CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, counselling is available at 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (Australia, 24/7) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Can hope and healing really grow out of abuse and brokenness?

0:00 – Intro: Ness’ story

0:41 – Content warning: child abuse

1:46 – Abused at six: life shifted

2:26 – Dissociative Identity Disorder as survival

4:48 – Trauma-informed humour and brokenness

5:28 – From victim to advocate

12:30 – Coping through alcohol and distraction

17:16 – Alcohol, sex, and trauma

21:02 – Affair and rock bottom

24:10 – The firecracker moment

In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries share Ness’s personal story of childhood abuse, trauma, and the long journey toward healing. Ness reflects on the ways she coped with deep brokenness, including dissociation, anxiety, alcohol, and shame, and how therapy, faith, and a powerful encounter with God began to reshape her life and identity.

This episode explores what it means to move from victim to survivor to advocate, and how hope can emerge even after profound harm. It is an honest, courageous conversation about trauma, post-traumatic growth, and the calling to bring what was hidden in darkness into the light for the sake of others.

#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #ChildAbuseAwareness #TraumaAndFaith #HopeAndHealing #SurvivorStories #PostTraumaticGrowth #FaithWithoutFilter #FromVictimToAdvocate

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, Lifeline is available in Australia 24/7 on 13 11 14.

What if the parts of your story marked by shame are not the end?

0:00 – Intro: Jon’s Story

0:44 – Unpacking the word “bastard”

1:50 – The filth and hope in being adopted

3:11 – Content warning: suicidality and the lowest point

3:50 – The lawn mower epiphany

5:49 – The premature surprise

8:35 – Any excuse to skip church

11:37 – A hint at ministry

15:40 – The gardener’s prophecy and the elder’s question

20:56 – “Why be normal?” Pushing boundaries in faith

In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries turn the lens inward as Jon shares his own life story, shaped by adoption, shame, despair, and an unexpected encounter with God. Jon reflects on growing up adopted, grappling with identity and suicidality, and the quiet moment that shifted everything, discovering he could not be snatched from God’s hands.

This episode explores how faith can take root in the most ordinary and painful moments, and how God can bring hope, calling, and purpose from stories marked by shame. It is a raw and honest reflection on despair, resilience, and the long journey of becoming who God is already calling you to be.

#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #FindingGod #FaithAndMentalHealth #AdoptionStory #HopeAfterShame #Testimony #MessyFaith #ChurchAndLife

What happens when God puts you in ministry with someone you can’t stand?

0:00 – Intro: Welcome back to Filthy Hope

0:28 – Ness thought Jon was a jerk

1:00 – The hard question

2:28 – Secretly hoping for rejection

4:46 – Reunited at Ravenswood

5:33 – Learning in school chaplaincy

7:16 – Creative approach to ministry

8:56 – The homeless man chapel service

15:30 - A series of unfortunate events

17:43 – Reframing life experience as gifts

In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries reflect on the unlikely beginning of their friendship and ministry partnership. From first impressions, bruised egos, and uncomfortable questions, to shared risk-taking, creative ministry, and deep trust, they explore how God can use conflict, honesty, and “holy friction” to shape both calling and character.

This episode looks at how the parts of our stories we would rather avoid, whether tension, failure, or messy humanity, can become the very ground where meaningful ministry and real friendship are formed.

#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFriendship #MinistryLife #ChurchStories #MessyFaith #HolyFriction #HopeInTheFilth