
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

Feb 14, 2025 • 51min
Love & Life LIVE - Part 2: 5 Love Languages & Attachment Styles! Ep. 341
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

Feb 13, 2025 • 58min
Love & Life LIVE - Part 1: The Personality of Love❣️Understand Yourself and Your Partner! Ep. 340
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

Feb 6, 2025 • 44min
How to Handle Valentine’s Day When You’re Single—Or Wish You Were! Ep. 339
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

Jan 30, 2025 • 38min
Toxic Masculinity vs. Toxic Femininity Ep. 338
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

Jan 23, 2025 • 32min
Post Inauguration Thoughts: Can Friends Survive the Next Four Years? Ep. 337
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

Jan 16, 2025 • 41min
Are You Truly Healing or Stuck in Endless “Recovery?” Ep. 336
“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

Jan 9, 2025 • 24min
New Year, New Love—How to Fall for Someone GOOD for You! Ep. 335
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

Dec 24, 2024 • 30min
Messy Christmas: Broken Relationships During the Holidays Ep. 334
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

Dec 19, 2024 • 37min
What if You’re NOT Feeling Merry & Bright This Christmas? Ep. 333
Christmas time is here! We’re supposed to feel merry and bright!
But, what if we don’t feel joyful at all? What if we’re pretty darn miserable?
Maybe you’re grieving—it’s the first Christmas since your father passed away.
Maybe you’re lonely—you’re staring down yet another round of holiday parties without a plus 1.
Maybe you’re worried—your kid’s hanging with the wrong crowd.
Maybe you’re depressed—your divorce was just finalized.
How can we experience the joy of the season in the midst of deep emotional suffering?
Elliott and I share our thoughts, along with recommendations and support from Scripture for embracing the beauty of Christmas despite the pain of current circumstances.
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

Dec 17, 2024 • 22min
Criminalization of Masculinity: A Pastor’s Response to the Daniel Penny Trial Ep. 332
Another current event weaves its way into our series on masculinity . . .
This week I heard Newsweek’s Batya Ungar-Sargon’s take on the Daniel Penny prosecution.
She viewed it in a way I hadn’t considered. She framed the prosecution itself as an attack on masculinity.
I wanted to hear Elliott’s thoughts as a pastor, husband, and father.
Has our society completely turned its back on men’s God given instinct to protect?
Join us for another Love & Life commentary on current events.
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20
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