Love & Life with Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott

Question:  I met this guy when I was 18 and he was 19. Three years later, I’ve chosen to break it off after realizing that no matter what, my family won’t accept us as a couple. For context, I belong to an ethnoreligious group—marrying outside the faith is frowned upon, as we work to preserve our identity and heritage. He was raised Christian, but he’s not devout.We never met each other's families, I would always be the one to talk about the future, while he just wanted to ''take it day by day.” He never talked about us with his parents or family.I had several conversations with my mother and because I knew my family would never accept him, I decided it would be best to break it off. When we broke up, he started saying we would probably clash in the future since his family attends Christian church and believes in Jesus.We chose to remain friends because we value our hobbies together and have the same interests. However, it is sometimes hard to set boundaries when it comes to romantic feelings. How do I know if I made the right decision? Would it have been a mistake to leave my family, community, religion, and identity for my boyfriend?Answer:Listen to this week’s episode to hear our advice and recommendations for this listener!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

We all felt the immense pressure to get the COVID vaccine. Many were forced to jab in order to keep their jobs. In some cities, we couldn’t eat in restaurants, buy a cup of coffee, or attend a concert unless we showed proof of vaccination.People rolled up their sleeves. Many regret it because they later learned the “vaccine”prevented neither infection nor transmission. And then there’s the lingering question:  did the spike protein remain in the arm or did it travel throughout the body?One of our listeners fears the spike could continue to negatively impact her health. She asked us for advice. Does Scripture have a word of healing and encouragement for her?Elliott and I discuss some uplifting Bible verses along with strategies from Cognitive Therapy to help her, “take captive every thought to make it obedient to God.” II Corinthians 10:5.We also provide info regarding a Spike Detox supplement from The Wellness Company. If you have any concerns about ridding your body of the spike protein check out our sponsor The Wellness Company below: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

Welcome to part 2 of Love & Life LIVE! Elliott and I recently spoke to his Personality Class at Judson University. In part 2 of our conversation, we take a deep dive into Dr. Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages. We explore the importance of knowing how you and your partner like to give and receive love.Elliott adds his 2 cents with 2 additional love languages he’s observed during his Elliott’s extensive work with couples 👩‍❤️‍👨.If you’re single, this episode is still for you! I share insight from my MANY years in the jungle on the dating scene 😅Join us for Part 2 of Love & Life LIVE!Sources:5 Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapmanhttps://5lovelanguages.com/learnSponsor: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

Welcome to a Love & Life Live! Elliott and I recently spoke to his Personality Class at Judson University and we wanted to share this evening with the Love & Life community. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we focused on the personality of love. Specifically, we delved into the following: What is true love? How do we know when we’re in it? How can we find the “Total Package?” Why are some relationships so incredibly hard? What does psych research teach us about the definition of love? How does understanding our own personality help us better pick our partner? We bring Elliott’s extensive work with couples and my MANY years on the dating scene to this upbeat and interactive discussion. Join us for Part 1 today and Part 2 tomorrow! Sources: Sternberg’s Triangle Theory of Love https://www.verywellmind.com/types-of-love-we-experience-2303200 Lee’s Color Theory of Love https://weddingbandmart.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/john-lees-theory-of-colors-of-love/ Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

The Valentine’s season can be difficult if you’re single and you don’t want to be. We’re wired for intimacy and connection—it’s normal to feel a huge void when we’re waiting to meet our person. The season can also be rough for couples if your relationship is rocky. You’re supposed to feel all lovey-dovey, but at the moment, you really can’t stand your partner. Your happily ever after” has turned into disaster. Elliott and I discuss strategies to move through the season of love. I share how I handled my many Valentine’s Days as a single woman. Elliott provides insight from his 30+ years working with couples in crisis and marriage recovery. Join us for love and support during the Valentine’s season! Previous Episode Resources: Ep. 303 - Paula Scanlan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/save-womens-sports-with-former-upenn-swimmer-paula/id1183475201?i=1000655071522 Ep. 229 - How to Move Through Loneliness at Valentine's: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-move-through-loneliness-at-valentines-ep-229/id1183475201?i=1000598843007 Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

In today's episode, Dr. Karin and Pastor Elliott tackle a conversation they've been wanting to have for a long time: Toxic Masculinity vs. Toxic Femininity. We cover the following: - Defining both toxicities (including A.I.'s definitions...) - How do these traits present themselves in individuals and within our relationships? - How does nature vs. nurture impact these traits? - What role does societal expectations play? - What's the Biblical perspective on this topic? - How do we navigate these gender dynamics? Thank you for joining today. Please leave us comment and let us know what you think of this episode and other content you want us to cover in 2025! Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Inauguration Day brings up myriad emotions—either excitement and hope for a bright future or, fear, anger, and disappointment. What happens when your dearest friends feel the exact opposite emotions? Tim and I sit down for a few minutes to discuss the inauguration and specifically, the Make America Healthy Again Inaugural Ball which Dan and I attended on the 20th. We reveled in the hope of RFKJ being nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services. If confirmed, he can actually address issues that have been buried for years! The link between the CDC childhood vaccination schedule and the rise in autism. The enormous power Big Pharma wields over our government and public health—demonstrated most recently with COVID mandates. The failure of the FDA to protect us from carcinogenic pesticides like glyphosate. Just to name a few! But, what about our friends and family who feel threatened by other policy issues on the new administration’s agenda? Do they see my enthusiasm for MAHA as a betrayal of our friendship? Tim joins me to process this and more. ❤️🤍💙 Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

“How long will I be in trauma recovery?” Whether we’re in therapy or working on our issues through self help books and podcasts, we often wonder, will I EVER truly heal from this wound? Elliott and I wanted to address this important concern—especially because Elliott recently received this exact question from a listener.  Shortly thereafter, he stumbled upon a Keith Crossley reel speaking to this. Keith Crossley’s work is new to us—so we can’t vouch for all his viewpoints—but his perspective on what’s required for healing vs. recovery resonated with our philosophy. Specifically, we consider: When we “own” our trauma and it becomes part of our core identity. The limitations inherent to a victim mentality vs. the possibilities of an empowered mindset! Why some counselors may unwittingly prolong clients’ recovery. What antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds actually do (spoiler alert:  they DON’T heal!) God’s word to those hurting and trying to heal i.e. ALL of us! If you’re feeling stuck and you’re looking for solutions, this conversation is for you! Please join us! Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

A new year brings a fresh start—a chance to make changes and set goals! We wanted to kick off 2025 by talking about the importance of reflection in the midst of making resolutions and intentions for the new year.  To do so, we’re answering a listener’s question. Question:  So, I make horrible choices in men apparently, and I have finally met somebody that I feel like is a good person—a perfect person for me. And, I’m absolutely terrified of him because he’s so nice and he’s so genuine, and he’s such a good person. How do I retrain my brain to not be scared of someone who is going to be good to me instead of settling for people who I know are just not good people? Elliott and I answer her question by discussing how we can change dynamics that aren’t working for us. We share strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment Theory, along with how to see ourselves as God sees us. We also consider a tool I recently heard in an interview with Brené Brown—“What story am I telling myself?” Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

The holidays can be rough. Family dynamics can be complicated and messy. On today's special Christmas Eve episode we dive into a question Elliott received from a listener about how to deal with difficult family dynamics after a divorce that involves kids. We hope today's episode will give you a sense of support and encouragement during this holiday season. Merry Christmas and thank you for listening! Sponsor: The Wellness Company Website: ⁠https://www.twc.health/lovelife⁠ Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order! Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/ Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson