Christian Mental Health Podcast

Christian Mental Health Advocate Podcast – Hosted by “The Whole Sh’BANG” Rich Jones

Welcome to your safe space—the Christian Mental Health Advocate Podcast, where faith, laughter, and real-life conversations meet. Hosted by Christian Comedian “The Whole Sh’BANG” Rich Jones, this show is here to remind you that you don’t have to walk through life’s ups and downs alone.

Each episode, Rich opens the door to honest discussions about mental health, comedy, and the Christian journey, sharing stories, insights, and the hope we find when Jesus walks with us every step of the way.

We laugh, we learn, we talk about the tough stuff, and we remind each other that grace is greater than the battles we face. Along the way, we’re joined by special guests—from counselors to fellow comedians, pastors, storytellers, and everyday believers with powerful testimonies.

Whether you’re struggling, seeking encouragement, or just need someone to ride along on your commute, this podcast is here to uplift, inspire, and point you back to Christ.

Real talk. Real hope. Real faith.

Welcome home.

 

About The Whole Sh’BANG Rich Jones – Christian Mental Health Advocate & Ministry Leader

Rich Jones—best known on stage as The Whole Sh’BANG—serves with a deep passion for ministry, mental health, and the healing hope of Jesus Christ. Beyond comedy, Rich is a dedicated Christian Mental Health Advocate whose calling extends from the microphone to the ministry field.

Rich is a certified Christian Counselor in Creation Therapy through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in youth ministry, he understands the struggles young people face and has spent decades meeting them with compassion, encouragement, and biblical wisdom. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry from Boyce College in Louisville, KY, and continues to grow as a counselor through ongoing education with Dr. Jordan B. Peterson’s Peterson Academy.

Rich’s ministry takes many forms—hosting his Christian Mental Health Advocate Podcast, praying for those who reach out, writing personal letters of encouragement, offering counsel, and simply showing up for people in their real-life challenges. His mission is to point others toward freedom, resilience, and identity through Christ.

For ministry information, prayer requests, or counseling-related inquiries, please email:

rich@richjonescomedy.com

Mental Health Advocate

Counseling Background & Approach

My work as a Christian Mental Health Advocate is rooted in both formal training and over three decades of hands-on ministry experience. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry from Boyce College and have served for more than 30 years in youth ministry across a wide range of environments, including church-based ministry, campus settings, camping ministry, crisis situations, and direct ministry with troubled and at-risk youth.

In addition to my ministry background, I am certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling, with specialized training in Creation Therapy—a Christ-centered, relational approach to emotional and spiritual healing grounded in God’s original design for humanity.

Creation Therapy focuses on restoring secure relationship with God, self, and others, recognizing that many emotional struggles emerge when pain, trauma, or loss disrupt trust and connection. Rather than emphasizing behavior modification or performance, this approach invites Jesus into places of pain, allowing healing, truth, and restoration to flow through relationship.

I have also completed QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training, equipping me to recognize warning signs and respond responsibly when someone is in crisis. Additionally, I am continuing my education through Peterson Academy, further developing my understanding of psychology, meaning, responsibility, and human flourishing.

Together, these experiences shape how I approach conversations around mental health, faith, identity, and resilience—through advocacy, teaching, podcasting, and ministry. My goal is to offer hope that is honest, compassionate, and rooted in Christ, especially for those navigating emotional pain or spiritual confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creation Therapy?

Creation Therapy is a Christ-centered counseling model that begins with God’s original design, rather than focusing first on dysfunction. It recognizes that emotional and relational struggles often develop in moments of pain where fear, shame, or false beliefs take root. Healing occurs as individuals encounter Jesus in those places and receive truth through relationship.

How is Creation Therapy different from traditional counseling?

Many counseling models focus primarily on changing thoughts or behaviors. Creation Therapy emphasizes relational restoration, asking, “Who did God create you to be, and what interrupted that?” The focus is less on fixing and more on reconnecting—with God, with self, and with others.

How does your youth ministry background influence your work?

With over 30 years of youth ministry experience in church, campus, camp, crisis, and at-risk settings, I bring a deep understanding of the real-life challenges young people and families face. This experience shapes a compassionate, practical, and grace-centered approach to mental health advocacy, especially for those navigating identity, trauma, and faith-related struggles.

What role does faith play in your approach?

Faith is central. Creation Therapy is built on the belief that Jesus is the ultimate Counselor and that true healing flows from His presence. Scripture, prayer, and relational connection with God are foundational to how I understand emotional and spiritual health.

What is your role in the healing process?

My role is not to fix people, but to provide a safe, grounded, and compassionate space where individuals can explore emotions, remain present in difficult experiences, and invite God into places of pain. Healing is guided by relationship and truth, not pressure or performance.

What is QPR training?

QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a nationally recognized suicide prevention training that equips individuals to recognize warning signs, ask direct questions, offer hope, and connect people with appropriate professional help. This training informs how I approach crisis awareness with care and responsibility.

How does Peterson Academy factor into your work?

I am currently furthering my education through Peterson Academy, which provides in-depth training in psychology, meaning, responsibility, and human behavior. This ongoing education strengthens my ability to thoughtfully engage mental health topics while remaining grounded in a Christian worldview.

Are you a licensed therapist?

I serve as a Christian Mental Health Advocate and am certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling. My work is faith-based and educational in nature and is not a substitute for licensed clinical, psychiatric, or medical care when needed.