Experiencing the Immanuel Lifestyle:Turning Toxic Stress into Joy with Dr. Karl Lehman

In this powerful episode of The Every Day Royalty Podcast, host Keri Kitchen welcomes back Dr. Karl Lehman, founder of the Immanuel Approach and renowned Christian psychiatrist. Together, they dive into the exciting updates from Dr. Lehman’s global work, discuss the intersections of brain science and spiritual connection, and unpack practical ways to live an "Immanuel lifestyle"—embracing the reality that Jesus wants a personal, interactive relationship with each of us.

Listeners will be inspired to see stress, triggers, and relational challenges as opportunities for deeper healing and connection with God. Dr. Lehman shares research-backed, faith-filled strategies for managing emotional overwhelm, cultivating joy, and building resilient spiritual communities. Real-life stories, humor, and practical steps fill this episode with hope and actionable wisdom.

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Key Points Discussed:

• Immanuel Approach Expansion: Dr. Lehman gives updates on efforts to integrate the approach within military chaplaincy, seminary programs, and global organizations—helping more people experience Jesus’ living presence, even in clinical and research settings.

• Faith & Brain Science: Fascinating insights into how the brain processes stress, distinguishes “bad stress” from “good stress,” and the critical role of relational circuits in emotional and spiritual well-being.

• Practical, Research-Based Tools: Discussion on why physical relaxation techniques, deliberate appreciation, and receiving attunement from God or community can powerfully “turn on” relational circuits and reduce toxic stress.

• Healing Old Wounds: Explores how present-day stress often triggers old trauma, and how the Immanuel lifestyle can help process, metabolize, and find healing for those core wounds.

• Marriage & Relationships: Testimony from Dr. Lehman on how applying these principles transformed his own marriage—reducing conflict and increasing joy, intimacy, and lasting connection.

• Building Community: The importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive Immanuel community to encourage growth, keep you accountable, and practice these rhythms together.

• Moving from Theory to Lifestyle: Why it’s critical to practice these tools consistently and make them a habit—not just something you do when things fall apart.

• Seeing Triggers as Opportunities: Re-framing life’s struggles as invitations from God to deeper healing, maturity, and spiritual growth.

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10 Journal Prompts Inspired by This Episode:

1. When have I experienced “bad stress” lately? What physical or emotional signs did I notice?

2. How do I typically respond when my relational circuits are “off”? How would I like to respond instead?

3. Describe a recent trigger or conflict. What old wounds might have been stirred up?

4. When have I been aware of Jesus’ presence comforting or guiding me in the middle of distress?

5. What physical calming practices (like deep breathing or relaxation) might I try—or return to—this week?

6. Who are the people I can receive loving attunement from? How can I practice being more attuned to them as well?

7. What is one appreciation memory I can revisit today to intentionally “turn on” my relational circuits?

8. How can I cultivate an Immanuel lifestyle in my daily routines—both structured (prayer time) and unstructured (while driving, doing chores, etc.)?

9. Who could I invite into a deeper Immanuel community with me (prayer partners, friends, small group)?

10. In what ways am I seeing growth or deepened maturity in my spiritual life? What areas do I want to see more healing?

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More About Dr. Karl Lehman:

• Website & Resources: For more on the Immanuel Approach, healing tools, and Dr. Lehman’s writings and teachings, visit www.immanuelapproach.com.

• Books: Check out Outsmarting Yourself and other resources referenced in the episode.

• Essays & Community: Look for his recent essays on building Immanuel communities and practical application guides.

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Call to Action:

Are you ready to step into your “every day royalty”—living as a beloved child of God, rooted in His presence every moment, every day?

• Subscribe: Never miss an episode—subscribe to The Every Day Royalty Podcast.

• Share: Know someone who would be encouraged by this episode? Share it with your friends and community!

• Engage: Journal through the prompts above and reflect on your Immanuel journey.

• Connect: Want to go deeper? Reach out to join or start an Immanuel community in your area.

• Follow: Stay connected with Keri and The Every Day Royalty Podcast on social media for more inspiration and resources.

Remember: Don’t waste a good trigger—let every challenge be an invitation to deeper healing and connection with Jesus!