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

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

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

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

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

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

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