Just a Mom: A mental health podcast for parents
It was Christmas of 2020. Susie unwrapped the oddly shaped present from under the tree. Her husband and three kids watched as she unwrapped the podcast microphone. Her heart beat faster and her palms began to sweat.
Susie was scared. She’d always operated in the background, and it was a comfortable place for her to be. She wasn’t ready for her family’s story to be out there for the world to hear. She was afraid of being a bad mom and of being judged. She felt shame for having a mentally ill child who, at times, wanted to end his life.
So Susie said no. Again and again.
Who was she to have a podcast about teen mental health? She’s not a doctor or a therapist. She’s just a mom, Susie thought. But her family and God would not let it go. They knew what she would soon discover for herself – that Susie is more than just a mom. She’s a lifeline for the parents of the 20% of children under 18 struggling with mental health. She’s a beacon of hope in the darkest days.
The ultimate generosity of motherhood
Six years ago, when God called NCF Giver Susie Gurley into a challenging season of motherhood, she gave up her entire life to save her son Will’s. Susie’s story, alongside the story of Mary the mother of Jesus, displays motherhood as the ultimate demonstration of generosity.
Susie will tell you she’s just a mom doing her job.
In 2019, Susie shared her story of walking with Will through depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts in a video for Zero Reasons Why. Zero Reasons Why is teen-led storytelling and community mobilization campaign to remove the stigma of mental health and prevent teen suicide.
Within a few days, over 10,000 people saw Susie’s story.
Finding freedom in God’s call
The positive response prompted her husband Dan to pitch the idea that she start a podcast to help other parents know they’re not alone on the difficult journey of mental health. For nearly two years, Susie said no. It wasn’t until her life coach asked her a pointed question:
“What’s holding you back?”
God provided Susie the answer so clearly she describes it as a “burning bush moment”.
“Me. I was the only thing holding me back,” Susie recalls. “Once it hit me, I felt a freedom that I’d never felt before. When you’re truly living into God’s calling for your life, it makes you feel free – even if it’s scary,” says Susie.
Susie recorded the first episode of her podcast, “Just a Mom” in Spring of 2022.
A stewardship for hope and healing
“Just a Mom” is exactly what you would expect – just a mom meeting other parents where they’re at — talking about mental health and getting questions answered. Susie interviews mental health professionals, supporting organizations, and parents – all with the goal of providing resources to parents who otherwise don’t know where to turn.
Susie personally knows the feeling of loneliness and isolation as you navigate a child’s mental health diagnosis. Where she once felt shame, Susie now uses the voice God gave her to be a lifeline for families who feel like they are drowning. “Just a Mom” exists to give parents hope and help them know they are not alone on the mental health journey.
Susie is honored that people are willing to share their very vulnerable stories with her. She feels a sense of stewardship in hearing, processing, and communicating hard topics, and she wants to make sure she stewards the opportunities well.
“Ever since I said yes, God has been plopping people in my lap to have conversations only He could orchestrate,” Susie says. “Literally people from around the world or who I haven’t spoken to in years – it’s mind-boggling how God continues to bless and grow this podcast.” “Just a Mom” launched its third season on May 16, 2023, and Susie has never felt more confident that she is being obedient to God’s call on her life.
“I’ve learned so much, not only about mental health, but about things I didn’t feel equipped to do, like hit “record” and make a podcast!” Susie shares. “It’s been an incredible journey and I know I’m doing what God has called me to, no doubt.”