF4J97c/aHYCkoQ2diP1N0Y6TdOJxw/view?utm_content=DAHCQF4J97c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hdf7604fcc1
17. Church Engagement
In this episode, Phil and Mel dive deep into church engagement. They discuss MVM's philosophy on whole church engagement over individual volunteerism, as well as strategies for engaging 'slow' churches. Enjoy!
16. Community Engagement w/ Dana Caldwell
In this episode, Mel talks with Community Coach Supervisor Dana Caldwell about the important task of engaging the community as a ministry. Without community engagement, the church would not be in proximity with those who are in need or are socially isolated.
Dana shares how she finds herself in family preservation and some of the lessons she has learned along the way! In this episode you can also find talk about balancing the "supply and demand" of church and community engagement, resource fairs, and engaging hospital systems.
We hope you enjoy!
15. A Conversation with (some of) the Kids
This episode was recorded on a snow day in mid-December, and has been held to be played while the MVM staff is at the Upstream Collaborative Conference. Today's episode is a series of conversations with the Krause boys -- Decker, Ryden, and Jay -- as well as Hope Marshall. Topics of conversation include "tickle tackle", Christmas, and some of the "hards" of welcoming other kids into your home.
We hope that you have as much fun listening to this as we did recording it!
14. The Marshall's Story
In this episode, Melody talks with Phil about her family's journey into the family preservation realm.
