Staying in the hospital can be an unnerving experience for many. The work of chaplains exists exactly for that moment—to sit with patients in the uncertainty and make sure they don’t have to face it alone.
Dr. John Sanders sits down with chaplain and counselor Ronda Weaver for a thoughtful conversation about healing, connection, and the power of simply being heard. Drawing from decades of experience, Ronda shares her unique path into chaplaincy and the profound role it plays in both clinical and everyday settings.
Together, they explore how emotional validation, presence, and storytelling can shape a person’s healing journey. Ronda now supports patients in processing and making meaning from their experiences through things like psychedelic integration. This episode highlights how listening—without agenda or judgment—can be one of the most powerful tools in medicine.
Chapters
[Start] Introducing Ronda: Dr. John Sanders introduces Ronda Weaver, a chaplain and friend, to share her story.
01:59 Becoming a Chaplain: Ronda recounts her journey to becoming a chaplain and what was required to enter that field.
10:56 The Power of Chaplaincy: A look at the many ways chaplains can be utilized in the medical field, as well as in life.
25:47 Psychedelic Integration: How psychedelic-assisted therapy may support emotional healing and brain flexibility.
32:33 Healing and Human Connection: How chaplaincy and counseling work together with modern treatments to support long-term healing.
Links & Resources
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.