In this episode, we begin a short miniseries on mentorship with the help of three-time guest Sebastien Braxton. Sebastien draws on his mentorship experiences over the years, showing how a successful mentorship starts with the right motives and a teachable attitude. Sebastien J. Braxton is the CEO of Fiat Lux, a Christian mentorship and creative agency, and The New Life Challenge, a corporate wellness start-up. He is also a member of the InVerse team, a young adult bible study program on...
Aug 12, 2022•34 min
In today's episode, we explore the often difficult decision of picking up one's familiar life and moving to a new city, country or even continent for the sake of love. Some call this foolish. Others say it's the sweetest gesture of affection. We say it depends. Join us as we share our experiences moving for love and some key factors worth considering when facing such a decision in your life and relationships. --------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcas...
Aug 05, 2022•41 min
In this episode, we launch our discussion with a friendship question we've received regularly: what do I do when my friend hardly ever initiates contact? Essentially, what do we do when a friend is not meeting our expectations of the friendship? Join us as we unpack this question and explore different friendship communication styles, how to evaluate the strength of a friendship and when to reconsider a friendship. --------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on...
Jul 29, 2022•32 min
In this episode, Callie and David tackle four dating questions submitted on Instagram recently by listeners! Here are the questions: 00:00 - How can you tell a guy likes you?12:25 - What does it mean to let a man pursue you, and is it even a legitimate principle to follow?30:26 - What to do when you are attracted to more than one person?41:20 - I've given them a chance, but I'm just not attracted to them. What do I do?Follow @davidburuchara on Instagram to keep posted on upcoming polls to sub...
Jul 22, 2022•49 min
80% of couples that live together disagree and stress about household chores. But these disagreements often say more about the relationship than the monotonous tasks being argued about! Whether you're in a romantic relationship or not, understanding how to navigate chores with the people you live with is an essential skill for a happier life. Join Callie and David as they share their chore war history and how they're learning to love each other through it. -------------------------------...
Jul 15, 2022•51 min
In this episode, David and Callie discuss maintaining the delicate and beautiful balance of interdependence in relationships. On one side of the spectrum is independence, where too much of it means you don't have a relationship. The other side is codependence, where you can't tell the difference between two individuals because they are so enmeshed. We each tend to lean towards one side based on several factors (e.g. at the beginning of a relationship, more independence is reasonable). By firs...
Jul 08, 2022•45 min
In this episode, we move the opposite end of the spectrum from love bombing to focus on breadcrumbing. Breadcrumbing is a type of manipulation where one person keeps another's interest and devotion alive by feeding them the smallest possible bits of attention, often in an inconsistent manner. We discuss a key difference between breadcrumbing and misaligned expectations, then dive into how to spot breadcrumbing in its various forms, and how to stop the behavior in its tracks! ------------...
Jul 01, 2022•38 min
In this episode, we explore how crucial giving feedback and receiving feedback is as an interpersonal skill for closer relationships. It can be really uncomfortable to give/receive feedback and to grow in this area with loved ones. But it is possible! Feedback is not only a window into how others perceive us that might reveal much about ourselves, both positive and constructive. It is also a portal to building more intimate relationships. Step in with us!--------------------------------...
Jun 24, 2022•59 min
In this shorter episode, reacting to a comment from a New York Times article, Callie and David share their thoughts on what "work" means in a relationship. Should a relationship require work? How much work and what kind of work? Is there a danger in idolizing "work" and hardship/suffering in relationships? --------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via thi...
Jun 17, 2022•33 min
In this episode, we discuss love bombing, a type of manipulation where someone “bombs” you with extreme displays of attention and affection in order to selfishly gain from it. It can happen early on in dating relationships but also in long-term abusive ones. We discuss how this is a key method used by narcissists and conmen, like the Tinder Swindler, but also discover more common yet subtle unintentional forms of love bombing in our relationships. Join us to learn what love bombing is, how to...
Jun 10, 2022•50 min
Is it ever okay to agree to disagree? Does doing so ever bring people closer together or only ever push them further apart? While there's much to say about this topic in our polarized society, in this episode, David and Callie open up about conflicts in their relationship where agreeing to disagree has gone both well and not so well. The Gottman Institute reports that 69% of conflict is unresolvable, meaning successful relationships are where people learn how to navigate instead of avoiding t...
Jun 03, 2022•58 min
Join Callie and David for the 2nd part of this short series on attachment theory, exploring how attachment explains our unique patterns for seeking and avoiding connection. David and Callie have been reading through "How We Love" by Milan & Kay Yerkovich, a highly recommended resource to learn about your attachment (love) style and how to improve the quality of your relationships. In this episode, they reflect on their individual styles and how it has impacted their relationship. We...
May 27, 2022•1 hr 13 min
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Torben Bergland as he introduces us to the wonder that is attachment theory and why it's so important to understand in all our important relationships. We talk about why attachment theory differs from other common personality type tests, what it's so crucial to understanding both our own and loved ones' attachment styles for the health of our relationships, what each of the 4 attachment styles is, and how attachment theory impacts our spirituality.Check ou...
May 20, 2022•58 min
In this episode, Heather Thompson Day fulfills her promise, returning to celebrate two answered prayers that she and David spoke about in her first guest appearance (Episode 52). Join Heather and David as they share their testimonies and touch on a range of different topics such as journaling, self-care, the enneagram, impostor syndrome, and her upcoming book "I'll See You Tomorrow".Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University, with a g...
May 13, 2022•49 min
What does perfectionism mean to you? And what does perfectionistic thinking look like in your day-to-day life? Is it healthy or is there a better way? In this week's episode, Callie and David talk about perfectionism in their lives and explore a more healthy method to grow and mature in excellence. This discussion applies to all parts of life, including relationships.--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just...
May 06, 2022•47 min
In this episode, we conclude our 3-part series on Sexual Trauma with special guest, Dr. Karen Abdool. The courage to confront the difficult and dark parts of our stories comes from the God-given reality that they need not define our present and future. Dr. Karen begins by sharing the various effects of sexual trauma on women and men that often go unnoticed, then goes on to share about her personal journey of healing and recovery, along with how she was able to reconcile God's love for her aft...
Apr 29, 2022•53 min
[Trigger Warning: sexual abuse, harm, & violence].In this episode, we continue our 3-part series on Sexual Trauma with special guest, Dr. Karen Abdool. where we explore her story of trauma and healing. Join us as we expand our understanding of what constitutes sexual abuse and talk about some common complexities that lead to survivors discounting abuse such as experiencing arousal/pleasure or "freezing" during assault, as opposed to flight (resisting an abuser)00:00 - Defining sexua...
Apr 22, 2022•45 min
[Trigger Warning: sexual abuse, harm, & violence]. This week marks the beginning of a new 3-part series on Sexual Trauma with special guest, Dr. Karen Abdool, where we explore her story of trauma and healing. In this first episode, Dr. Karen's introduces us to her childhood, describing the context and experiences that shaped her sexual education. She also courageously recounts the events and aftermath of her first sexual assault. Join us as we begin to confront the awfulness that is...
Apr 15, 2022•51 min
In this episode, we're joined by special guest and clinical psychologist, Dr. Ruth Stephen Koilpillai, for the final episode of our 3-part series discussing therapy/counseling. Join Ruth and David as they talk about Ruth's story, the role & benefits of therapy in helping us thrive from a psychologist's POV, and reconciling therapy & psychology with the Christian faith. It gets deep!Check out our Mental Health book recommendations here! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dCJxuCG_JHNoM...
Apr 08, 2022•1 hr 20 min
In this episode, Callie and David continue a 3-part series discussing therapy/counseling. They pick up continuing to discuss common hesitations that arise when considering therapy and also dive into how you can practically go about finding an affordable counselor or therapist in your area.The 3rd part of the series will be a Q&A with a licensed clinical psychologist, so please pass on your questions, reactions, and thoughts! We want to hear from you, yes you! Submission details are shared...
Apr 01, 2022•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, Callie and David begin a 3-part series discussing therapy/counseling. The idea of therapy and counseling may have a unique meaning for you depending on your culture, religious background, and previous experience with therapy or counseling. As you consider what therapy means to you, you are welcome to the table as David and Callie share their own experiences in today's episode and why they believe everyone should consider therapy. They also share a few essential things t...
Mar 25, 2022•56 min
In today's episode, Callie & David talk about the necessity of confrontation in friendships. Confrontation is often interpreted as being aggressive or negative, but in reality, confronting an issue is all about facing it in a truthful, mature, and respectful way in order to build a closer relationship. However, sometimes it's not our friends we need to confront first, but ourselves. Join the conversation to learn more about navigating this often difficult part of friendships!-------------...
Mar 18, 2022•58 min
In this episode, Callie and David have a nuanced conversation and share personal experiences about subtle yet common communication patterns that when perpetuated, lead to less connected and intimate friendships. As they address these patterns, they also suggest ways to safely confront our friends about them even though it might bring some discomfort.--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get...
Mar 11, 2022•39 min
One of the keys to securing a fulfilling relationship is leaving the past where it belongs. But how do you know if the past is actually in the past? We might feel that our partner's past, romantic or otherwise, is something that threatens our current relationship and so we keep dwelling on it, often to our detriment. Join Callie and David as they dive into this topic exploring:The difference between forgiveness and trustHow to know if your partner's past is their presentCommon insecurities we...
Mar 04, 2022•47 min
In today's episode, we take a break from this season's themes of sex, friendships, and mental health, to talk about the common pressures of a first date that often keep us from going on dates in the first place. We often place so much unnecessary pressure on the initial interaction of a first date such as:expecting that the person has to perfectly meet all our criteria before accepting to meet themthinking that our first date will inform us if we should marry them or notfeeling like we need t...
Feb 25, 2022•53 min
Modest is hottest, right? For many, modesty has taught us that our worth is on display and that our value is determined by the length, width, and looseness of our clothing. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Camden Morgante, exploring the harmful basis and impacts of this belief and how true modesty is much more than how much skin you show. Join us as we discuss:the difference between therapy and coachingwhat purity culture recovery looks like5 other toxic cultures related to purity culture...
Feb 18, 2022•46 min
Studies show that new friendships don't just happen. Believing that friendships happen by luck or circumstance versus believing making friends takes intentionality, evidently impacts your chances of making friends. In this episode, Callie and David explore 4 proven ways to make new friends, while reflecting on examples in their own lives.If you'd like to dive more into learning about friendship, here are some great friendship experts you can follow:Dr. Marisa Franco, IG: @drmarisagfrancoDr. M...
Feb 11, 2022•46 min
In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Bauman, a licensed mental health counselor, author, and director of the Christian Counseling Center: For Sexual Health & Trauma (CCC) in North Carolina. Drawing on themes from his recent book "The Sexually Healthy Man", join us as we discuss:What it means to be sexually healthyUnderstanding sexual objectification and the pornographic style of relating (PSR)Looking beyond sexual challenges to the wounds and shame in our storiesHow to grieve and...
Feb 04, 2022•46 min
In today's episode, we're joined by Juliette Sweeney, an author, marriage & sex blogger, and trainee therapist, as we explore the importance of figuring out what unrealized, unexpressed, and unrealistic expectations each of us may have about sex, especially as they relate to our individual experience. Like in previous episodes, we'll uncover some deep-rooted sex myths as well as explore a few tools and mindset shifts to help us have healthier sexual conversations with ourselves and those ...
Jan 28, 2022•1 hr
How do you develop a friendship with your parents as an adult when the primary relationship dynamic in your life has been that of parent-to-child? What about a sibling or cousin that you just don't seem to share any common interests with? Join us in this episode as we zoom in on exploring the fundamentals of building friendships with the unique individuals that we never got to choose yet mean so much to us -- family.--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podc...
Jan 21, 2022•50 min
