

Love and Life with Dr. Karin and Pastor Elliott
Dr. Karin and 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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 22, 2024 • 38min
Does America Need Marital Therapy? Techniques from Couples Counseling to Heal Our Division Ep. 329
It struck him as he was working with his clients over the last several weeks.
Americans are divided—much like couples in crisis are divided.
We’re dysregulated from the trauma of an incredibly contentious election and thus, we’re now prone to slip into what Elliott calls the “3 A’s of Intimacy Destruction.”
We Assume, Accuse, and Attack—just like spouses in unhappy marriages.
We Assume the worst in the “other side.” We Accuse them of horrible intentions and actions. We Attack them for their character and values.
We remain rigid in our conceptions of one another. We lose appreciation for the fullness of our friends and family. We see only one aspect of them—who they voted for.
And, if they voted for __________________, they’re now the enemy.
Elliott has witnessed similar dynamics with couples in distress. He shares how techniques from marital therapy could help heal our divided nation.
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

Nov 16, 2024 • 23min
Post Election Stress Disorder: Remaining Connected Despite the Division Ep. 328
The election is behind us, but the division remains.
And, the demonstrations are just getting going. Movements like 4B and Blue Bracelets express rage at men and Trump voters in general.
Women are swearing off sex, shaving off their hair, and wearing bracelets to signify to each other who is “safe” to be around.
Can we possibly remain connected during this volitile time?
I think we can 🙏🏻
And, to navigate these rough waters, I share some thoughts and tools from psychotherapy that could be helpful.
Specifically, we cover:
How to remain grounded in empathy—especially when friends see your vote as an attack on their values and the people they care about.
Techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help us identify cognitive distortions that aren’t serving us.
Why emotional cutoffs tend NOT to be the solution!
Whether you’re happy with the results or deeply disappointed, your relationships have likely been impacted.
Please join us for strategies to move through Post Election Stress Disorder!
Sponsors:
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

Nov 7, 2024 • 38min
Post Election Processing: Managing Your Emotions & Considering the Feelings of Others Ep. 327
With the election now behind us, Elliott and I wanted to share thoughts on how to navigate love and life post election—especially concerning our relationships.
Because half the country is really happy with the results, while the other half feels angry, demoralized, and even afraid.
Specifically, we consider:
How do we build unity in the midst of so much divisiveness?
Can we find common ground?
What does the Bible teach us about submitting to leadership and those in authority?
Join us as Elliott and I discuss how to move through the post election landscape—one in which people we love may feel deep distress, disappointment, and perhaps even anger at those who voted for Trump.
Sponsors:
Authentixx
Website: http://www.authentixx.com
Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order!
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

Nov 5, 2024 • 15min
Let’s Talk About It! The Misogyny of Progressives Ep. 326
On a day when many Progressives will go to the polls to vote for a “woman,” I’d like to share a few thoughts around the misogyny inherent to Leftists’ ideology.
Their logic breaks down immediately as they can’t define what a woman is. So, how can they get excited about voting for a woman hoping she’ll be the first woman president? 🤷♀️ They’ve already established that womanhood is meaningless!!!
Furthermore, the party that prides itself on “female empowerment” nevertheless signals they disparage women at every turn.
They think we’re weak.
They think we’re stupid. Cue Mark Cuban.
They think the female experience can be fully understood by a man in drag.
Finally, the Left asserts the best women are men—certainly in sports, and even in pop culture. In doing so, they advocate for the erasure of women.
I can’t think of a better example of misogyny. Join us for a quick breakdown of voting for a woman because she’s a woman, when one can’t even define what a woman is . . .
Sponsors:
Authentixx
Website: http://www.authentixx.com
Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order!
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

Oct 31, 2024 • 22min
Why I’m Voting for “Hitler”: A COVID Dissident’s Response Ep. 325
I know most people want to move on from COVID.
And, maybe you’re ready to move on from the election.
But, it’s all related—COVID, the election, and our platform of mind, body, & spirit.
I have some thoughts.
Plus, I’d like to explain why I’m voting for “literal Hitler” and his MAGA + MAHA team of courageous dissidents—RFK, Jr., Tulsi, and Elon.
To do so, I respond to 3 current bits of news:
Biden calling Trump supporters “garbage.”
Harris’ cringy TV ad depicting wives defying their husbands by voting for Harris.
The 3 platforms of the MAHA movement—1️⃣ Restoring Free Speech and ending censorship 2️⃣ Exposing the corruption of Big Ag and Big Pharma which is destroying Americans’ health and 3️⃣ Stop the never ending foreign wars.
I don’t hold back. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Sponsors:
Authentixx
Website: http://www.authentixx.com
Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order!
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

Oct 24, 2024 • 46min
Gender Affirming Care for Children: Does it “Follow the Science?” with Psychiatric Nurse David Wayne Ep. 324
It’s such a heated issue—and people on each side believe those who disagree with them are abusing children.
In the last 10 years, we’ve witnessed an exponential increase in the number of kids who feel as if they’re the wrong sex.
Although Gender Dysphoria Disorder remains a psychiatric illness per the DSM-5-TR, it currently is viewed quite differently when compared to other mental conditions.
We don’t “affirm” Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Bipolar or schizophrenia. We treat clients by providing coping mechanisms and helping them ground themselves in reality.
But, we don’t do this with Gender Dysphoria Disorder.
Why is this? Why do we abandon logic, reasoning, and science when addressing Gender Dysphoria?
As a psychiatric nurse, David Wayne finds this confusing, frustrating, and appalling—especially as it pertains to the US’s current approach to treating kids who decide they’re actually the opposite sex.
Join us for an insider’s take on what’s really going on with gender “affirming” care.
Sponsors:
Authentixx
Website: http://www.authentixx.com
Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order!
The Wellness Company
Website: https://www.twc.health/lovelife
Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!
David Wayne
Website: https://www.describe.health/
X: https://x.com/DescribeHealth
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Oct 23, 2024 • 17min
Let's Talk About It: Wife Guys? Masculinity Gets Political Ep. 323
We’re in the midst of a series on masculinity, so I had to weigh in on this one, and I looped in Producer Tim to get a Millennial male’s take.
You’ve probably seen the clip of Jen Psaki interviewing Kamala Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff.
Psaki claimed Emhoff has, “reshaped the perception of masculinity.”
Really?
Psaki then called him a “wife guy.”
Okay . . .
And sure, maybe Doug Emhoff is a super sweet and supportive husband. That’s great!
But, there seemed to be a partisan subtext beneath this exchange. Watching the clip, I had the sense Psaki was insinuating only liberal men fully support their wives.
I wanted to share my reaction to this clip and, Tim agreed to join me.
Spoiler alert: Over my 27 years of dating, I’ve had relationships with both very liberal and very conservative men. I married a conservative. And no one has ever cherished, respected, and adored me more than my conservative husband.
So personally, I’m not picking up what Psaki is laying down.
Join us and let us know your thoughts masculinity and wife guys.
Sponsors:
Authentixx
Website: http://www.authentixx.com
Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order!
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

Oct 17, 2024 • 42min
Faith & Politics: A Pastor’s Take on Voting Ep. 322
Elliott and I didn’t grow up with a lot of political discourse. Our family delved into a wide array of topics, but as educators and musicians, we tended to discuss chord charts and pop tunes more than public policy.
In fact, as most of you know, our father was a lifelong Democrat and our mother is a lifelong Republican. Yet, they possessed the same core values, had a strong 57 year marriage, and raised three well-adjusted kids. Could that happen nowadays?
During most of our lifetime, it was considered impolite to bring up religion and politics. And, pastors often refrained entirely from wading into political waters.
But to me, these times feel different. I was curious if Elliott sensed the same.
So, today we address questions around faith and politics.
We specifically ask:
Should Christians vote?
Is it appropriate for pastors to discuss politics from the pulpit?
Are certain party values for Christian than others?
When Elliott became a pastor, our Dad encouraged him to speak boldly. We’ll honor our father’s wishes and boldly discuss our hot takes on these hot topics.
Join us!
Sponsors:
Authentixx
Website: http://www.authentixx.com
Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order!
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

Oct 10, 2024 • 44min
Pandemic of the Unvaccinated? New Data on COVID Hospitalizations with David Wayne Ep. 321
Psychiatric nurse and friend of the program, David Wayne, is back to discuss what he recently shared on Children’s Health Defense’s CHD.TV.
In addition to nursing, Dave has a background in data analytics. Throughout the COVID era, he tried to make sense of the vaccinated vs. unvaccinated hospitalizations—the numbers weren’t adding up.
Databases weren’t talking to each other. Default modes labeled patients as unvaccinated when in MANY cases, these patients had taken the COVID shot.
For those of us who endured derision and scorn for our “selfish” and “irresponsible” choice to abstain from injecting ourselves with a rushed-to-market, mRNA product with no longitudinal studies confirming its safety and efficacy—well for us, these numbers matter.
It matters that, in fact, more COVID hospitalizations occurred among the vaccinated.
It matters that the shot neither prevented infection nor stopped transmission.
And, it matters that a recent study from the Cleveland Clinic found the more jabs and boosters you took, the MORE likely you are to get COVID.
Dave and I discuss the appalling lack of science guiding our government’s COVID response and the tyrannical jab mandates the administration forced upon us—we’re still astounded.
If you feel the same—and even if you don’t!—Please join us as our favorite hospital insider reveals what was really going on!
Citation:
Cleveland Clinic Studies
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.27.24306378v2
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.17.22283625v5
Sponsors:
Authentixx
Website: http://www.authentixx.com
Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order!
The Wellness Company
Website: https://www.twc.health/lovelife
Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!
David Wayne
Website: https://www.describe.health/
X: https://x.com/DescribeHealth
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Oct 3, 2024 • 50min
Masculinity in the Midst of a Father Wound with Bradley Oberrieder Ep. 320
Growing up is tough. Growing up with a father wound is even tougher.
As we continue our series on masculinity, we’re addressing the complexities of father wounds on sons.
How do boys grow into men when their model for manhood has been abusive or absent?
One of Elliott’s mentees, Bradley Oberrieder, joins us to share his journey—how his father abandoned his family just as Bradley was moving from adolescence to young adulthood.
How do you step into manhood when you no longer respect your dad—your model of manhood?
If you’ve experienced a father wound—or you’re dating a man who has—please join us for an honest and hopeful account of masculinity in the midst of a father wound.
Sponsors:
Authentixx
Website: http://www.authentixx.com
Code: LOVELIFE for 10% off your order!
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


