Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol
Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol is a weekly podcast dedicated to helping men, women, and couples experience good health, loving relationships and joyful spirituality that Jesus came to bring.
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From Awkward Side Hugs to Authentic Touch: Building Healthy Church Relationships
04/28/2026
From Awkward Side Hugs to Authentic Touch: Building Healthy Church Relationships
What if the church's approach to relationships between men and women has been doing more harm than good? In this episode, we sit down with author Bronwyn Lea to unpack the ideas behind her book Beyond Awkward Side Hugs — a thoughtful challenge to the rules-heavy, fear-driven culture that has left many Christians, especially singles, feeling like second-class members of the body of Christ. Bronwyn makes the case that healthy, embodied community isn't built on caution tape and rigid boundaries, but on an inner transformation of character that allows men and women to relate to one another as true brothers and sisters in Christ. We also dig into some of the more countercultural ideas in Bronwyn's work — from the healing power of non-sexual touch, to what it truly means to be a "friend to a marriage," to how church leaders can break down gender silos and create the conditions for genuine belonging. As loneliness reaches epidemic levels in our culture, Bronwyn argues the church is uniquely positioned to a powerful antidote — but only if it's willing to move past awkwardness and into authentic, whole-person community. This is a conversation that will challenge how you think about friendship, integrity, and what it truly means to live as brothers and sisters in Christ. More from Bronwyn Lea on , , or Find Bronwyn's book More about Dr. Carol Ministries: . A multi-day way to experience true healing and wholeness in a safe environment as you unpack your story around intimacy and relationships while inviting Jesus to be part of that story. provides a one-on-one format to help you navigate your personal journey through practical encouragement and scriptural based perspective. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can send a confidential message .
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One Woman's Journey Through Betrayal, Loss, and Reconstructed Faith
04/21/2026
One Woman's Journey Through Betrayal, Loss, and Reconstructed Faith
Vaneetha Risner grew up believing that faithfully following Jesus would ensure a stable, fulfilling life. So when her marriage collapsed, it didn't just break her heart; it shattered the framework upon which she had built her identity. In this deeply personal conversation, Vaneetha opens up about the layered grief of divorce — a loss she describes as a kind of death that the church too often meets with judgment instead of compassion — and how that pain sat alongside other devastating trials, including contracting polio as a child, losing an infant son, and a later post-polio diagnosis. Though Vaneetha experienced deep heartache and betrayal, her story centers around a renewed and reconstructed faith. She shares how reaching the absolute end of herself forced a new and desperate hunger for God, and how the biblical practice of lament became a lifeline, a place to pour out bitterness without fear of judgment. She offers candid wisdom on forgiveness (including why forgiving too quickly can actually delay healing) and the importance of becoming whole before pursuing remarriage. Listeners will also gain practical insight on how to support others in crisis through her “SHOWUP” framework. This episode is a powerful reminder that even when life doesn’t go according to plan, faith can be rebuilt in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. For more about Vaneetha Risner, check out , , , or Find Vaneetha's book: Here's . For more from Dr. Carol, check out her article Find out more about Dr. Carol Ministries: . Experience true healing and wholeness in a safe environment as you unpack your story around intimacy and relationships while inviting Jesus to be part of that story. . This provides a one-on-one format to help you navigate your personal journey. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can send a confidential message .
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Tired, Restless, and Searching: The Spiritual Reality Behind Modern Life
04/14/2026
Tired, Restless, and Searching: The Spiritual Reality Behind Modern Life
Have you ever felt a quiet, persistent restlessness — a sense that no matter how good life gets, something still feels off? In this episode, Niki Kirby unpacks the powerful biblical theme of “exile” from her book The Garden of Exile, revealing how the human story—from Eden to eternity—is one of displacement and longing for true home. She reframes modern discomfort as a spiritual ache for shalom, inviting listeners to see their discontent not as something to numb, but as something that points to God’s greater restoration story. Drawing from Scripture, Niki shares how we can live faithfully in exile as she explores how we are called to build, plant, love, and multiply even in a broken world. From navigating spiritual warfare and avoiding distraction, to embracing relationships as tools of sanctification, she offers a grounded and hopeful vision for everyday faithfulness. With a powerful emphasis on lament as holy ground and hope as a daily fight, this conversation reminds us that while we may not feel at home here, we are not without purpose—and restoration is coming. For more about Niki Kirby, check out , , or . Find Niki's book For more from Dr. Carol, check out: Dr. Carol's article . Experience true healing and wholeness in a safe environment as you unpack your story around intimacy and relationships while inviting Jesus to be part of that story. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can send a confidential message .
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Why Doing More Isn’t Changing You (and What Will)
04/07/2026
Why Doing More Isn’t Changing You (and What Will)
What if the life you’ve built—doing the right things, saying the right words, holding it all together—isn’t actually bringing the transformation your soul longs for? In this new monthly feature of Relationship Prescriptions, Dr. Carol is joined by Zion and Avery Montgomery for an honest, deeply personal conversation about the shift from performance to presence. They explore how real change begins not with striving, but with becoming secure in your identity in God, and how unresolved trauma, both big and small, quietly shapes the way you relate to yourself, others, and Him. Through stories from their own journeys and their work in immersive intensives, they unpack why healing requires more than insight. It requires safe spaces, honest relationships, and the courage to let Jesus meet you in the places you’ve kept hidden. From the power of vulnerability and community to the surprising freedom found in surrender, this conversation is an invitation to something deeper. The question isn’t whether change is possible—it’s this: Do you want to be well? Find out more about Interested in a one-on-one format? Find out more about . Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can send a confidential message .
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A Holy Week Reflection on Redemption
03/31/2026
A Holy Week Reflection on Redemption
In this special Holy Week episode of Relationship Prescriptions, Dr. Carol reflects on the meaning of Easter and the transforming power of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Sharing her personal story of encountering Jesus during a Good Friday service—an experience she now celebrates as her spiritual birthday—Dr. Carol explores why the resurrection is the most pivotal event in human history. She invites listeners to look beyond a limited understanding of forgiveness alone and consider the full scope of what Jesus accomplished through His sacrifice and victory. The episode unpacks the human “sin problem” in three dimensions: our sinful actions that require forgiveness, the deep woundedness and brokenness within us that need healing, and the spiritual bondage from which Christ has secured victory. Dr. Carol explains how Jesus provides complete forgiveness, offers deep inner restoration, and triumphs over the powers of darkness, while inviting believers to respond through repentance, choosing healing, and standing firmly in His victory. Grounded in the hope of becoming more like Christ and living in God’s kingdom, this conversation encourages listeners to experience the fuller transformation made possible through the resurrection. For 7 simple (though not guaranteed to be easy) keys to living more Fully Alive, . Find out more about - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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Extraordinary Sex for Christian Couples
03/24/2026
Extraordinary Sex for Christian Couples
In this candid and “spicy” conversation, Dr. Carol sits down with Matt and Jen Schmidt to explore how couples can have healthy, mature conversations about sex in marriage. Addressing a topic many couples avoid or only discuss in terms of conflict or frustration, this episode expands listeners’ vocabulary, mindset, and comfort in talking openly about intimacy. Together, they unpack both theological and practical perspectives on married sex, discuss common barriers to connection, and offer insights into how couples can move toward greater closeness, understanding, and fulfillment. Drawing from their own journey and their work through Intimate Covenant, Matt and Jen share why they believe Christian marriages should model an extraordinary sex life and how couples can begin cultivating that vision. The conversation offers encouragement for those navigating challenges such as emotional barriers, negative patterns, or unresolved struggles around sexuality, while pointing listeners to additional resources for growth, healing, and transformation. This episode invites married couples to embrace a richer vision of intimacy within their relationship. Note: this episode is candid without being graphic. And it does not specifically address trauma, infidelity, or similar issues. Connect with Matt and Jenn Schmidt through , , or . Find their . Check out Dr. Carol's article Find out more about - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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AI and the Soul: The Way of Jesus in an Algorithm-Driven Culture
03/17/2026
AI and the Soul: The Way of Jesus in an Algorithm-Driven Culture
In this wrap-up episode to our AI and the Soul series, Dr. Carol explores how algorithms and artificial intelligence are shaping not just our habits but our souls, offering “relationship prescriptions” for navigating the growing influence of digital technology. She examines how the digital world subtly “disciples” us, training us to expect life to be easy, quick, constantly stimulating, and within our control, while real growth, spiritual formation, and the way of Jesus are often slow, difficult, and beyond our control. While emphasizing that AI itself is neither good nor bad, she warns that its influence is never neutral, raising concerns about diminished mental capacity, weakened emotional self-regulation, and the erosion of authentic intimacy with others and with God when technology becomes a substitute rather than a tool. This episode will challenge you to examine how technology is forming your values and behaviors, and encourages thoughtful boundaries that prioritize spiritual growth, authentic connection, and becoming more like Jesus in a digital age. For 7 simple (though not guaranteed to be easy) keys to living more Fully Alive, . Find out more about - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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AI and the Soul: A Psychologist Talks About Loneliness and the Digital World
03/10/2026
AI and the Soul: A Psychologist Talks About Loneliness and the Digital World
In this thought-provoking conversation, Jason VanRuler joins Dr. Carol to explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence on human relationships, intimacy, and spiritual life. Together they examine emerging trends, such as young people forming “relationships” with AI, and discuss what defines genuine connection, including truth, challenge, authenticity, and emotional depth. While AI can offer affirmation, the conversation highlights its limitations as a “yes man” that cannot replace the vulnerability and growth found in real human relationships. They also unpack how technology and social media can encourage curated identities, distract from authentic intimacy, and tempt people to settle for surface-level connection rather than meeting deeper relational needs. The episode also offers practical and spiritual guidance for cultivating real intimacy in a digital age. VanRuler shares how self-awareness, honesty, and small steps toward vulnerability, along with practices like prayer, can help individuals grow in authentic connection with God and others. The discussion addresses the spiritual risks of overreliance on AI and encourages discernment in using technology as a tool rather than a substitute for relationship. Listeners will also discover practical habits for setting healthy digital boundaries, protecting presence, and prioritizing what matters most. Connect with Jason VanRuler on , , or . Find Jason's book Find out more about - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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AI and the Soul: A Pastor Talks About Embodied Faith in a Disembodied Age
03/03/2026
AI and the Soul: A Pastor Talks About Embodied Faith in a Disembodied Age
Christianity has always been an embodied faith—rooted in presence, touch, community, and shared life. But we now live in a world of digital discipleship, online relationships, and increasingly, AI-shaped interactions. What does this mean for the church, for our spiritual formation, and for the kind of community our hearts were made for? In this episode in our series AI and the Soul, Dr. Carol sits down with Jay Kim, pastor and author of Analog Church and Analog Christian, to talk about why physical presence matters more than ever. They discuss how AI and digital tools can help or hinder real-life connection, what gets lost when faith becomes mediated through screens, and how followers of Jesus can cultivate embodied practices in a culture of instant convenience. If you’re longing for deeper connection, wondering how AI will affect Christian community, or trying to navigate technology with wisdom, this episode offers both challenge and hope. Find out more about Jay Kim on , , , or Find Jay's book Find out more about - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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AI and the Soul: A Theologian Talks about How AI may be Forming US
02/24/2026
AI and the Soul: A Theologian Talks about How AI may be Forming US
Artificial intelligence is becoming woven into everyday life – our work, our personal lives, even our emotional and spiritual reality. But what does this technology do to us as people made in the image of God? In this first of our series on "AI and the Soul", Dr. Carol talks with Dr. John Dyer, professor, author, and leading thinker on theology and technology, about how our tools shape our souls. You’ll hear why AI is a helpful tool, but also how it quietly forms our desires, habits, and spiritual practices in ways we rarely notice. Together they explore what makes humans unique, how AI might influence discipleship and our relationship with God, and how Christians can use emerging tools wisely without losing what makes us wonderfully human. This conversation will help you wrestle with how AI may be discipling you in ways you don't realize, and provide a thoughtful, theologically grounded perspective on this hot topic. Find out more about Dr. John Dyer or through . Find out more about - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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What Jesus Really Teaches About Marriage and Divorce
02/17/2026
What Jesus Really Teaches About Marriage and Divorce
In this episode, we take up one of the most painful and frequently asked questions in the church: What about God and divorce? Whether someone is in a miserable marriage, has been left by a spouse, or is carrying the wounds of divorce, this conversation is both challenging and important. We unpack the biblical meaning of covenant, and why divorce is so devastating—not because it ranks highest on some hierarchy of sins, but because it tears apart something God intended to reflect His faithful love. "God hates divorce” is not condemnation, but is a window into the grief of a Father who sees His children wounded. Jesus’ own words acknowledge that divorce exists “because of the hardness of human hearts,” naming both the reality of human cruelty and the complexity of real-life situations. And we offer careful discernment rather than simplistic rules. There are reasons not to leave a marriage, and there are situations where separation or divorce may become necessary. This episode invites listeners to seek God’s wisdom above all else, to invite trusted voices who will ask hard questions, and to pray honestly, “Lord, who are You calling me to be in this season?” Throughout Scripture, God speaks to His people as a betrayed yet faithful spouse—and this episode holds that tension: the seriousness of covenant, the pain of its rupture, and the relentless faithfulness of a God who does not abandon us, even when we break faith with Him. These articles from Dr. Carol may be helpful for you: Find out more about - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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When Feelings Fade: Keeping a Relationship Alive When Romance Wears Off
02/10/2026
When Feelings Fade: Keeping a Relationship Alive When Romance Wears Off
Today Dr. Carol is joined by Lindsey Maestas, a writer and podcast host known for saying the hard things gently, and for telling the truth about love with honesty, depth, and compassion. Together, we talk about what happens when the feeling of being “in love” begins to fade, and why romance alone is never enough to sustain a relationship. Lindsey shares vulnerable stories about her own marriage, including a season when she was ready to call it quits, and the inner shifts that led her to choose staying, growth, and daily faithfulness instead of walking away. We explore common relational patterns that quietly erode intimacy over time, including attachment dynamics, icing one another out, and making a partner responsible for needs only God can truly meet. She also speaks candidly about phone addiction, modern distraction, and the ways divided attention weakens connection and intimacy. And there's plenty of hope and practical wisdom, contrasting grand gestures with the power of daily consistency. We talk about habits, self-discipline, and small, repeated investments that keep love alive over the long haul. This conversation invites listeners to embrace a deeper, steadier vision of love, one rooted not in fleeting feelings, but in presence, intention, and choosing one another again and again. Connect with Lindsey Maestas on or . Find Lindsey's book Check out the Find out more about - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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How to Love Authentically
02/03/2026
How to Love Authentically
You've heard of the Five Love Languages. But what's next? In this episode, we’re joined by marriage and family therapist and author Leslie Parrot to explore what it really means to love in ways that are not just well-intended, but deeply felt. Good intentions alone aren’t enough, but empathy and curiosity help bridge the gap between how we express love and how it’s actually received. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and relational wisdom, Leslie offers insight into why a deeper understanding of love languages matters, not as a formula, but as a pathway to deeper connection. And what fills your “love tank”, or that of someone you care about? This isn't only for marriage; we also widen the lens to consider how these principles apply in friendships, families, and other relationships. We discuss how personality shapes the way we give and receive love, why each love language includes different “dialects,” and how becoming a better listener is central to loving well. This episode invites you to slow down, listen more deeply, and practice a kind of love that doesn’t just get expressed, but truly lands. Connect with Les and Leslie Parrott on , , or . Find the book by Gary Chapman, and Les and Leslie Parrott: Check out the Join Les and Leslie Parrott and other experts online during National Marriage Week, February 7-14. . Check out the Find out more about - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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The Story Beneath the Struggle: How a Former Transgender Found Transformation
01/27/2026
The Story Beneath the Struggle: How a Former Transgender Found Transformation
Dr. Linda Seiler decided to follow Jesus in high school, but her sexual and emotional struggles didn’t simply disappear. In this episode, she shares her own story and the insight she’s gained through decades of ministry and trauma-informed care. Now an ordained Assemblies of God minister and Executive Director of ReStory Ministries, Linda helps us explore what was missing in the early years of her faith journey and why sincere belief alone often isn’t enough to bring freedom. We talk candidly about how modern culture frames sexual orientation and gender identity as fixed and immutable, and why Linda believes there is always a reason beneath the behavior—and therefore real hope for resolution. This conversation offers deep compassion for those who feel discouraged, weary, or stuck in repeated cycles or sin or brokenness. We explore where healing actually begins: love, truth, identity in Christ, and community—not performance or results-driven spirituality. Linda cautions against turning transformation itself into an idol and invites listeners into a more patient, grace-filled vision of change. If you’ve ever wondered why change takes so long, how trauma shapes desire, or how identity and belonging influence healing, this episode offers clarity, hope, and a wider vision of redemption. Connect with Dr. Linda Seiler at , , or . Find Linda's book Find out more about Dr. Carol Ministries - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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Built to Last: Timeless Truths for Your Marriage
01/20/2026
Built to Last: Timeless Truths for Your Marriage
Need some marriage wisdom? Greg Smalley has spent his entire life immersed in conversations about marriage. As the son of the late Gary Smalley—and now Vice President of Marriage and Family Formation at Focus on the Family—Greg has witnessed up close both the beauty and the messiness of intimate relationships. In this conversation, Greg reflects on why he chose to step into this demanding work, what drew him to a calling so intertwined with his family legacy, and how his own 30+ year marriage to Erin has shaped what he teaches today. We also explore how marriage challenges have shifted over the decades. From cultural pressure and emotional disconnection to technology, stress, and changing expectations, Greg offers perspective on what’s new, what’s intensified, and what remains surprisingly constant. Finally, he distills decades of ministry into a few core factors that consistently mark marriages that go the distance. Whether you’re newly married, decades in, or simply hopeful about love, this episode offers grounded wisdom, encouragement, and a hopeful vision for building a marriage that lasts. Find out more and connect with Greg Smalley through Check out the podcast Greg and his wife Erin Smalley do together - Find Greg's book Check out the Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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Untangling God from the Wound: Healing After Spiritual Abuse
01/13/2026
Untangling God from the Wound: Healing After Spiritual Abuse
Faith is meant to bring life. But what happens when it become harmful? In this episode, Dr. Carol sits down with Jeff and Terra Mattson, a husband-and-wife author team whose work bridges leadership, psychology, and spiritual formation. He brings the perspective of an executive coach; she offers the clinical insight of a licensed professional counselor. Together, we explore the idea of toxic faith: how faith can be distorted through fear, control, shame, or misuse of authority, and how to discern the difference between spiritually abusive systems and the ordinary, imperfect humanness found in any community. We also examine the deep impact of spiritual abuse on the whole person and why its effects often linger long after someone leaves a harmful environment. Most importantly, this conversation offers hope. We talk about what healing can actually look like, including the slow and courageous work of re-examining one’s internal view of God. For those who feel wounded, confused, or distant from God because of their faith experiences, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a grounded path toward restoration. Connect with Jeff and Terra Mattson on , , or Find out more about Dr. Carol Ministries - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Check out Dr. Carol's article Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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Who We Think God Is vs. Who He Really Is
01/06/2026
Who We Think God Is vs. Who He Really Is
Have you ever been surprised by who someone turned out to be? Research shows we form impressions of people within seconds, but real life often proves those impressions wrong. In this episode, we explore how that gap between appearance and reality shows up in relationships –with others, and especially with God. These realities reveal a deeper truth; there’s a profound difference between knowing about someone and truly knowing them. Many people believe in God, yet carry perhaps unconscious distortions about what He is really like. You may "know" that "God is love," but internally picture a God who is disappointed, withholding, harsh, or just waiting for us to fail. In this episode, we explore how our internal picture of God is often shaped by our past experiences, and why information alone doesn’t heal it. Instead, healing comes through encountering Jesus. And we close with some practical ways to let God’s love reshape your inner picture of who He really is. Find out more about Dr. Carol Ministries - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Check out Dr. Carol's article Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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Top Moments of 2025: Love, Sex, Intimacy, and Following Jesus
12/30/2025
Top Moments of 2025: Love, Sex, Intimacy, and Following Jesus
In this special year-end episode, we revisit the conversations you loved most in 2025: honest, hope-filled moments about intimacy, relationships, sexuality, and the God who designed us for connection. These clips capture the wisdom, clarity, and compassion that resonated deeply with listeners all year long. Whether you’re new to the podcast or want a fresh dose of encouragement, this highlight reel brings together the insights that helped people grow in intimacy with God and with each other. And here are links to the full conversations from which the excerpts were taken for this episode: - with Michael J. Cusick - with Erin F. Moniz - with Tom Bennardo - with Ann Wilson - with Dr. Juli Slattery Relationship Prescriptions is listener supported. That means YOU! Would you prayerfully consider how God might ask you to support this ministry financially? And then . Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can leave a confidential comment .
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The Good News of Christmas
12/23/2025
The Good News of Christmas
On the night Jesus was born the angel told the shepherds, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." The Christmas season may not always feel like good news. Busyness, difficult circumstances, emotional struggles, and more can make this time feel like anything but good news. This brief Christmas meditation shares how the angels' declaration of good news applies to everyone, even you, even in the difficulties of real life right now. Merry Christmas from all of us at Dr. Carol Ministries! Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can leave a confidential comment .
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The God Stories That Happen When Jesus Shows Up
12/16/2025
The God Stories That Happen When Jesus Shows Up
This episode takes you inside the heart of an Intensive at Transformation Place and gives you a glimpse of what this unique experience is like. Here people confront the barriers holding them back, encounter God in deeply personal ways, and experience the kind of change they may have sought for years but struggled to find on their own. You’ll hear five individuals who courageously share their own “God stories.” Each one describes how the Intensive met them right where they were—whether stuck, hurting, confused, or hungry for more—and how God worked in ways they didn’t expect. Their stories are honest, hopeful, and full of the kind of change only God can bring. This episode will encourage your heart and invite you to believe again in what God can do. And then you'll hear how you can be a part of the next man or woman's transformation story through your support. We can't do this without you! I invite you to . Additional ways to give: Set up Easily make a gift from your mutual fund or appreciated stock Recommend a grant to Dr. Carol Ministries through your Send a check to 14900 Avery Ranch Blvd., Suite C200-223, Austin, TX 78717 Purchase an item from our for Transformation Place Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can leave a confidential comment or question .
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Looking for Christmas: Finding Hope and Joy in the Story Behind the Story
12/09/2025
Looking for Christmas: Finding Hope and Joy in the Story Behind the Story
In this episode, we sit down with author Donna VanLiere to explore the rich, often overlooked details of the biblical nativity story, and why they matter for us today. From the unlikely cast of characters to the humble setting of Jesus’ birth, we look at how each part of the story speaks meaning and purpose into our own lives, especially as we enter the Christmas season. Our guest helps us see how the first Christmas wasn’t polished, serene, or ideal, but messy and real, much like our own lives. We talk about how Christmas is truly for everyone, and perhaps most especially for those who feel troubled, unseen, or without hope. Together we explore how the joy of Christmas isn’t dependent on perfect circumstances but arises from the presence of God with us in the midst of whatever we are facing. Whether this season feels bright or heavy, this conversation offers an invitation to experience Christmas in a deeper, more grounded, and more joyful way. Connect with Donna VanLiere on , , or Check out the YouVersion Find out more about Donna's book We'd love you to be one of our . Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can leave a confidential message .
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Pain and Experiencing the Presence of God
12/02/2025
Pain and Experiencing the Presence of God
What could it look like to follow Jesus not only after the pain ends, but right in the midst of it? In this conversation, tenured psychology professor, author, and pastor Dr. Joshua Knabb helps us rethink the way we understand distress, challenging the modern tendency to pathologize every struggle. We explore the difference between pain and disorder, and why recognizing that distinction can open the door to greater agency, deeper compassion, and more grounded spiritual formation. Together we also look at the contemplative practices that build resilience and intimacy with God: why they matter, what gets in the way, and how to start. Dr. Knabb shares his favorite go-to spiritual practice that help people meet Jesus right where they are, and why it's helpful. You’ll hear how engaging these practices can transform not only your connection with God, but also the way you show up in relationships with others. This episode will show you how psychology and discipleship are connected in following Jesus. Connect more with Dr. Joshua Knabb and his work . Check out Dr. Knabb's podcast Find out more about Dr. Carol Ministries - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Find out more about Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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Made for Connection: God’s Design and the Healing of Intimacy
11/25/2025
Made for Connection: God’s Design and the Healing of Intimacy
Many people find themselves longing for intimacy but pulling away or sabotaging if it comes close. Today Dr. Carol explores what it means to have an “intimacy disorder.” You’ll hear real-life vignettes of people struggling in this way, and we’ll unpack how early experiences, attachment wounds, and the brain’s survival wiring shape our capacity for connection. We’ll look at what neuroscience reveals about how these pathways form, and how they can be rewired and healed. Theology and brain science together tell a remarkable story. We were created in the image of a relational God, made for connection that reflects His nature. As we face the broken stories in our sexual and relational histories, and as God’s presence meets us there, the old patterns that once protected us can begin to transform. Discover what sexual and relational goodness can look like when intimacy becomes healed and whole. Find out more about , or check out .
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Your Questions Answered About Sex, Marriage, Same-Sex Attraction, and God
11/18/2025
Your Questions Answered About Sex, Marriage, Same-Sex Attraction, and God
You ask questions! And Dr. Carol loves to respond. In today's episode, Dr. Carol's addresses some of the most difficult questions about sex, love, marriage, same-sex attraction and more. These were sent in from real listeners just like you. Here are the resources Dr. Carol mentiones on thsi episode: Article Article Article Article Article Article Find out more about , or check out . Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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Rebuilding Us: The Path to Restoring Intimacy and Trust After Betrayal
11/11/2025
Rebuilding Us: The Path to Restoring Intimacy and Trust After Betrayal
In today's episode, Dr. Carol is joined by Dana Che, marriage coach, speaker, and host of the Rebuilding Us podcast. She knows firsthand what it’s like to feel angry, hurt, and hopeless in marriage marred by infidelity, yet find her way to healing and restored connection. She now helps couples move from “I can’t stand you” to “I still do,” guiding them through the real work of rebuilding trust and intimacy after betrayal. Together, they unpack what forgiveness truly means (and what it doesn’t), why healthy boundaries are not unspiritual but are essential, and how couples can take honest, grace-filled steps toward restoration. If you’ve ever wondered how to rebuild intimacy when trust has been broken, or how faith meets the messy realities of hurt, broken trust, and healing, this conversation offers wisdom, practical steps, and hope for your journey. Connect with Dana Che on , , , or . Find out more about , or check out . Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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Why Sexual Addiction Is Really an Intimacy Disorder, and Finding Healing
11/04/2025
Why Sexual Addiction Is Really an Intimacy Disorder, and Finding Healing
In this episode, we sit down with Greg and Stacey Oliver. Greg was a worship pastor and his wife Stacey grew up in the mission field. But that did not prevent their difficult journey of Greg's hidden sexual addiction and Stacey's deep insecurity and people-pleasing. However, their redemptive journey led to healing, freedom, and restored intimacy. What began as an exhausting struggle became the doorway to discovering that sexual addiction isn’t ultimately about sex; it's really an intimacy disorder. Now as the founders of Awaken, a faith-based recovery ministry, they help others find the same hope and transformation they’ve experienced. Together we explore where sexual addiction and related struggles often begin, how shame and unmet emotional needs play a role, and what it looks like to pursue recovery that’s both Gospel-centered and therapeutically wise. Their story offers not only honesty and hope but also a powerful reminder that true freedom comes when we let God meet us in our deepest places of need. Find out more about Greg and Stacey Oliver and connect with them at , , , , or their .
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Why Sexual Addiction Is Really an Intimacy Disorder, and the Path to Healing
11/04/2025
Why Sexual Addiction Is Really an Intimacy Disorder, and the Path to Healing
In this episode, we sit down with Greg and Stacey Oliver. Greg was a worship pastor and his wife Stacey grew up in the mission field. But that did not prevent their difficult journey of Greg's hidden sexual addiction and Stacey's deep insecurity and people-pleasing. However, their redemptive journey led to healing, freedom, and restored intimacy. What began as an exhausting struggle became the doorway to discovering that sexual addiction isn’t ultimately about sex; it's really an intimacy disorder. Now as the founders of Awaken, a faith-based recovery ministry, they help others find the same hope and transformation they’ve experienced. Together we explore where sexual addiction and related struggles often begin, how shame and unmet emotional needs play a role, and what it looks like to pursue recovery that’s both Gospel-centered and therapeutically wise. Their story offers not only honesty and hope but also a powerful reminder that true freedom comes when we let God meet us in our deepest places of need. Find out more about Greg and Stacey Oliver and connect with them at , , , , or their . Find out more about , or check out . Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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The Fire of Jesus That Transforms
10/28/2025
The Fire of Jesus That Transforms
What if the fire Jesus came to bring isn’t about fear or destruction, but about freedom? In this episode, we explore how the fire of God doesn’t just warm or comfort; it also burns away what keeps us from becoming whole, fully alive, and truly like Jesus. This isn’t about trying harder or piling on more spiritual “shoulds.” It’s about letting Jesus consume what holds us back so we can live with undivided hearts before Him. We’ll talk about three things that need to be burned up—people-pleasing, idols, and sin—and why this is actually very good news. Along the way, you’ll hear why living for an “audience of One” frees you from false peace, how even good things can become idols that need dethroning, and what real transformation beyond behavior change looks like. Most of all, you’ll see how Jesus is both scandalously safe and scandalously dangerous: welcoming us as we are, yet making it possible for us to become truly transformed and whole. Check out Dr. Carol's article Find out more about , or check out . Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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Confident Connection: What Neuroscience Teaches About Attachment and Your Spiritual Life
10/21/2025
Confident Connection: What Neuroscience Teaches About Attachment and Your Spiritual Life
What does the science of attachment have to do with your walk with God? In this episode, we sit down with husband-and-wife team Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw who lead the Center for Embodied Faith to explore how experiences in early life shape our capacity for trust, intimacy, and connection—not only with people, but with God Himself. That connection then affords you the secure base to live and act in the world with confidence. Together we unpack the difference between secure and insecure attachment, how those patterns show up in faith, and why many of us struggle to rest confidently in God’s love. You’ll discover practical strategies for moving toward secure attachment, deepening both your human relationships and your spiritual life. This is a conversation filled with hope, courage, and a vision for growing into the wholeness God designed for you. Connect with Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw on or their podcast . Find their book Check out Dr. Carol's article Find out more about , or check out . Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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Discovering the Power of God’s Empathy for You and Others
10/14/2025
Discovering the Power of God’s Empathy for You and Others
In this first of a two-part series on spiritual formation, we’re joined by a remarkable couple authors Bill and Kristi Gaultiere with decades of experience in ministry and counseling. As founders of Soul Shepherding, they’ve dedicated their lives to helping believers take their next steps toward deeper intimacy with Jesus, greater emotional health, and more loving relationships. Together, we dive into the transformative power of empathy—what it is, why it matters, and how it reflects the very heart of God in His interactions with us. We explore why learning self-empathy (which is very different from self-pity) is essential for our own healing and growth, and how developing empathy for others can be the doorway to healthier, stronger relationships. Our conversation also touches on the deeply personal journey of experiencing empathy from Jesus Himself, and what it looks like to open our hearts to that reality in daily life. If you’ve ever longed for a more compassionate relationship with God, yourself, and others, this episode will encourage and equip you for that journey. Connect with Bill and Kristi Gaultiere at , , , or . Find Bill and Kristi's latest book and their earlier book we mentioned Check out the article from Dr. Carol Find out more about - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message .
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