On this episode of Randomness with Heath and Josh, the guys sit down with childhood friend Sara Mahan Soenen, a mental health advocate, writer, and founder of Hope and Laughter. Sara opens up about one of the most painful experiences of her life—losing her father to suicide when she was just 12 years old.
Sara shares how that devastating loss impacted both her and her mother, and how the reactions of classmates and peers made an already unimaginable situation even more difficult. She candidly discusses the lifelong effects that trauma had on her own mental health and the journey she’s taken toward healing.
Drawing strength from her faith in God, Sara explains how she began writing and blogging about her personal experiences to encourage others facing similar struggles. She also shares the mission behind Hope and Laughter, the nonprofit she founded to educate, empower, and equip those battling mental health challenges through a Christian worldview.
This is an honest, emotional, and hope-filled conversation about grief, faith, mental health, and finding purpose after tragedy. If you or someone you love has been affected by suicide, depression, or other mental health struggles, this episode offers compassion, encouragement, and a reminder that no one has to walk through life’s darkest moments alone.
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