
Love & Life with Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 13, 2025 • 55min
It’s Just an Antibiotic . . . Unless You Get Floxed! Part 1 Ep. 361
Dana was a 29-year-old musician living in Chicago—perfectly fit and healthy. Until she took a routinely prescribed antibiotic for a urinary tract infection.After taking just 6 pills, she began to feel horribly ill. Her limbs tingled and went numb—to the point where Dana had to pull over to the side of Lake Shore Drive using her knees to guide the steering wheel.Her life was never the same.She moved back home to live with her parents because she couldn’t possibly continue to work or care for herself. She could barely get out of bed. They had to wash her hair. She became an invalid.All because of an antibiotic.The doctors didn’t believe them. It was just an antibiotic. No way could the drug be the cause of Dana’s illness!This episode serves as the first in a new series examining drugs most of us consider completely safe, effective, and harmless.Lori Wold joins us to share her daughter’s journey to healing. She’s spreading the word in hopes others will avoid these toxic medications! Resources: https://mountainsandmustardseedssite.wordpress.com/2017/03/18/this-antibiotic-will-ruin-you/Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Jun 5, 2025 • 56min
New Parents? When a Wife Becomes a Mom Ep. 560
As a first time mom, Dani couldn’t wait for her bundle of joy to arrive!She expected a huge transition, of course. But then again, she couldn’t full prepare for some elements she’d experience. For example, their baby was born with a heart condition which, obviously, complicated matters.She and her husband also had to adjust their marital dynamics to accommodate the demands of caring for an infant—as do all new parents.How did they move through the transition from husband and wife to mother and father—especially given their first born’s physical concerns?We’re so grateful for Dani’s willingness to get real about those first months of parenting—how it impacted her identity as a woman and as a wife.Three children and 20 years later, Dani shares what worked for her and her husband—along with what didn’t! Join us for real talk on the truth about welcoming a newborn into your marriage!Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dani SchurmanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dschur2 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/danielleschurmanDr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

May 29, 2025 • 36min
New Parents? Keep Your Marriage Strong Amidst Beautiful Chaos - Part 2 Ep. 359
Elliott was talking to his wife, Angie, about our series for new parents.As a mom of four babies within two years, Angie had plenty of thoughts around this topic!She suggested some themes we could explore in today’s episode:How to embrace your brand new identity of “mother” and “father.”Recognizing your self-concept may alter in ways you didn’t expect. How to ask for help—even when you’ve always been self-sufficient and independent. Conversations husbands and wives need to have BEFORE baby arrives. M3 intimacy crushers.3 intimacy enhancers.Keep your marriage strong while welcoming your little one! Join us for part 2 of our New Parenting series 👶Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

May 22, 2025 • 39min
New Parents? Your MOST Important Job is NOT About the Baby! Part 1 Ep. 358
This July, Elliott and I will welcome our niece’s first baby—a boy named after our father, Simon. We are over the moon!My stepson’s wife is also pregnant; their boy, Max (named after Dan’s dad), is due in June. So we’re blessed with two babies coming into the family!Plus, one of my dearest friends just had a boy in January. I started thinking about what a beautiful gift—and also, what a major life transition—the birth of a baby brings to a couple. I told Elliott I wanted to do a series to help new parents navigate their dual roles as both mother & father AND husband & wife!Elliott shares two crucial recommendations for new parents to help them keep their marriages strong in the midst of “blessed chaos!”Join us for part 1 of our New Parenting series 👶Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

May 15, 2025 • 47min
Take Charge of Your Health with Cell Fit Ep. 357
Last March I was walking through my all-time favorite grocery store, Seed to Table in Naples, Florida.Yes, I have a favorite grocery store, and yes, it’s the best ever.While browsing through the Health & Wellness section, I met Michelle Albergo who was sharing information about Cell Fit.Cell Fit’s lead scientist, biochemist Tricia Flanagan, created a product like no other! It’s not a supplement, rather it’s a therapeutic enzyme which works at the cellular level to heal conditions and optimize health.From Cell Fit’s website:“Our lead scientist, Tricia Flanagan, spent the first part of her 25 year career as a biochemist in immunology and oncology at Brown University. She studied how healthy cells behave and how they stay healthy. She developed Cell Fit over the last three years with an attention to purity of product and performance.Our Super Oxide Dismutase is like no other—our product is the purest brand available and we've exhausted every effort in bringing you the most effective and safe SOD on the market.“I bought some Cell Fit myself and asked Michelle and Tricia to join us on Love & Life to let us all know the benefits of Cell Fit’s novel approach to health!Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Cell FitWebsite: CellFitHealth.comDr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

May 8, 2025 • 35min
Cultivating Intimacy with Statements NOT Questions! Ep. 356
It seems counterintuitive, but sometimes asking a question is the WORST way to gather information!As we’ve been talking about in the last couple episodes, posing questions can often backfire. Our friends and partners may feel defensive or attacked! Even the most loving questions may impede intimacy, rather than enhance it. Elliott’s clients have started making statements instead of asking questions. They’re enjoying increased intimacy and decreased conflict!While we were speaking today, I kept thinking about how I perhaps ask questions when I could make authentic statements, instead.So we decided to launch an, “Ask Not Challenge.” Over the next few weeks, we’ll make more statements and ask fewer questions. We invite you to join us in this challenge. Let us know how it goes!We’ll share more about this challenge in this week’s newsletter. If you haven’t signed up, please do so here: https://www.loveandlifemedia.com/Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

May 1, 2025 • 40min
Deepen Intimacy with this Pro Tip from Counseling 101! Ep. 355
When you want to get to know someone better, you ask them a lot of questions, right?Maybe not . . .This week, we pick up on an important point Elliott made last episode about avoiding questions to facilitate effective, authentic communication. It seems counterintuitive, but we can actually gather MORE information and cultivate DEEPER intimacy by communicating with statements.So, how exactly do we do this?Elliott and I share a foundational technique from Carl Rogers’ Client Centered Therapy—reflective listening.It’s a simple adjustment that dramatically alters communication. You can try it today and immediately experience the difference!Your friends, family, and romantic partners will feel seen, heard, and validated. They’ll know how much you care about them through your reflections of what they’re expressing.The best part? You don’t have to try to figure out the right words to say or the right questions to ask.Because, as we noted above, it’s NOT about questions at all!If you’re ready to level up your communication skills to deepen understanding and intimacy, join us for some Counseling 101!Citation: Behavior Expert, Chase Hughes, from Steve Bartlett’s Facebook page.Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Apr 24, 2025 • 35min
The Power of Partnership Language in Romantic Relationships Ep. 354
Today Elliott and Tim explore the significance of language in relationships and how to avoid potential pitfalls in communication. They discuss how communication styles, gender roles, and temperament influence interactions, especially during conflicts. Elliott shares the importance of using 'we' language to foster unity and understanding in the context of relationships with significant others. We hope today’s conversation will empower you with tools to practice effective communication in your relationships. Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Apr 17, 2025 • 39min
Sarah Knott's Story: Trauma Recovery Through Words & Beliefs Ep. 353
We are joined on today’s episode by Sarah Knott. Sarah has been an avid listener of the podcast and has done counseling with Elliott. She shares with all of us her profound healing journey that started with some physical manifestations but as she explored things deeper found that there were emotional and spiritual elements at play as well. She is also a mom and her little ones were excited to be on the podcast too! So you may hear them in the background from time to time. But just as you’ll hear in her story everything about today’s episode is raw and real. Sarah is also an artist and has a singer/songwriter group with her husband called Acoustic Truth. You can find her website below. We hope this episode will encourage you and we are so thankful for Sarah’s willingness to share her story so openly with our community. Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Sarah Knott / Acoustic TruthWebsite | https://www.acoustictruthofficial.com Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Apr 10, 2025 • 42min
The Collective Trauma of COVID, Part 2 with Jenna McCarthy Ep. 352
Join us for part two of my conversation with Jenna McCarthy, author of, Yankee Doodle Soup for the Fringy, Tin-Foil Hat Wearing, Conspiracy Theorist’s Soul and The War on Ivermectin with Dr. Pierre Kory.We process our parallel journies as COVID dissidents —including the lingering trauma so many of us continue to experience (well, maybe me more than Jenna!)Full disclosure—this episode was a bit of a therapy session for me ☺️. Jenna shared her unrelenting optimism despite all she endured thanks to her COVID dissident stance. Yes, she lost Hollywood contacts and movie deals. Yes, her friendships remain strained. Yes, her family initially resisted her anti-jab position. But she persevered and now Jenna’s is THANKFUL for the COVID trials. She believes her response to the pandemic allowed her to find her life’s purpose and mission.Join us to be blessed by Jenna’s uplifting energy and spirit!Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Jenna McCarthyWebsite: https://jennamccarthy.com/Substack: https://jennasside.rocks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennamccarthyisback/ X: https://x.com/jennawrites Jenna’s Book - Yankee Doodle Soup: https://yankeedoodlesoup.com/Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson