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.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/27/20/a8090ec0-93ed-4fa1-b4b0-ebdab7f8cc69_52._looking_toward_the_kids.mp3

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 &#34;in the lobby&#34; of many partner churches, bringing a holistic solution that also incorporates a better vision for the kids of the families we serve.

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 &#34;in the lobby&#34; of many partner churches, bringing a holistic solution that also incorporates a better vision for the kids of the families we serve.

51. The Long Game -- Looking Toward the Kids

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/13/17/189f23e6-4cae-4076-afa2-4dfa50485f05_intro_to_ef.mp3

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.

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.


50. The Expectant Family Model

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/7/2/ab7bbbb1-e7de-4123-9b58-8d3bb0505222_stacey_gagnon_part_2.mp3

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.

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.

49. The Church as a Place of Hope in Trauma (w/ Stacey Gagnon)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/28/21/7feb42ea-e87c-46af-9e0e-756c0098fac1_stacey_gagnon_part_1.mp3

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 &amp; Subscribe: 🎧 Subscribe for Part 2 releasing next week! 💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below.

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 &amp; Subscribe: 🎧 Subscribe for Part 2 releasing next week! 💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below.

48. Trauma and Brain Development

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/22/19/2ba3b52b-db12-49ae-9a01-09176a59944b_mandy_part_2.mp3

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&#39;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.

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&#39;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.

47. Trauma and the Family (w/ Mandy Litzke)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/15/18/9ecbb562-0135-4103-b2e8-92910bb2bf99_iving_with_trauma__mandy_litzke_story__part_1_.mp3

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&#39;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.

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&#39;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.

46. Enduring Trauma (The Mandy Litzke Story, Part 1)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/8/15/480c7a9b-0080-42e5-bb57-34665b59efbd_intro_to_trauma.mp3

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 - Start00:05:17 - Making Ben uncomfortable00:11:38 - What the Green Mile?00:16:09 - Phil&#39;s most traumatic injury00:19:59 - Why Phil is passionate about trauma training00:26:03 - The Marshall trauma journey00:30:48 - Trust-Based Relational Intervention00:41:05 - Does building trust in a hosting matter, really?00:43:39 - The Three Founding Principles of Trauma00:56:19 - Building up the kindling00:59:23 - 5 Survival Strategies in children﻿

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&#39;s most traumatic injury
00:19:59 - Why Phil is passionate about trauma training
00:26:03 - The Marshall trauma journey
00:30:48 - Trust-Based Relational Intervention
00:41:05 - Does building trust in a hosting matter, really?
00:43:39 - The Three Founding Principles of Trauma
00:56:19 - Building up the kindling
00:59:23 - 5 Survival Strategies in children

45. Intro to Trauma

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/2/0/bfd89a65-5971-4963-8f00-a93bf187d603_mike_mattes.mp3

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: <a href="https://kingdomdads.org/" rel="nofollow">https://kingdomdads.org/</a>To partner with Kingdom Dads: <a href="https://kingdomdads.org/register" rel="nofollow">https://kingdomdads.org/register</a>

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

44. Intentional Fatherhood (w/ Mike Mattes)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/24/20/8b554125-9357-4c52-bd8e-356b89f82e7c_43._kam_babb.mp3

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&#39;s life, his college football career, and the importance of fatherhood. For more about Man Up and Go: <a href="https://manupandgo.org/" rel="nofollow">https://manupandgo.org/</a>.To Give to the work: <a href="https://manupandgo.org/?give=PYEVM6DX" rel="nofollow">https://manupandgo.org/?give=PYEVM6DX</a>.

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&#39;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.

43. Kam Babb on Faith and Fatherhood

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/17/21/b47d84c7-8461-4e5e-8548-50024618ac47_42._suffering_well__part_2_.mp3

In this episode, Phil and Mel continue their conversation about suffering. They continue last week&#39;s points on suffering, emphasizing worship, the Word, and the power of lament. 00:00 - Start03:23 - Office sleepover must-haves06:44 - Phil&#39;s best and silliest qualities12:32 - Being found by the Lord in loneliness16:57 - Letting your kids into your suffering22:12 - Worship amidst worry32:55 - Accountability for steadfastness and integrity42:31 - Finding ultimate satiation in the Word45:31 - Lament Well

In this episode, Phil and Mel continue their conversation about suffering. They continue last week&#39;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&#39;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

42. Suffering Well (pt 2)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/14/0/1524d8a5-b4d9-4936-bcc9-89bc8816ff36_41._suffering_well__part_1__audio_final.mp3

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&#39;s discipline on those he loves.

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&#39;s discipline on those he loves.

41. Suffering Well (pt 1)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/5/2/bb48f26b-105a-4eb8-b27e-0ea4c2b75ac8_discipleship_now__w_rachel_smith_.mp3

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.

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.

40. Cultivating Discipleship (w/ Rachel Smith)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/28/22/19fefa09-0954-45e1-a9ec-d104f1697854_auner_interview.mp3

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&#39;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: <a href="https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep" rel="nofollow">https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep</a>

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&#39;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

39. Overcoming Through Relationship (w/ Ali and Auner)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/20/20/1d335e02-88d4-424e-a14d-f563cecf3536_the_johnson_s_final_audio.mp3

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: <a href="https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep" rel="nofollow">https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep</a>

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


38. Navigating Compassion (w/ the Johnson's)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/13/18/b11202f3-8b2a-4893-ab47-181c5409fb2e_mindsets.mp3

In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about the different &#34;mindsets&#34; 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: <a href="https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep" rel="nofollow">https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep</a>To watch this episode on YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/bwz_8EfK_tQ" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/bwz_8EfK_tQ</a>

In this episode, Phil and Mel talk about the different &#34;mindsets&#34; 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.

37. Wealth and Poverty Mindsets

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/7/21/e1f518e2-b922-4ef6-9948-affaa16feeb7_success_sequence.mp3

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: <a href="https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep" rel="nofollow">https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep</a>For more on the Success Sequence: <a href="https://ifstudies.org/success-sequence" rel="nofollow">https://ifstudies.org/success-sequence</a>

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.


00:00:00 - Start
00:05:36 - Phood Philled Phriday
00:10:14 - Summer frozen nose hairs
00:12:29 - Greatest movie trilogies
00:17:19 - Lessons from living Incarnationally
00:23:40 - Reflecting on Eugene Norris
00:27:27 - &#34;They&#34; -- Isaiah 61
00:38:26 - Marker 8
00:44:09 - Success Sequence and implications
00:50:11 - Thinking long-term

36. The Success Sequence

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/29/15/9d73d604-7534-4265-9977-e9161543f9e1_eugene_norris_part_2.mp3

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: <a href="https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep" rel="nofollow">https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep</a> To get in touch with Eugene: <a href="mailto:norris.eugene@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">norris.eugene@gmail.com</a>For more on the Chalmers Center: <a href="https://chalmers.org" rel="nofollow">https://chalmers.org</a>For Chalmers Center Courses: <a href="https://chalmers.org/courses/" rel="nofollow">https://chalmers.org/courses/</a>To become a Chalmers Center Ambassador: <a href="https://chalmers.org/training/ambassador-training/" rel="nofollow">https://chalmers.org/training/ambassador-training/</a>

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.

35. Poverty and the Local Church (w/ Eugene Norris)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/1/13/f6856125-ec79-4931-844b-b53a82a5aa9d_norris_part_1_reworked.mp3

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: <a href="https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep" rel="nofollow">https://canva.link/snrd5olyd5jgcep</a>To get in touch with Eugene: <a href="mailto:norris.eugene@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">norris.eugene@gmail.com</a>For more on the Chalmers Center: <a href="https://chalmers.org" rel="nofollow">https://chalmers.org</a>For Chalmers Center Courses: <a href="https://chalmers.org/courses/" rel="nofollow">https://chalmers.org/courses/</a>To become a Chalmers Center Ambassador: <a href="https://chalmers.org/training/ambassador-training/" rel="nofollow">https://chalmers.org/training/ambassador-training/</a>

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.

34. Recovering a biblical View of Poverty (w/ Eugene Norris)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/15/18/d4971291-4a52-45ad-beb9-349be6094ed3_33._phil_and_ben_chop_it_up.mp3

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.

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.

33. Phil and Ben Chop It Up

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/9/20/4c8ec5d6-c4d5-4123-8d52-dc36b2510afc_biblical_fatherlessness_audio.mp3

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&#39;s current view. They explore the relationship between &#34;the orphan and the widow&#34;, calling the Church to serve this population as we see them today.

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&#39;s current view. They explore the relationship between &#34;the orphan and the widow&#34;, calling the Church to serve this population as we see them today.

32. Biblical Fatherlessness

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.