Love and Life with Dr. Karin and Pastor Elliott

Latest Episodes:

How Can We Be Friends if You Vote for _______? Ep. 315 Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

The election is upon us and the political divide—well, it’s probably better described as a chasm.

So, we weren’t surprised to receive this question from a listener:

“I’ve seen this rhetoric start to pop up on social media, leading into the election: ‘Don’t tell someone you love them, and then vote for someone who will hurt them.’

How do we deal with this type of divisive statement?”

Our listener also indicated she’s single and in her 40s. She’s an only child, so her friends are absolutely family to her.

Yet, if she votes for a particular candidate, her friends believe she’s choosing to hurt them.

I had a lot of thoughts about this. Like our listener, I have many friends who take issue with my choices around such issues. Most of these friends won’t talk to me about why I hold these values.

Many people would recommend we steer clear of these topics. Then again, if we don’t talk about what matters most to us, how can we have deep, authentic relationships?

Elliott and I share how we would respond to a friend who asked us, “How can you say you love me, yet you’re voting for someone who hurts me?”

Elliott brings in the spiritual—“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

I postulate that the “powers that be” gin up “culture wars” to keep us attacking each other, rather than recognizing how the ruling class//oligarchs continue to oppress us.

If you’re struggling to navigate political divisiveness this election season, please join us!

Sponsors:

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Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson

Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/

Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook

Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

Abortions at the DNC: How This Relates to Our What is a Man? Series Ep. 314 Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

Elliott didn’t know about this—I’m way more into current events than he is—so I decided to inform him during our episode. I wanted him to share his thoughts as a therapist, husband, father, and perhaps most importantly, as a pastor.

Abortion is a heavy, sensitive, and painful, subject—at least, it used to be. Clinton claimed it should be, “Safe, legal, and rare.”

Now women are encouraged to, “Shout Your Abortion!”

What’s going on?

I share some theories as to how we’ve arrived at this place—views around Second and Third Wave Feminism and how women have fought for a sexual revolution that fails to serve us, but works for men just fine.

We integrate our question, “What is a Man?” throughout the conversation. Elliott asserts that men may have failed women which also relates to the current landscape of women displaying their fielty to a political party by killing their unborn children.

Join us for another Love & Life Current Events episode and hear Elliott’s og story of getting kicked out of Social Studies during an 8th grade current events unit! 😉

Sponsors:

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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

What is a Man? Part 3: Theology of Man Ep. 313 Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

Today Pastor Elliott and Producer Tim continue our series on "What is a Man?"

In his work as a counselor and pastor Elliott has developed a thesis for what he believes makes up the theology of a man based on the book of Genesis.

Specifically Elliott dives into the following topics:

Accountability
Responsibility
Sacrifice
Interdependence
And how men facility all of these topics into their lives personally, relationally, and ultimately into their communities at large.

We hope this episode will provide insights into your personal relationships and lead you to a life of thriving in your mind, body, and spirit!

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

What is a Man? Part 2: Female Boxing Controversy at The Olympics Ep. 312 Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

As you’ve likely heard, last week Olympic boxer Imane Khelif beat Angela Carini in a bout that lasted only 46 seconds.

Carini said of Khelif’s punch to her nose, “I’ve never been hit so hard in my life.”

Controversy ensued because just last year, Khelif had been disqualified from competing in the World Boxing Championships in the women’s category because of testosterone levels that were higher than permissible.

In prior Love & Life episodes, we’ve addressed the touchy subject of men competing against women. We interviewed Paula Scanlan (former UPenn swimmer) in episode 303, author Kara Dansky (The Abolition of Sex: How the “Transgender” Agenda Harms Women and Girls) in episode 245, and radical feminist Isabella Malbin in episode 193.

With the current controversy still brewing, Elliott and I wanted to share our thoughts. We speak to realities of developmental psychology and biology, along with a Biblical vantage point.

We tackle two questions many people currently struggle to answer or would prefer to avoid, “What is a man?” and “What is a woman?”

Elliott and I start with basic biology—if you have XX, chromosomes you are female. If you have XY chromosomes, you are male.

That being said, in some very rare cases of genetic anomalies, determining a person’s sex can be more complicated. Intersexed individuals (or, what is now known as DSD—Disorders of Sex Development) make up 0.018% (Sax, 2022).

We strive to approach this topic from a place of love. As a husband, father, and big brother, Elliott wants to protect girls and women. As a former female athlete, aunt, and stepmother, I want to protect women’s sports and the future of womanhood itself.

Join us for a conversation we need to have, yet many avoid.

Sax L. How common is intersex? a response to Anne Fausto-Sterling. J Sex Res. 2002 Aug;39(3):174-8. doi: 10.1080/00224490209552139. PMID: 12476264.

Fun fact! The author of the article above appeared on Love & Life in episodes 33 and 34!

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

Dying to Be Free! How to Take Charge in Oppressive Times with Dr. Leland Stillman Ep. 311 Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

Our world feels increasingly chaotic and morally inverted. And for those who remain skeptical and endeavor to think critically and rationally, it’s extremely overwhelming.

As you know from episode 294 “COVID Trauma: How to Move Through Post COVID Stress Disorder,” Elliott and I have lost trust in many, if not most, of the institutions we once thought were at least somewhat honorable.

Who can we trust? What’s going on behind the scenes? Who’s actually in charge and why are they so determined to strip us of our rights?

I frequently listen to Dr. Joseph Mercola’s podcast and when I heard his interview with Dr. Leland Stillman, I immediately bought Dr. Stillman’s book, Dying to be Free: How America's Ruling Class Is Killing and Bankrupting Americans, and What to Do About It.

I devoured the book in a few days. It covers an enormous amount of ground and provides answers to questions like the ones I posed above.

If you’re not familiar with Dr. Leland Stillman and his work, I’m thrilled to introduce you to him in today’s episode.

Our father told us to “Take Charge” in every aspect of our lives. If you want to know how to take charge in these oppressive times, this episode is for you!

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. Leland Stillman

Website: https://stillmanmd.com/

Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson

Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/

Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook

Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson

What is a Man? Part 1: A Tribute to My Father-in-Law Ep. 310 Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

My father-in-law passed away a month ago. We knew his death was imminent, so we weren’t caught off guard, but I was definitely surprised by the depth of my grief. I’d only known Max for 14 years and because I was in my 40s when I joined the Abrell family, I hadn’t had the years of connection with him. Yet my grief was significant and multifaceted.

My mom, Elliott, and our brother, Warren, attended the funeral. At the end of the service, Dan opened up the floor for anyone who might want to say something to honor Max. I tried to get my courage up but I was afraid I’d cry too hard and make everyone feel uncomfortable.

I left the service full of regret for not having shared how much Max meant to me, and how blessed I felt to have been his daughter-in-law. Even though I didn’t have the chance to know Max longer, I nevertheless feel his influence every day in my marriage. He raised the love of my life and for that, I’m so incredibly grateful.

I wish I’d shared these thoughts with those who attended the funeral.

At the meal after the service, Elliott told me how learning more about Max stirred within him ideas about what it means to be a man of honor, integrity, and character. Since he works with young men and teaches them at Judson University, he sees how much GenZers could learn from the men of Max’s generation!

To make up for my lack of courage at the funeral, we decided to kick off our new series, “What is a Man?” with a tribute to one of the best there’s ever been—Max L. Abrell.

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

Do These 3 Things TODAY to Level Up Your Mindset! Ep. 309 Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

As psychotherapists, Elliott and I obviously view love and life through a psychological lens. We take a holistic approach to love and life—underscoring the interaction of our mind, body, and spirit. Elliott takes this approach in his role as a pastor, too. He reads the Bible and interprets scripture through this lens. God designed psychology—meaning, how God created human thinking and behaving.

Which is why I love Elliott’s recent sermon and why we wanted to share it with you. Elliott describes 3 simple, Biblically based steps we can take to level up your mindset—or as the Bible puts it, “renew your mind.”

I claim they’re simple steps, but I don’t mean to suggest they’re easy. That being said, since God created us and therefore knows best how our minds work, it makes perfect sense to look to His word in our efforts to renew our minds or, as we say on Love & Life, “take charge of your thoughts to take charge of your life!”

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

Single and NOT Settling! with Vanessa Maree Ep. 308 Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

Please enjoy this conversation Dr. Karin had on the Single and Not Settling podcast!

A note from Vanessa of Single and Not Settling:

"This is absolutely a dream come true. I was so nervous throughout this interview as I could have pinched myself, achieving this goal of mine. You see in 2020 after I was ghosted and the world shut down, I found a podcast by Dr Karin. Her advice on dating and relationships gave me hope, taught me so much of what I know today but also helped me dive deeper into why I was choosing the wrong men, it all began to make sense!! On this platform I created, I saw it as an opportunity to personally thank Dr Karin for having such an impact on my life, where I am today and where I continue to grow.

Dr Karin is such a genuine person, so kind and has the best sense of humour!

I am so proud of myself and proud of this episode.

I hope you gain value from Dr Karin as much as I have throughout the years."

In this exciting episode of "Single and NOT Settling," Vanessa Maree sits down with Dr. Karin Anderson Abrell, a psychologist, author, and captivating speaker.

Dr. Karin opens up about her own experience as a "runaway bride" and so much more! Tune in to discover:

The struggle of walking away from a relationship that seems "good enough."

Dealing with the guilt that follows once you've left that relationship behind, and how Dr. Karin finally let go of that guilt.

Insights into ghosting and navigating the world of dating apps.

The importance of understanding your values and finding someone who shares those same values.

High-status dating: What it entails and the impact when women take the lead in dating.

Exploring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and how it can transform negative thoughts into positive outlooks, especially on your dating journey.

Don't miss out on this empowering conversation packed with valuable insights for your dating journey!

Dr Karin's Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook

I'd love to connect with you on Instagram! Head over to

⁠⁠⁠@vanessamaree_wingwoman

________________________________________________

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

Americans are Getting More Therapy, but We’re Less Happy. What’s Going On? Ep. 307 Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

Recently, I read an article in Time Magazine titled, “America Has Reached Peak Therapy. Why Is Our Mental Health Getting Worse?”

Obviously, the content was quite sobering. How is it that mental health awareness is up, stigma is down—and yet, we’re more depressed and anxious than ever!?!

I knew I wanted to discuss the article with Elliott and share it with the Love & Life community.

Specifically, we unpack:

The unintended consequences of a culture of “Mental Health Awareness.”
How health insurance impacts the practice of psychotherapy—and even our understanding of emotional distress in general.
How changes in counselors’ training programs affect not only the therapist/client relationship, but also the psychological community as a whole.

Oh, and let’s not forget Pharma. The realities we highlight throughout the episode wouldn’t be occurring without a healthy dose—pun intended—of Big Pharma influence.

Join us as we break down the current landscape while also providing hope for a more holistic, empowered approach to emotional wellbeing!

Article: https://time.com/6308096/therapy-mental-health-worse-us/

Simon Says by Elliott Anderson: https://www.amazon.com/Simon-Says-Principles-Perspectives-Anderson/dp/0915725207/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21PGSPXG7KW7C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Kqa9NtnahBSuA6fJUyPREA.6ErqUgC2UO2Knyzxu7gH7227M7SxOuadKhb9ZenpX6w&dib_tag=se&keywords=simon+says+elliott+anderson&qid=1717619097&sprefix=simon+says+elliott+anderson%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1

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

Is it Better to Marry Younger or Wait a While? The Debate Continues! Part 2 Ep. 306 May 30, 2024

Show notes

No surprise, Elliott and I had plenty to say on this topic so we broke up the debate into two parts.

In part 1 (ep. 304), Elliott and I tackled 3 questions:

Are younger couples more at risk of codependency because they marry before their identities are sufficiently formed?
Do older couples struggle to adjust to the division of labor and day to day norms because they’re “stuck in their ways?”
What about extended family relationships? Are these easier to develop if we marry younger?

In today’s episode we continue the debate by considering 3 more questions:

Do couples who marry when they’re older struggle more with trust and expectations because they’ve often been hurt many times before? Do they bring more “baggage” to the relationship?
What about the biological clock?
When a husband or wife pivots dramatically regarding career, passions, or goals, is this adjustment easier for younger couples? Or, might older couples take this transition in stride?

Join us for part 2 of our “debate” about when it’s best to marry!

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