Love and Life with Dr. Karin and Pastor Elliott

Latest Episodes:

New Year, New Love—How to Fall for Someone GOOD for You! Ep. 335 Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

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

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

Show notes

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

What if You’re NOT Feeling Merry & Bright This Christmas? Ep. 333 Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

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

Criminalization of Masculinity: A Pastor’s Response to the Daniel Penny Trial Ep. 332 Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

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

Inconsiderate Conversations at Christmas - What Do I Do? Ep. 331 Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

It’s the most wonderful time of year! And also, it’s a season full of intense emotions.

We head out to parties to celebrate with friends and family. But, what if we don’t connect with our loved ones the way we used to? What if our family doesn’t understand who we’ve become?

As the saying goes, “You always hurt the ones you love.”

And, those we love will hurt us, too.

This week, Elliott and I answer 2 questions about how to relate to those we care about when we find ourselves in different seasons of life. How can we navigate these waters—especially during the holidays?

We share practical strategies for maintaining connection while also establishing boundaries when necessary.

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

Why My Marriage Broke Down with Rachel Hui Ep. 330 Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

On today's podcast we are joined by one of our listeners Rachel Hui who shares her personal story on how her marriage ended and the journey she's been on to find healing in the aftermath of divorce.

We are so grateful for Rachel's courage and vulnerability to share her story and we hope it will inspire you.

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

Does America Need Marital Therapy? Techniques from Couples Counseling to Heal Our Division Ep. 329 Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

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

Post Election Stress Disorder: Remaining Connected Despite the Division Ep. 328 Nov 16, 2024

Show notes

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

Post Election Processing: Managing Your Emotions & Considering the Feelings of Others Ep. 327 Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

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

Let’s Talk About It! The Misogyny of Progressives Ep. 326 Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

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