In this deeply personal and moving episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris sits down with his sister-in-law, Ashley Harris, to explore a journey of sudden joy followed by unimaginable trial.

Ashley shares the whirlwind story of meeting and marrying Dave’s brother, Ken—a man known for his quick wit and infectious humor. Their "blended" life was a beautiful chaos of nine children and a 16-passenger van with a very unique license plate. However, their happiness was soon met with a series of grueling health crises. While Ashley battled a life-threatening pregnancy, Ken was fighting a silent, worsening battle with ulcerative colitis.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Rabbits" Van: The humor and lightheartedness that defined Ken and Ashley’s relationship, even in the middle of a hectic household.

• A Season of Suffering: The physical and emotional toll of simultaneous medical emergencies, leading up to the birth of their son, "Giblets," on Thanksgiving.

• The Chinese Farmer Parable: A profound story Ken shared from his hospital bed that reframes how we view "good" and "bad" events in our lives.

• The Power of Proactive Service: Ashley reflects on the friends and neighbors who didn't just ask "what can I do?" but stepped in to carry her through the darkest days of grief.

• Refinement Through Fire: How Ashley’s experience with loss has shaped her new path toward becoming a marriage and family therapist.

Join us for a conversation about the exquisite pain of loss and the exquisite joy that eventually follows. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in the communities that surround us when our vessels feel most broken.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• ⁠The Parable of the Chinese Farmer⁠

• ⁠The Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant⁠

Connect with us:

• Website: ⁠navigatingabrokenvessel.com⁠

• Facebook/Instagram: @NavigatingABrokenVessel

• Email: dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

In this deeply personal episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, Dave opens up about a staggering seven-year stretch that has fundamentally altered his family’s landscape. From the sudden loss of his father in a freak accident to the passing of two brothers and the life-altering injuries of another, Dave reflects on a series of tragedies that would leave anyone asking, "Who’s next?"

But this isn't just a story of loss—it’s a roadmap for survival. Dave shares the specific mental health tools and spiritual foundations that keep him from slipping into the pit of clinical depression and anxiety.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Story of the Ladder: A tribute to Dave’s father and the unexpected nature of grief.

• Family Dynamics: Remembering Ken’s humor and Brian’s legacy.

• The "Who’s Next?" Syndrome: How to handle the hyper-vigilance and fear that come after multiple family tragedies.

• The Crumpled Paper Technique: A practical visualization tool Dave uses to stop intrusive, negative thoughts in their tracks.

• The Triumph of Showing Up: Why recording this very episode is a victory over ADHD and depression.

Whether you are walking through your own "broken vessel" moment or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a candid look at how faith, thought control, and celebrating small wins can help you navigate the heaviest of trials.

Connect with us:

• Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.com

• Facebook/Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvessel

• Email: Dave@navigatingabrokenvessel.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris sits down with Derek Barney, a Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor and owner of A Way Back Counseling.

Derek opens up about his powerful personal journey, from battling a severe pain pill addiction and a life-altering arrest to finding healing through the support of others. Now a professional counselor, he shares his "three pillars" approach to wellness—physical, mental, and spiritual—and offers compassionate advice for those struggling with depression, ADHD, and the stigma of seeking help.

• The Turning Point: Derek discusses how an injury led to addiction and how a supportive therapist helped him reclaim his life.

• The Three Pillars: Why nourishing your physical, mental, and spiritual health is essential for alignment.

• Overcoming Depression: Practical first steps for those finding it hard to get out of bed, including the power of routine and "baby steps".

• Learn About Bowie: How Derek’s therapy dog-in-training provides emotional support and comfort to clients.

• A Way Back Counseling: Learn about Derek’s clinic in Washington, Utah, and their mission to provide affordable, expert therapy.

Whether you are navigating your own "broken vessel" or supporting a loved one, this episode serves as a reminder that small successes are worth celebrating and that nobody has to walk the path to recovery alone.

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.