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Fresh Hope for Mental Health is the official podcast of www.FreshHope.us 

Pastor Brad Hoefs is the host for the program.  

We encourage you to leave comments or to email us with questions and ideas to: PastorBrad@FreshHope.us

Mar 23, 2026

In this episode, Pastor Brad interviews Donavan Wallenburg, a faith-based mental health advocate living with Bipolar I disorder. Donavan shares his personal journey, including his struggles with alcohol that began in high school, the impact of his parents’ divorce at age 18, and later his use of marihuana. He also reflects on the devastating loss of his younger sister, which led him into a deep depression and eventually his first manic episode.

Through proper diagnosis, treatment, and a renewed relationship with God, Donavan found hope and healing. Today, he shares his story to encourage others living with mental illness, reminding them that their diagnosis does not define them and that recovery, purpose, and faith can coexist.