Love & Life with Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott artwork

Love & Life with Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott

322 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 159 ratings

Love & Life is your place for conversations grounded in psych research, psychotherapy, and Biblical truth to help you THRIVE in love and life!
Join psychologist Karin Anderson Abrell, Ph.D. and pastor and psychotherapist Elliott Anderson, M.A., as they focus on relationships and how to flourish therein with a holistic approach to emotional and psychological well-being, recognizing we only thrive when we nourish each of these key domains—Mind, Body, and Spirit. Together they bring over 60 years of counseling experience and academic expertise to each podcast discussion and interview.

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Episodes

From “Nurse of the Year” to Fired for Refusing the Jab: Live Med Free with Dave Wayne, Part 2

April 18, 2024 13:16 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MB

Dave Wayne had found his passion and purpose in life. As a psychiatric nurse, he’d gained the respect of both his peers and superiors–so much so, that he won a prestigious award at his hospital!. Not long after receiving this accolade, Dave was fired. Why? He declined to take an injection of an experimental product.  But as so often happens in life, our darkest moments propel us in a new direction–one that’s more aligned with our values and better suited to who we’re meant to become!. And...

From Pro Pharma Psychiatric Nurse to Holistic Health Coach! Live Med Free with David Wayne, Part 1 Ep. 298

April 16, 2024 23:39 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MB

We started an occasional series a while ago called, “Empowered Evolving” in part, because I saw so much shifting all around us. Beliefs that had once been considered integral to folks with certain philosophical ideology, now seem to be embraced by those on the opposite side of things. Furthermore, over the last several years, we’ve witnessed the abolition of core American rights I thought we all valued.  Very strange times, indeed. I called the series, “Empowered Evolving” as a way to rem...

Are Family Entanglements Preventing You from Enjoying Healthy Romantic Partnership? Ep. 297

April 12, 2024 19:38 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB

Sometimes, even when we’re well into adulthood, dynamics from our family of origin continue to impact us and our relationships.  We may be physically distant, but still emotionally enmeshed! Oftentimes, we remain entangled in family drama, which consumes our time and energy. What’s worse—it robs us of the emotional bandwidth necessary to pursue healthy, romantic partnership.  We may not actually be available for love—even though we deeply desire it and long to meet our person.  Join us t...

Let’s Talk About Sex—Again! How to Cultivate Deep Physical Intimacy Ep. 296

April 09, 2024 21:22 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

In Elliott’s final session of his premarital curriculum, he delves into a topic which all too often proves incredibly difficult for couples to discuss—sex. We began this conversation in episode 295 but, because there’s obviously a lot to talk about, we broke it up into 2 parts. Elliott shares Biblical wisdom to help couples cultivate deep, meaningful sexual connections. He also provides practical steps for every stage of marriage—whether you’re newlyweds hoping to establish a firm foundatio...

Let’s Talk About Sex! How to Experience True Sexual Intimacy and Fulfillment Ep. 295

April 04, 2024 22:28 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB

In the final session of Elliott’s premarital curriculum, he helps couples develop habits and dynamics necessary for cultivating sexual intimacy and fulfillment. Step one—you need to be able to talk about it! As Elliott notes, many couples struggle to discuss this most important element of their relationship. Elliott shares the key questions he poses to couples to assist them in establishing a solid foundation for the physical expression of their love and commitment.   Sponsor: The Wellnes...

COVID Trauma: How to Move Through Post COVID Stress Disorder Ep. 294

March 28, 2024 11:00 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MB

Four years after “2 weeks to stop the spread” and I’m still reeling. They say, “Get over it. Move on! COVID’s done.”  Of course, I’d like to forget about it. But, it doesn’t feel “done” to me. I’m still trying to get my bearings.  Elliott says it’s Post COVID Trauma. We all feel it to some degree. And, we all deal with it differently. How could we NOT be traumatized? We’d never experienced anything like it! The world shut down. We lived in fear. People died. We couldn’t say goodbye. ...

How to Navigate Money & Power Dynamics Ep. 293

March 21, 2024 11:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

In the fifth session of Elliott’s premarital curriculum he discusses the relationship dynamics related to money and power. Karin is out of town this week so Elliott and Tim tackle this topic and address the following issues: How do we communicate with our partner about finances? What role do you play with your partner in relationship to money? How do money and power co-exist in the context of a partnership? What does the Bible say about money? We can live empowered lives in relationsh...

How Conflict Cultivates Intimacy Ep. 292

March 14, 2024 16:27 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MB

We all know conflict is unavoidable. And, it’s certainly inherent to marriage. In the fourth session of Elliott’s premarital curriculum, couples take a deep dive into all aspects of conflict. We know it’s inevitable, but can conflict actually strengthen our bond and cultivate intimacy? Specifically we address: Why does conflict happen?  When is it most likely to occur?  When disputes arise, what’s really going on beneath the surface?  Methods for disagreeing with fairness and maturity....

Is Your Relationship Out of Order? Ep. 291

March 07, 2024 12:00 - 47 minutes - 44.1 MB

As we all know, if something is “out of order,” it’s not working.  So, too, in marriage!  In session 3 of his premarital curriculum, Elliott discusses the importance of “order” in marriage. He shares key verses in Ephesians 5 with which some couples struggle. Elliott asserts a deeper understanding reveals how husbands and wives are empowered by these Biblical instructions. He reminds us that although we’re not all wired for structure and order, we need to find a God ordained rhythm that w...

Is Love Enough? Ep. 290

February 29, 2024 19:03 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MB

We’re continuing our series on engagement by sharing Elliott’s premarital curriculum with you 💍 In session 2, Elliott asks couples if they believe love is enough. If we’re madly in love, can we be guaranteed a happy, solid, fulfilling marriage? He goes into depth regarding the Bible’s instructions (I Peter 3:1-7) for how husbands are to treat their wives and vice versa. Elliott unpacks the meaning of the Greek to reveal the true intimacy God designed for us in marriage. Spoiler alert:  wo...

"That’s Awkward!" The Power of Words and Labels on Your Relationship to Self and Others Ep. 289

February 27, 2024 16:07 - 38 minutes - 87.8 MB

Elliott sent me this Key and Peele clip the other day: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wOBNm_8zw4I I immediately texted back, “We need to record an episode about this!” The bit starts with Key sharing an unpopular opinion about a movie.  Peele responds with a phrase we hear all the time these days, “That’s awkward!” Key is confused. What’s awkward about an opinion? He protests but Peele continues to shut him down with dismissive phrases like, “Okay . . . ” and “All right . . .” It’s a funny ...

What if Your Relationship Isn’t Easy at All? Then What? Ep. 288

February 22, 2024 23:32 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB

Last week, Producer Tim and I discussed the joys of an easy marriage.  But we know, of course, this isn’t everyone’s experience! We definitely wanted Elliott to share how he helps couples in difficult marriages improve their connection so they can enjoy each other more—and maybe even find that ease and fluidity they’ve been lacking! Specifically, we discuss: Semantics around the word, “easy.” Why Elliott thinks it’s often more about a secure connection, as opposed to an “easy” one. The ...

What if Your Relationship Isn’t Easy at All? Then What? Ep. 289

February 22, 2024 23:32 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB

Last week, Producer Tim and I discussed the joys of an easy marriage.  But we know, of course, this isn’t everyone’s experience! We definitely wanted Elliott to share how he helps couples in difficult marriages improve their connection so they can enjoy each other more—and maybe even find that ease and fluidity they’ve been lacking! Specifically, we discuss: Semantics around the word, “easy.” Why Elliott thinks it’s often more about a secure connection, as opposed to an “easy” one. The ...

Can Relationships Actually Be Easy? Ep. 288

February 14, 2024 22:09 - 33 minutes - 31.4 MB

The Love & Life family is a diverse bunch—from singles, to those exclusively dating, to engaged couples, to marrieds, to divorced folks back on the scene again. We’re all at different places in our love journey. As we thought about what we wanted to share for Valentine’s Day, Producer Tim suggested we grapple with the following:  Are relationships doomed to be a constant struggle? Do they have to be SO hard? Could marriage actually be easy? Since it was Tim’s idea, I asked him to share...

Can Relationships Actually Be Easy? Ep. 287

February 14, 2024 22:09 - 33 minutes - 31.4 MB

The Love & Life family is a diverse bunch—from singles, to those exclusively dating, to engaged couples, to marrieds, to divorced folks back on the scene again. We’re all at different places in our love journey. As we thought about what we wanted to share for Valentine’s Day, Producer Tim suggested we grapple with the following:  Are relationships doomed to be a constant struggle? Do they have to be SO hard? Could marriage actually be easy? Since it was Tim’s idea, I asked him to share...

Trauma: How it Impacts Our Relationship to Self and Others Ep. 286

February 09, 2024 20:21 - 46 minutes - 84.7 MB

We interrupt our series on engagement to bring you Elliott’s presentation on trauma, which he shared recently at his church. How do we define trauma? What experiences leave a trauma wound? How do these wounds impact our relationships? What does the Bible have to say about trauma? Is there hope for healing? If so, how do we heal? We’ve all experienced some level of trauma—Big T or Little t. Perhaps you never fought in a war zone or were the victim of a violent attack, but we all recent...

Let's Talk About It: Almost 25% of American Women are Depressed! Why? Ep. 285

February 06, 2024 18:58 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MB

As anyone who’s experienced depression can tell you, it’s brutal. And, with almost 1 in 4 American women taking antidepressants, it’s clear many of us are suffering. What’s going on? What’s to be done? In this latest episode of our “Love & Life:  Let’s Talk About It” series, Miriam Conner and I explore depression in America—especially as it relates to women. Specifically, we consider: How depression is conceptualized.  The evidence that debunks the “chemical imbalance” explanation. Why...

Let’s Talk About It! All the Hot Takes We’re Not Supposed to Touch Ep. 282

February 06, 2024 18:56 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MB

Welcome to Love & Life: Let’s Talk About It! So, what exactly are we talking about? All the hot topics we’re not supposed to touch—the subjects that get you censored, shadow-banned, and canceled when you broach them. Censorship, shadow-banning, cancelation . . . How could this happen? This is America, the “land of the free!” Or, so we thought . . . Are we actually free if we’re not permitted to challenge assertions and dissent from dictates? How is it we now live in a society in which s...

Do THIS When You’re Engaged to Establish a Strong, Healthy Marriage Ep. 284

February 01, 2024 16:19 - 35 minutes - 33.2 MB

We continue our series on engagement with the next segment of Elliott’s premarital counseling curriculum. Today’s episode delves into Session 1, Part 2. Elliott discusses the themes couples should address when they’re engaged—along with the exercises and activities he employs to help generate conversations around these important topics. If you’re engaged—or expect to be someday—this episode is for you! And actually, even if you’re married, you’ll find much value in this conversation. Spon...

5 Key Patterns for Your Engagement to Ensure a Healthy, Fulfilling Marriage Ep. 283

January 25, 2024 20:15 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

You’re engaged! Time for wedding planning! But, what about marriage planning? Because a strong, fulfilling marriage starts long before your wedding day! In fact, our engagement serves as a crucial time for us to address key concerns and establish healthy patterns which will set us up for a strong, fulfilling marriage. With over 30 years counseling engaged and married couples, Elliott has a wealth of recommendations to help you utilize this important time in your relationship. Join us to ...

We’re Engaged! But, Should We Actually Get Married? Part 2 Ep. 281

January 16, 2024 11:00 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MB

Building a strong marriage starts long before the wedding day and with 30+ years of working with couples, Elliott has plenty of solid advice for anyone newly engaged or contemplating engagement! But, first things first—it’s thrilling to accept a proposal and begin wedding planning, but we need to be sure we’re doing all this with the right person for us! Too often, premarital counseling focuses on household chores and budget, extended family relationships, etc. And yes, these are important...

We’re Engaged! But, Should we Actually Get Married? Part 1 Ep. 280

January 11, 2024 14:33 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MB

You’re engaged! So in love! It’s exhilarating!  Except, when you have cold feet. Are these just wedding jitters? Or, do you need to rethink your decision? As a former runaway bride, this topic hits home to me. Elliott and I decided to kick off our series on premarital counseling by asking a very important first question, “What if you’re engaged, but you’re feeling uncertain and unsure?” In this episode, I share the confusion and angst I experienced when engaged to my first fiancé. Elliot...

Family Roles Part II: Which Role Do You Play? Ep. 278

January 08, 2024 22:05 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MB

In part 2 of our conversation about family roles, Elliott and I share specific roles we may play when interacting with our family of origin—and others in our lives!  Are you the “family hero?” The black sheep? The lost child?  Join us to determine your role and how to rewrite the script should you feel your role constrains you or proves unhealthy for your adult growth and development. Sponsor The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your...

Family Roles: How They Impact Us During the Holidays—and Beyond! Ep. 277

January 08, 2024 22:05 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

Whether we’re aware of it or not, we each play various roles within our families. And, even if we’ve grown and changed, we often step right back into our role during family gatherings! Do you know your family role? Do you understand how it impacts you during the holidays and throughout the year? Some of us have a sense of our family role. Maybe you’re the instigator or the peacemaker. The caretaker or the rebel. The leader or the clown. But oftentimes we play a role and we’re not even awa...

Three’s a Crowd: How Triangulation Destroys Healthy Relationships Ep. 274

January 08, 2024 22:04 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MB

Triangulation. It’s so easy. We all do it. But, it’s SO unhealthy.  What’s triangulation? Here’s a common example: We get angry, but instead of talking to the person who upset us, we gripe about it with someone else. We loop in a third party. It diffuses the tension, but does it move us toward solving the dispute/problem?  Not at all. As we continue our series on how to connect with our families in a healthy manner throughout the holidays—and always!—Elliott and I discuss the perils of ...

Mind, Body, Spirit: Reflections on 2023 and Intentions for 2024 Ep. 279

December 29, 2023 23:44 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MB

We wrap up this year with some personal reflections regarding Love & Life’s themes of mind, body, and spirit! Elliott and I discuss some revelations we’ve had via the books and articles we’ve read including: Brain Energy by Christopher Palmer, M.D. Joanna Moncrieff’s challenge of the serotonin theory of depression The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk The work of Dr. Caroline Leaf We share some intentions for aligning our minds, body, and spirit in 2024 and invite you to join...

Family Rules: Should You Follow Them Now That You’re an Adult? Ep. 276

December 14, 2023 15:38 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

Elliott and I continue our series on how to best engage with family members over the holidays with this episode devoted to family rules. All families have a “code of conduct.” Some of these expectations are well known by all members. Others operate just beneath the surface.  How do we manage family rules now that we’re adults? How do we navigate the expectations of our family and then adjust to those of our spouse’s family—especially when these rules are so very different? And furthermore...

Pure Fat Loss Challenge with Justin Savich Ep. 275

December 11, 2023 20:14 - 48 minutes - 45 MB

With the new year right around the corner, you may be thinking about resolutions. Many of us want to level up our health and fitness, but oftentimes we feel daunted because we’ve tried a hundred times before, yet never reached our goals. Help is here! Justin Savich, creator of The Pure Fat Loss Challenge, brings over 20 years of nutrition, strength training, and fitness knowledge to his proven program which has helped thousands of people lose fat–not muscle! Join us for Justin’s expertise ...

The Pure Fat Loss Challenge with Justin Savich Ep. 275

December 11, 2023 20:14 - 48 minutes - 45 MB

With the new year right around the corner, you may be thinking about resolutions. Many of us want to level up our health and fitness, but oftentimes we feel daunted because we’ve tried a hundred times before, yet never reached our goals. Help is here! Justin Savich, creator of The Pure Fat Loss Challenge, brings over 20 years of nutrition, strength training, and fitness knowledge to his proven program which has helped thousands of people lose fat–not muscle! Join us for Justin’s expertise ...

Should You Cut Off Your Toxic Family? Individuate in a Healthy Manner to Improve Every Relationship in Your Life! Ep. 273

November 30, 2023 22:55 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

Last week we talked about the importance of maintaining boundaries with our family during holiday gatherings. But what if boundaries aren’t enough? What if we simply can’t get along with our family? We no longer agree on anything and we can’t find common ground. Should we completely cut them off? Or, is there a better way? Today, Elliott and I discuss the Family Systems construct of Individuation and explain why it’s an incredibly important process to move through in young adulthood—wheth...

Got Boundaries?  Why They’re Necessary for Holiday Family Gatherings Ep. 272

November 22, 2023 12:00 - 43 minutes - 40.5 MB

Holiday family gatherings should bring us closer, but sometimes they do the exact opposite! All too often, we get together only to grow apart. Help is here! Implementing principles from Family Systems Therapy allows us to cultivate true intimacy while reducing family drama. In today’s episode, Elliott and I delve into boundaries. We share concrete strategies for establishing boundaries with family members—even those who pry into your business with questions like: “Are you seeing anyone sp...

3 Ways to Avoid Family Drama Over the Holidays! Ep. 271

November 17, 2023 21:23 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MB

The holidays are upon us and in efforts to make the season as bright as possible, Elliott and I want to share principles from one of our favorite therapeutic orientations—Family Systems Theory and Therapy. And yes, siblings can get under our skin in ways no one else can. And sure, in-law interactions may be strained. And of course, blended families present us with unique challenges, but still—we CAN remain joyful at parties and gatherings and we CAN minimize the drama by keeping 3 key princ...

Money, Values, & Love: “Dear Fellow Spender” with Emily Burnett Ep. 270

November 09, 2023 21:52 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

In fact, we’re taught to avoid talking about finances because it’s considered a bit gauche—especially when you don’t know someone very well. Furthermore, what if you’re not all that proud of your relationship with money? Maybe your bank account refuses to grow and “retail therapy” is your go-to coping mechanism! Or, it seems you just can’t get ahead no matter how much you save! Emily Burnett can relate. She’s a self-proclaimed “money mess” and “budget loather” who was thousands of dollars ...

3 Ways NOT to Stray Ep. 269

November 02, 2023 10:00 - 41 minutes - 95 MB

I asked Elliott the other day, “We’ve been talking about cheating and recovery, but what can we do to try to prevent affairs from happening in the first place?” And yes, healing is possible and, as Elliott continues to stress, we may even find deeper intimacy after infidelity. But of course, wouldn’t we prefer to grow closer to our spouse without going through a marital breakdown? In this conversation, we present 3 strategies for keeping your marriage solid and connected! We can’t control ...

Cheating: What's the First Step Towards Healing? Ep. 268

October 28, 2023 11:00 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MB

After posting episodes 265 and 266, Karin and I continue to see a need to continue the discussion about cheating. So today we continue our cheating series by responding additional concerns and discuss how to start the healing process. Specifically, we address: What's the first step in the healing process? How to navigate forgiveness and grief What to do if children are involved What rebuilding trust looks like after betrayal Join us for this third segment in our series on cheating. And...

Is Watching Porn Cheating? Ep. 267

October 19, 2023 10:00 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

After posting episode 265, Elliott and I received additional questions about infidelity, so we wanted to continue our cheating series by responding to these concerns. Specifically, we address: What exactly is cheating? Is flirting too much a violation? What about porn? Connecting with an old flame on Facebook? Close friendships with coworkers? What are the first steps to take if one of us has broken our vows? Can we ever rebuild trust? What if the betrayer won’t acknowledge the indi...

Let’s Talk About It: What’s the Big Deal About Masks? Ep. 266

October 12, 2023 22:19 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MB

Just Wear the Mask.  It’s Not a Big Deal! Or, is It? A Developmental Psychologist’s Concerns Regarding Masks on Children—and All of Us! We’re bringing you another segment of our “Love & Life:  Let’s Talk About It” series.  These are topics that can be hard to broach and in some cases, conversations around these issues have been censored—either by social media platforms, or by social agreement—because,”Let’s not talk about it. We’ll just get into a fight.”  But avoiding subjects to preserv...

Cheating: 4 Types of Affairs and 3 Reasons They Happen Ep. 265

September 29, 2023 22:06 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MB

No one walks down the aisle on their wedding day expecting to cheat on their spouse. But sadly, it happens all too often.  What happens? Why do couples stray? Elliott and I discuss 4 types of affairs (Pittman) and 3 reasons why they happen (Balswick & Balswick).  Join us for part 1 in our series on infidelity. Learn how to protect your marriage from an affair and/or recover from the pain if infidelity has already occurred.  Citation: https://hackspirit.com/infidelity-statistics/ Dr. Ka...

Eat Better to Feel Better! Eliminate the Hateful 8 with Dr. Cate Shanahan, Part 2 Ep. 264

September 21, 2023 21:27 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MB

We’ve all heard it a million times—you are what you eat. And, of course it’s true—every cell in our body relies on and is sustained by the nutrients we ingest. So on a physical level, this reality is obvious.  But, the more research I do, the more I realize how much this adage—you are what you eat—pertains to our mental health as well.  In some ways, I think about all the work I’ve done as a psychologist—as many of you know, I’ve found so much power in cognitive techniques. When we take ch...

Tired, Depressed, Overweight? These Dietary Fats Could be to Blame! with Dr. Cate Shanahan - Part 1 Ep. 263

September 15, 2023 17:25 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MB

About a year ago, I started hearing a term that was new to me—seed oils. Apparently, they’re everywhere—in virtually all processed foods. And, recent research links them to horrible health outcomes. So, I did a lot of reading and found that much of what I’d understood about dietary fats was completely off base. For years, I’d been making food choices I thought were healthy but in fact, they were the exact opposite of nutritious! One book that deeply impacted me—and Dan, too, because I imme...

The Mental Health War: How to Fight It! Ep. 262

September 07, 2023 21:03 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MB

We’re in the midst of a mental health war. Over the last 50 years, we’ve raised awareness and developed abundant treatment options, yet Americans’ rates of depression and anxiety continue to skyrocket (Whitaker, 2015). Today, Elliott and I discuss my reflections on his recent messages about the epidemics of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and addiction. We conceptualize the current mental health landscape as a war for two reasons:  (1) because so many Americans battle psychological concer...

Addiction in America Ep. 261

August 31, 2023 19:13 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MB

Elliott’s mental health series continues with a message about addiction. Sadly, addictions have touched us all—whether we’ve struggled ourselves or we’ve endured the pain of watching a loved one wrestle with the grip of addiction. Elliott shares an understanding of addiction through a Biblical lens. He tackles questions surrounding the grip of addiction and the hope and healing we can find in Christ. Download Elliott’s PowerPoint here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6pku0usfyr8cz8enz2dyi/A...

How to Diminish Depression’s Hold on Your Life! Ep. 260

August 24, 2023 20:45 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MB

Depression. No one can escape it. Yes, some of us struggle more than others, but sadness, despondency, and despair are part of life. Of course, we’d prefer to skip over the valleys. We’d rather stay on the mountaintops but that’s not how life works. Can we accept depression as a normal part of the human condition? Does despondency serve a purpose—other than making us miserable?  What does Scripture tell us about depression? One of the reasons Elliott and I take issue with the “disease mo...

Abating Loneliness Ep. 259

August 18, 2023 18:08 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MB

Abating - something becomes smaller and less intense. Did you know we are dealing with an epidemic of loneliness in our culture today? More than ever people are asserting feelings of loneliness in their lives.  Today we continue Pastor Elliott’s series on mental health on the topic of loneliness. He covers the following topics: - What is loneliness? - How we emotionally and physically respond to it - 3 ways we are most vulnerable to loneliness - 3 ways to abate loneliness Thank you fo...

Attacking Anxiety with Action! Ep. 258

August 10, 2023 18:33 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MB

Do you struggle with anxiety? Have you felt disempowered on how to address it in your life? In today’s episode Elliott shares a presentation he gave on the topic of anxiety and how we can proactively attack it with action!  Elliott discusses the following: The Top 8 Causes of Anxiety Mental and Physical Manifestations  The Root of Anxiety And Steps to Overcome Anxiety Through: Situational Awareness, Positive Self-Talk, Physiological Regulation, and Sleep Download Pastor Elliott’s Powe...

7 Steps for Empowered Dating—Even When You’ve Been Single Longer Than You Expected! with Roshini Rajkumar Ep. 257

August 03, 2023 13:49 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MB

How can we remain empowered when we’ve been on the dating scene for SO long? As you know, I spent 27 years dating—from age 15 until I married at 42. It can be exhausting, demoralizing, and heartbreaking. How then, do we remain happy, hopeful, and positive on our journey to love? Today’s guest, Roshini Rajkumar, also dated for many years before meeting her now husband. Fun fact: they fell in love at first sight! Here's some more about Roshini. Roshini Rajkumar is a crisis strategist, C-su...

Does The Pill Impact Your Mental Health? with Dr. Leah Gordon Ep. 256

July 27, 2023 13:34 - 1 hour - 54.9 MB

According to a recent KFF poll, 77% of women would like birth control pills to be available without a prescription—assuming they’re safe and effective. But are they? Effective? Okay. But, safe? Not so much. Among the many side effects of using hormonal birth control is an increased risk of breast cancer. According to a study by Dr. Marilyn Althuis of the University of Maryland, “Women under 35 years old who are using contraceptive drugs have a 91% higher risk for developing breast cancer...

Best of Love & Life: Help! I Keep Dating Men with Avoidant Attachment Style! with Elliott Anderson, M.A. Ep. 255

July 20, 2023 17:19 - 45 minutes - 42 MB

Psychotherapist Elliott Anderson is back to continue our series on Attachment Styles. This week we unpack Avoidant Attachment and consider the question, “Is it actually possible to have a relationship with someone with an avoidant attachment style?” Specifically, we address: Why avoidant men may initially appear very excited about the relationship and interested in commitment, but then later, they pull away. The internal struggle of Avoidant Attachment. The Pursuer-Distancer cycle—if you...

Best of Love & Life: Anxious Attachment on Dating and Relationships with Elliott Anderson, M.A. Ep. 254

July 13, 2023 17:09 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MB

Join us today as we revisit Love & Life's most popular episode to date: Anxious Attachment on Dating and Relationships with Elliott Anderson, M.A. Ep. 165 I hear this question from women in my community all the time—“I have an anxious attachment style. Will I ever be able to be in a secure relationship?” To address this concern, psychotherapist Elliott Anderson and I take a deep dive into anxious attachment and how it impacts dating and relationships. Specifically, we discuss: Anxious at...

Spiritual Wounds: What They Are and How to Heal Ep. 253

July 06, 2023 19:34 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MB

We recently received a question from a listener in our community: “What is spiritual abuse in and outside of a Christian context and how do individuals heal from it?” The timing was perfect as Elliott and I had planned on continuing our woundedness series with an episode devoted to the spiritual wound. Elliott and I discuss 3 types of spiritual abuse: Complete absence of spiritual opportunity.  Involvement in faith-based communities that operate out of shame, fear, and abuse. Spiritua...