What happens when you look steady on the outside but feel uncertain on the inside?

In this episode of At the Counter with the Baking Pastor, Laura sits down with trauma-informed coach, former pastor, and Internal Family Systems practitioner Kurt Bush for an honest conversation about the hidden weight many people carry every day.

Together, they explore imposter syndrome, shame, self-compassion, faith during difficult seasons, and what it means to keep showing up when life feels unsteady beneath the surface.

This isn't a conversation about having all the answers.

It's a conversation about honesty, grace, and learning that you're not the only one carrying more than people can see.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• What "holding it together" really looks like
• The hidden tension between our outward appearance and inner experience
• Imposter syndrome and the fear of being found out
• Why shame grows in the dark
• The role of self-compassion in healing and growth
• How faith can feel difficult to access during hard seasons
• What authenticity really means

About Kurt Bush

Kurt Bush is a trauma-informed coach, certified Internal Family Systems practitioner, and co-founder of Brimstone Coaching Group. With a background in pastoral ministry and leadership, he helps people gently explore what's happening beneath the surface so they can move toward greater clarity, wholeness, and authenticity.

Counter Pause

Before you move on with your day:

What feels unsteady for you right now?

You don't have to fix it.

You don't have to figure it out.

Just notice it.

Breath Prayer

Breathe in: I am held...

Breathe out: Even here.

A Favorite Reminder from This Conversation

"Shame dies in the light."

Connect with Kurt:

Learn more about Kurt's work at Brimstone Coaching Group:

https://www.brimstonecoachinggroup.com/1-1coaching

Closing

Pull up a chair.

You don't have to carry it alone

If this episode met you where you are, I’d love to hear from you. What stayed with you?

Support the show

☕ The counter is always open.

If today's conversation stirred something in you, you'll find more gentle reflections, soul care resources, and ways to connect at BakingPastor.com.

You can also explore the At the Counter Soul Pause Journal, created as a companion for quiet moments of prayer, reflection, and everyday faith.

And if you'd like to share a question, reflection, prayer request, or something that's been sitting with you, visit Voices from the Counter and leave a message. You may even hear your voice in a future episode.

👉 https://bakingpastor.com/

*****Interested in being a guest on At the Counter with the Baking Pastor?

I invite you to listen to a few recent conversations first to get a feel for the heart of the podcast.

At the Counter is a gentle space for honest conversations about faith, grief, burnout, identity, healing, purpose, and the sacred ordinary moments of everyday life.

If it feels like a good fit, I'd love to hear from you on PodMatch:

👉 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/atthecounterwiththebakingpastor

Pull up a chair and tell me what you'd love to bring to the counter.