Episodes

  • Biblical Help for Stress and Anxiety | Tim Endean | LLFT Series
    Jul 17 2025

    In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo welcomes Tim Endean to discuss Tim's mini-book, 'Help, I'm Stressed Out'. The conversation delves into the various stressors teens face globally, the distinction between stress and anxiety, and the biblical approach to dealing with these issues. Tim shares insights from his extensive experience working with teens in various capacities, including his current ministry with Camps Abroad. The discussion covers practical steps to manage stress, the importance of recognizing God's control and care. He encourages listeners, specially teens, to lean on the truths of God's character for peace and comfort.

    00:26 Introducing Tim Endean

    02:41 Distinguishing Stress from Anxiety

    04:53 Biblical Solutions to Stress and Anxiety

    07:21 Physical and Lifestyle Improvements

    11:56 God's Sovereignty and Care

    22:30 Camps Abroad: Reaching Teens Worldwide

    24:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Further Resources

    Help! I'm Stressed Out by Tim Endean

    Check Out the LifeLine for Teens Mini-book Series

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    26 mins
  • Navigating Dark Times in a Christlike Way | Justin Daugherty | LLFT Series
    Jul 10 2025

    In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo welcomes guest Justin Daugherty to discuss his mini book, 'Help! I’m in Darkness'. Justin, a certified counselor, offers insights into the struggles faced by teenagers today, particularly focusing on depression. He explores the pressures of social media, school, and home life that contribute to this darkness. They discuss "coping mechanisms" and emphasize the importance of heart transformation through the gospel. The conversation also explains the difference between normal and unexplained sadness and provides practical steps for parents to support their teens. The episode underscores the sufficiency of scripture in addressing depression and aims to give hope and guidance to those dealing with such challenges.

    00:26 Introducing Justin Daugherty

    01:23 Understanding Teen Depression

    02:35 Pressures and Coping Mechanisms for Teens

    06:50 Signs of Depression in Teens

    07:59 Distinguishing Normal Sadness from Unexplained Sadness

    14:20 Four Categories of Sadness

    17:27 Hope for Depression Through Christ

    22:47 Conclusion

    Further Resources

    Help! I'm in Darkness by Justin Daugherty

    Good Mood, Bad Mood by Charles Hodges

    Check Out the LifeLine for Teens Mini-book Series

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    25 mins
  • Pursuing Purity with Gospel Hope | Zach Sparkman | LLFT Series
    Jul 3 2025

    In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, author Zach Sparkman discusses the prevalent struggle with pornography, particularly among teens. Drawing from his Lifeline for Teens mini-book, 'Help! I Want to Stay Pure', Sparkman provides both statistical insights and practical advice on combating sexual immorality through a biblical lens. The discussion covers the physiological impact of pornography, helpful principles drawn from King David’s fall into sin, and the acronym ARISE, which offers a structured approach to resisting temptation. The episode concludes with guidance for parents on how to address their teen’s struggle with pornography.

    00:23 Pornography and Its Impact on Teens

    01:43 The Prevalence and Dangers of Pornography

    02:34 Understanding the Temptation and Its Effects

    09:26 Differentiating Temptation from Sin

    14:21 David and Bathsheba: Lessons on Temptation

    16:39 The ARISE Acronym for Fighting Temptation

    22:03 Practical Steps and Hope for Teens

    24:33 Advice for Parents

    26:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Grab a copy of our mini-book: 'Help! I Want to Stay Pure'

    Check Out our LifeLine for Teens Mini-book Series

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    28 mins
  • Servant Leadership: How Teens and Adults Can Influence Others for Christ | Leighton Upton | LLFT Series
    Jun 26 2025

    In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo interviews Leighton Upton about his mini-book, 'Help! I Want to Be a Leader'. They delve into the essence of true leadership as modeled by Jesus Christ, emphasizing that leadership is about influencing people by serving them. Leighton answers questions such as, "What makes a good leader?" and "How do I become one?" He also shares how teenagers, often influenced by contemporary 'influencers', can embody true biblical leadership by listening, receiving, knowing, and abiding in Christ. The discussion is filled with practical advice on how Christians can influence others by prioritizing their needs and serving them humbly.

    00:54 Introducing Leighton Upton

    01:45 Leighton's Background and Insights on Leadership

    04:11 Biblical Leadership vs. Worldly Leadership

    08:05 Practical Ways to Lead

    12:22 Biblical Stories on Leadership

    21:09 Leadership Lessons from Personal Experiences

    24:23 Further Resources for Teens

    28:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Grab a copy of our mini-book "Help! I Want to Be a Leader"

    Check out our LifeLine for Teens Mini-Book Series

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    29 mins
  • Comfort and Wisdom for the Doubting Heart w/ Kelly Collier | Part 2 | LLFT Series
    Jun 19 2025

    In this second part of our conversation on assurance of salvation, guest Kelly Collier, author of Help! I’m Doubting, shares the importance of examining one's life for true spiritual fruit. Kelly highlights the common struggle of having a man-centered perspective on salvation and emphasizes the necessity of embracing Jesus Christ as the center of the Gospel. She also underscores the need to go to the Scriptures—the great revealer of the heart—and embrace its teachings.

    Additionally, Kelly, as the consulting editor, shares the heart and purpose behind the Lifeline for Teens series and how it’s uniquely crafted to minister to young people.

    00:57 – Understanding Salvation and Assurance

    02:45 – Overcoming Doubt in Salvation

    05:32 – The Role of Progressive Sanctification

    11:36 – Further Resources for Teens

    22:26 – The Ministry of The Wilds

    27:24 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Grab a copy of our mini-book "Help! I'm Doubting"

    Check out our Lifeline for Teens Mini-book Series

    Follow Shepherd Press on Instagram

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    29 mins
  • Assurance of Salvation: Help for Teens, Parents, and Counselors | Kelly Collier, Part 1 | LLFT Series
    Jun 12 2025

    In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo and guest Kelly Collier, an ACBC certified counselor and author, discuss the topic of doubting one's salvation, based on her mini-book "Help! I'm Doubting". Kelly shares her personal experiences and provides biblical insights into how teens and adults alike can navigate these doubts by turning to God's Word and believing His character. The conversation covers the differences between salvation and assurance of salvation, the importance of addressing doubts biblically, and practical ways for parents and youth workers to support teens.

    01:35 Understanding Doubt & Means to Overcome It

    05:11 Teens and Universal Struggles

    16:11 The Role of Parents in Teen Discipleship

    21:12 Conclusion and Next Steps

    Resources:

    Grab a copy of our mini-book "Help! I'm Doubting"

    Check out our Lifeline for Teens Mini-book Series

    Follow Shepherd Press on Instagram

    Follow Shepherd Press on Facebook

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    22 mins
  • Lovingly Covering and Lovingly Confronting | Biblical Forgiveness with Jim Newcomer, Part 2
    Jun 5 2025

    In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, host Anthony Russo continues his conversation with Jim Newcomer about his mini-book on forgiveness. They delve deep into the theology and practical applications of forgiveness, discussing differences between 'lovingly covering' an offense and 'lovingly confronting' it. Jim Newcomer explains the scriptural foundation behind these concepts, pointing to verses from 1 Peter, Proverbs, and Corinthians. The episode also touches on situations involving repeated offenses, the need for wisdom in handling different scenarios of hurt, and the difference between forgiving an individual versus an organization. Towards the end, Newcomer discusses his co-editor role in the Lifeline for Teens mini book series, highlighting its unique focus on relevant issues for teens.

    00:28 Foundations of Forgiveness

    01:41 Covering in Love vs. Transactional Forgiveness

    06:02 Handling Continuous Sin and Serious Offenses

    14:23 Forgiveness in Complex Situations

    16:37 Expanded materials for Teens | LifeLine for Teens mini-book series

    21:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Resources:

    Grab a copy of our mini-book "Help! I Can't Forgive"

    Grab a copy of our mini-book for teens "Help! I Need to Forgive"

    Listen to part 1, "Help for Those Struggling to Forgive" with Jim Newcomer

    Apple | Spotify | Web

    Check out the Lifeline Mini-book series

    Check out the LifeLine for Teens Mini-book series

    Follow Shepherd Press on Instagram

    Follow Shepherd Press on Facebook

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    22 mins
  • Help for Those Struggling to Forgive | Jim Newcomer | Part 1
    May 29 2025

    In this episode of the Shepherd Press Podcast, guest Jim Newcomer talks about his mini-book 'Help! I Can't Forgive'. The discussion centers on the universal struggle with forgiveness, emphasizing its importance in spiritual growth. Jim shares his journey in pastoral ministry and his experiences with teaching forgiveness based on Matthew 18. The conversation explores the concept of a 'posture of forgiveness,' addressing common hesitations, the effects of non-forgiveness, and provides a five-step approach to achieving true forgiveness. The episode underscores the transformative power of understanding and practicing forgiveness, rooted in gospel principles.

    00:50 Introduction to Jim Newcomer

    02:45 The Struggle to Forgive

    06:04 The High Price of Non-Forgiveness

    11:05 The Pathway to Forgiveness

    16:42 The Posture of Forgiveness

    23:12 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

    Grab a copy of our mini-book "Help! I Can't Forgive" here: https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/help-i-cant-forgive/

    Follow Shepherd Press on social media for more insights:

    Facebook: @shepherdpress

    Instagram: @shepherdpressinc

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    25 mins