Episode 203: Leighton Lunger | Pray Her Forward

Brad serves as Pastor of Counseling at The Summit Church and Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also a council member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition.   With a passion for equipping local churches to provide biblically faithful, effective care, Brad focuses on bridging the gap between pastoral ministry and counseling. His work emphasizes the hope of the gospel, the importance of Scripture, and helping churches develop sustainable models of care without replacing professional counseling.   His Church-Based Counseling book series offers practical, nine-step resources addressing challenges such as trauma, depression, and anxiety.   CONNECT WITH DR. BRAD HAMBRICK   🌐 Website & Blog: https://www.bradhambrick.com   📚 Publications: https://www.bradhambrick.com/publications   🎤 Speaking & Events: https://www.bradhambrick.com/speaking   ⛪ The Summit Church: https://www.summitchurch.com   🎓 Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary: https://www.sebts.edu   FEATURED BOOKS   📖 Growing After Trauma: 9 Steps Toward Renewed Peace https://newgrowthpress.com/new-releases/upcoming-books/growing-after-trauma-9-steps-toward-renewed-peace/   📖 Depression and Anxiety: 9 Steps to Hope and Peace https://newgrowthpress.com/new-releases/upcoming-books/depression-and-anxiety-9-steps-to-hope-and-peace/   Asking Why with Clint Davis Sponsors: A special thank you to the incredible sponsors of Asking Why with Clint Davis for investing in meaningful conversations that bring hope, healing, and growth to our community.   Wellness by Dr. Natalia — a physician-led integrative and concierge medical practice in Shreveport focused on longevity, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. Learn more at www.LuraguizMD.com   Uprising Addiction Center — helping individuals and families find lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment focused on healing the whole person. Learn more at www.UprisingCenter.com   LearningRx Shreveport — empowering children and adults by strengthening cognitive skills needed to learn, focus, read, and succeed with confidence. Learn more at www.LearningRx.com/Shreveport   We’re grateful for businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening people, families, and our community.  

Hannah received her Bachelor’s in social work from Northwestern State University before completing her Master’s in social work from Stephen F. Austin University. Throughout her education, she had the opportunity to complete internships with the Department of Children and Family Services and Brentwood Behavioral Health, as well as the Hub: Urban Ministry.  From an early age, Hannah knew she wanted to work with children who had experienced very difficult and unimaginable circumstances. She felt a deep calling from the Lord to advocate for children whose voices had been silenced and to stand alongside them during their hardest moments. What began as a passion at a young age, has blossomed into a career that she considers as a purpose, privilege, and honor.  Hannah currently is an LCSW and serves as the Director of Counseling and is a Counselor at the Gingerbread House Children's Advocacy Center where she has worked for the past seven years. During her time there, she has pursued extensive training in trauma informed care and is a Certified Trauma Professional. She is also trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), and is a Trust Based Relational Intervention practitioner (TBRI).  At the heart of her work, Hannah’s work comes down to a simple belief: children deserve to be heard, believed, supported, protected, and given the opportunity to heal. Hannah strives to provide a safe and empathetic environment for the non-offending caregivers and children she serves. When she is not at work, you can find her trying out all the new coffee shops, spending time with her family, leading worship at her church, or shopping at local thrift stores. Hannah has a passion for the Lord and works to ensure that everyone she encounters feels heard, supported, and cared for.  Website: https://gingerbreadhousecac.org/   Asking Why with Clint Davis Sponsors: A special thank you to the incredible sponsors of Asking Why with Clint Davis for investing in meaningful conversations that bring hope, healing, and growth to our community.   Wellness by Dr. Natalia — a physician-led integrative and concierge medical practice in Shreveport focused on longevity, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. Learn more at www.LuraguizMD.com   Uprising Addiction Center — helping individuals and families find lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment focused on healing the whole person. Learn more at www.UprisingCenter.com   LearningRx Shreveport — empowering children and adults by strengthening cognitive skills needed to learn, focus, read, and succeed with confidence. Learn more at www.LearningRx.com/Shreveport   We’re grateful for businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening people, families, and our community.  

Leighton Lunger is the founder of Pray Her Forward, a ministry created to support girls through life's challenges while equipping women to mentor the next generation. She is the creator of More Precious Than Pearls, a 12-session mentorship curriculum, and leads interactive workshops that equip girls, mentors, parents, and ministry leaders to cultivate Christ-centered relationships.  Website: https://prayherforward.com/   Asking Why with Clint Davis Sponsors: A special thank you to the incredible sponsors of Asking Why with Clint Davis for investing in meaningful conversations that bring hope, healing, and growth to our community.   Wellness by Dr. Natalia — a physician-led integrative and concierge medical practice in Shreveport focused on longevity, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. Learn more at www.LuraguizMD.com   Uprising Addiction Center — helping individuals and families find lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment focused on healing the whole person. Learn more at www.UprisingCenter.com   LearningRx Shreveport — empowering children and adults by strengthening cognitive skills needed to learn, focus, read, and succeed with confidence. Learn more at www.LearningRx.com/Shreveport   We’re grateful for businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening people, families, and our community.  

Will Lofton grew up in a family retail business in Mississippi where communication and strategy were almost non-existent. Debt was real and profits weren’t much to sneeze at. The business didn’t survive due to massive changes in the industry and too much time spent working in the business instead of on it.   He graduated from Mississippi College with a Business Administration degree and spent the first half of his career in various sales roles plus a five year stint in Asia.  After returning from time overseas,  Will spent six years with EntreLeadership learning firsthand how Dave Ramsey runs his business.  As a result –  he came to see there are a few key things that trip up most small business owners . Will spent over 3,000 hours in coaching conversations with many accidental small business owners and came to see what works in creating real momentum, crystal clarity and lasting results and it’s not rocket science. If you own a small business, Will would love to help you build the business you’ve been called to build. Website: https://loftoncoaching.com/   Asking Why with Clint Davis Sponsors: A special thank you to the incredible sponsors of Asking Why with Clint Davis for investing in meaningful conversations that bring hope, healing, and growth to our community.   Wellness by Dr. Natalia — a physician-led integrative and concierge medical practice in Shreveport focused on longevity, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. Learn more at www.LuraguizMD.com   Uprising Addiction Center — helping individuals and families find lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment focused on healing the whole person. Learn more at www.UprisingCenter.com   LearningRx Shreveport — empowering children and adults by strengthening cognitive skills needed to learn, focus, read, and succeed with confidence. Learn more at www.LearningRx.com/Shreveport   We’re grateful for businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening people, families, and our community.  

Wade Marshall is a proud native of Shreveport, Louisiana, and a graduate of Centenary College, where he earned a degree in Music Composition and Theory. In 2001, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a film composer, immersing himself in the heart of the film industry. However, following the post-Katrina boom in Louisiana's film sector, Wade was inspired to return home in 2007 to be part of Shreveport’s rapidly growing film community. He began working with Millennium Studios, one of the cornerstones of the local industry, which later became the home of G-Unit Studios. During his time there, Wade rose to the role of Studio Manager and served as an unofficial Film Liaison for the region for over a decade. His behind-the-scenes work helped attract and support numerous film productions, laying the groundwork for a sustained industry presence in Shreveport-Bossier. After the City of Shreveport acquired Millennium Studios in 2022, Wade joined the city's Economic Development Department to continue supporting studio operations and film growth. In 2023, he transitioned to Superintendent of Independence Stadium, where he oversaw large-scale events like the Independence Bowl while continuing to champion the film and entertainment sector. With a new wave of industry momentum on the horizon, Wade proposed the creation of a centralized body to support film and entertainment development. In October 2024, the Film and Entertainment Commission was officially established under Visit Shreveport-Bossier, where Wade now serves as Commissioner. In this role, he continues to lead efforts to build a thriving entertainment economy in Northwest Louisiana, bridging music, film, tourism, and opportunity for the region he proudly calls home.   Asking Why with Clint Davis Sponsors: A special thank you to the incredible sponsors of Asking Why with Clint Davis for investing in meaningful conversations that bring hope, healing, and growth to our community.   Wellness by Dr. Natalia — a physician-led integrative and concierge medical practice in Shreveport focused on longevity, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. Learn more at www.LuraguizMD.com   Uprising Addiction Center — helping individuals and families find lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment focused on healing the whole person. Learn more at www.UprisingCenter.com   LearningRx Shreveport — empowering children and adults by strengthening cognitive skills needed to learn, focus, read, and succeed with confidence. Learn more at www.LearningRx.com/Shreveport   We’re grateful for businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening people, families, and our community.  

Dr. Victoria Luraguiz, MD, and Dr. Natalia Luraguiz, MD are board-certified physicians, sisters, and the founders of Wellness by Dr. Victoria & Dr. Natalia, a physician-led concierge medical practice redefining modern healthcare in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Victoria is known for her deep clinical insight, innovation in longevity and regenerative medicine, and passion for advancing physician-led healthcare models. She plays a key role in developing Wellness’s future-focused programs, including peptides, biohacking strategies, and national expansion initiatives. Dr. Natalia, a family medicine physician with a concierge and longevity focus, is widely loved for her hands-on care, strong patient relationships, and ability to translate complex medical science into real-life wellness plans. She is deeply involved in community education, women’s health, and integrating preventive care with aesthetics and emotional wellness. Together, they lead a multidisciplinary team offering concierge medicine, longevity and peptide therapy, regenerative medicine, advanced aesthetics, IV therapy, and holistic wellness services—all under one roof. Their approach is deeply personal, data-driven, and centered on empowering patients to take ownership of their health. Beyond the clinic, Dr. Victoria and Dr. Natalia are passionate advocates for independent physicians, community collaboration, and reshaping the future of healthcare—locally and nationally.   Website: https://www.luraguizmd.com/   Asking Why with Clint Davis Sponsors: A special thank you to the incredible sponsors of Asking Why with Clint Davis for investing in meaningful conversations that bring hope, healing, and growth to our community.   Wellness by Dr. Natalia — a physician-led integrative and concierge medical practice in Shreveport focused on longevity, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. Learn more at www.LuraguizMD.com   Uprising Addiction Center — helping individuals and families find lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment focused on healing the whole person. Learn more at www.UprisingCenter.com   LearningRx Shreveport — empowering children and adults by strengthening cognitive skills needed to learn, focus, read, and succeed with confidence. Learn more at www.LearningRx.com/Shreveport   We’re grateful for businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening people, families, and our community.    

Valorie Stafford Lurry was born and raised in Louisiana, shaped by the quiet strength and deep roots of her delta land upbringing. Writing a book was never part of her plan until God made it clear that her story was meant to be shared. Offering her testimony has become one of her greatest joys, a source of blessing for both her and those who hear it. In her spare moments, Valorie gravitates toward creativity, often painting, decorating, or crafting something new. Among her many blessings, her husband, Brent, and their two children, Ava and Dierk, are at the top of the list. The chapters of wife, mother, and proud survivor keep her days full, but it is sharing her story, with humility, courage, and unwavering faith, that keeps her grounded in the purpose God placed on her life. Social Media: Facebook: /Valorie.Lurry Instagram: @ValorieLurry TikTok: @Valorie.Lurry Website: vallurry.com   Asking Why with Clint Davis Sponsors: A special thank you to the incredible sponsors of Asking Why with Clint Davis for investing in meaningful conversations that bring hope, healing, and growth to our community.   Wellness by Dr. Natalia — a physician-led integrative and concierge medical practice in Shreveport focused on longevity, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. Learn more at www.LuraguizMD.com   Uprising Addiction Center — helping individuals and families find lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment focused on healing the whole person. Learn more at www.UprisingCenter.com   LearningRx Shreveport — empowering children and adults by strengthening cognitive skills needed to learn, focus, read, and succeed with confidence. Learn more at www.LearningRx.com/Shreveport   We’re grateful for businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening people, families, and our community.    

Shane & Obie from The Uncomfortable Truth is good enough for a bio.    Check out their podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uncomfortable-truth/id1553718975   Asking Why with Clint Davis Sponsors: A special thank you to the incredible sponsors of Asking Why with Clint Davis for investing in meaningful conversations that bring hope, healing, and growth to our community.   Wellness by Dr. Natalia — a physician-led integrative and concierge medical practice in Shreveport focused on longevity, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. Learn more at www.LuraguizMD.com   Uprising Addiction Center — helping individuals and families find lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment focused on healing the whole person. Learn more at www.UprisingCenter.com   LearningRx Shreveport — empowering children and adults by strengthening cognitive skills needed to learn, focus, read, and succeed with confidence. Learn more at www.LearningRx.com/Shreveport   We’re grateful for businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening people, families, and our community.    

Pastor Mike Novotny has served God’s people in full-time ministry since 2007 in Madison and currently at The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin. He also serves as the lead speaker for Time of Grace, where he shares the good news about Jesus through television, radio, print, and online platforms. Mike loves seeing people grasp the depth of God’s amazing grace and unstoppable mercy. His wife continues to love him (despite plenty of reasons not to), and his two daughters open his eyes to the love of God for every Christian. When not talking about Jesus or dating his wife/girls, Mike loves playing soccer, running, and reading.“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Explore Pastor Mike’s content below! https://timeofgrace.org/pastor-mike-novotny/   Asking Why with Clint Davis Sponsors: A special thank you to the incredible sponsors of Asking Why with Clint Davis for investing in meaningful conversations that bring hope, healing, and growth to our community.   Wellness by Dr. Natalia — a physician-led integrative and concierge medical practice in Shreveport focused on longevity, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. Learn more at www.LuraguizMD.com   Uprising Addiction Center — helping individuals and families find lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment focused on healing the whole person. Learn more at www.UprisingCenter.com   LearningRx Shreveport — empowering children and adults by strengthening cognitive skills needed to learn, focus, read, and succeed with confidence. Learn more at www.LearningRx.com/Shreveport   We’re grateful for businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening people, families, and our community.  

Dr. Donard Dwyer is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine and Vice Chair for Research at LSU Health Shreveport. With more than 30 years of academic research experience, his work has focused on neuroscience, genetics, motivation, schizophrenia, and the biological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. Before joining LSU Health Shreveport, Dr. Dwyer served as a Research Scientist at the Max Planck Institute in Würzburg, Germany, and as Director of Immunology for a Cambridge biotechnology company. His current research explores the genetic and molecular pathways involved in brain function, motivation, and potential new treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions. In this episode of Asking Why, Dr. Dwyer returns to discuss his latest research after his manuscript, “Suicide Risk Genes,” was accepted for publication in a prestigious medical journal. He shares the inspiration behind the research, the significance of the findings, and what they could mean for the future of neuroscience, suicide prevention, and mental health. Links Research Page (please link in the show notes): http://www.lsuhs.edu/psych-research Instagram: @lsuhs_psychiatry Facebook: LSUHS Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine   Asking Why with Clint Davis Sponsors: A special thank you to the incredible sponsors of Asking Why with Clint Davis for investing in meaningful conversations that bring hope, healing, and growth to our community.   Wellness by Dr. Natalia — a physician-led integrative and concierge medical practice in Shreveport focused on longevity, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and whole-person wellness. Learn more at www.LuraguizMD.com   Uprising Addiction Center — helping individuals and families find lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment focused on healing the whole person. Learn more at www.UprisingCenter.com   LearningRx Shreveport — empowering children and adults by strengthening cognitive skills needed to learn, focus, read, and succeed with confidence. Learn more at www.LearningRx.com/Shreveport   We’re grateful for businesses and organizations that believe in strengthening people, families, and our community.