Preparation for the Christmas season can often feel busy and frantic, but it doesn't have to be this way. How can hope and wonder replace chaos and worry? What if we stopped and listened to the movement and unfolding of God's plan around us? In this delightful episode Dr. Carol talks with prophetic artist, writer, and speaker Bette Dickinson about the Advent season and spiritual practices that can nourish our souls, including the right-brain nourishment we need. Find Bette Dickinson's book Makin...
Nov 22, 2022•37 min
Garry and Melissa Ingraham each experienced deep sexual and relational brokenness from an early age, including pornography addiction, identity confusion, pre-marital sex, homosexuality, and more. Their struggles continued after becoming Christians, but over time God powerfully changed their lives, including bringing them together in marriage. Now they together run the Love and Truth Network ministry. In this eye-opening episode Dr. Carol asks Garry and Melissa some hard questions; how are they h...
Nov 15, 2022•37 min
God created each of us with the need, desire, and capacity for intimacy. But what exactly is healthy intimacy? And how can you experience it? Recently Dr. Carol discussed the topic at the SHE Virtual Recovery Summit, an online experience for women and teen girls struggling with porn addiction or other sexual issues, and for the parents and Christian leaders seeking to better help these individuals. Additional resources: - our FREE pdf download Freedom from Pornography - our FREE 30-day email dev...
Nov 08, 2022•59 min
Are you frustrated with church? The COVID-19 pandemic has brought that question to the forefront in ways perhaps never before contemplated. But if you're frustrated with "church," it might not be the worship experience or preaching, but the lack of experiencing church as Jesus intended that frustrates you. In this episode Dr. Carol talks with Dr. Joel Comiskey, author and ministry coach, who helps Christian leaders around the world understand and implement the most important parts of church as J...
Nov 01, 2022•37 min
The fall of Roe v. Wade in the United States a few months ago opened the abortion debate once again. And as important as that debate is, the women and men affected by abortion frequently struggle with unresolved emotions for years, even decades. In this challenging but hope-filled conversation Dr. Carol talks with Dr. Theresa Burke, the founder of Rachel's Vineyard, the largest post-abortion ministry in the world. Hear Dr. Burke's perspective on what happens in a person's internal world after an...
Oct 25, 2022•41 min
Have you ever wondered what God's will is for your life? What if you didn't have to struggle to figure out what to do for God ? What if your decisions could simply be following what God was already doing - in you, in your marriage and relationships, in your work or ministry? In this very special episode Dr. Carol talks with Dr. Richard Blackaby, president of Blackaby Ministries, about Experiencing God - the paradigm that has blessed millions of followers of Jesus. And you'll hear about some beau...
Oct 18, 2022•34 min
Is it OK to ask questions? Are there some questions you shouldn't ask? How does God feel about our questions? Does asking hard questions mean you are losing your faith? Today Dr. Carol talks with writer Lore Ferguson Wilbert who believes that Christianity is not about knowing good answers but about asking good questions--ones that foster deeper intimacy with God and others. You can learn how "living the questions" can bring you a more meaningful and grounded relationship with God and with those ...
Oct 11, 2022•37 min
Life happens. If your marriage has not recently been through a storm it's likely one is coming. Will the storms life brings drive you and your spouse apart? What if you could use them to bring you closer together? Gary Thomas is a best-selling author, pastor, speaker, and Relationship Prescriptions podcast favorite guest. In this conversation he talks with Dr. Carol about couples who have experienced severe storms in their marriage and what has made the difference in how they not only survived b...
Oct 04, 2022•44 min
What's the state of your internal world? And who is the YOU that you are bringing to your marriage? Are you often feeling stuck in old behavior patterns that are less than helpful? On today's program Dr. Carol's guest is Beth McCord. Beth along with her husband Jeff are Enneagram coaches, bringing a thoroughly Christ-centered approach to understanding your internal world. In this conversation Beth demonstrates some simple but powerful steps to growth and healing for yourself and even for your ma...
Sep 27, 2022•46 min
You don't have to be someone "special" to have a successful marriage. But what IS required? What kind of difference does prayer make? Today Dr. Carol talks with Mike and Jill Guindon. The Guindons have experienced God's work in their own messy marriage; their story itself is inspiring! And now they mentor other couples through individual coaching, marriage seminars, and training other Marriage Mentors. You won't want to miss their insights on this episode. You can connect with Mike and Jill Guin...
Sep 20, 2022•48 min
Is it too much to expect your sexlife to sizzle in a Christian marriage? More than obligation or duty, God designed physical intimacy between husband and wife to be life-giving, a celebration, and full of joy. But for too many Christian wives, especially, that's not the case. On today's episode Dr. Carol talks with psychologist, author, and speaker Dr. Jennifer Degler about how to overcome the physical, emotional, and even spiritual roadblocks, and what sex can look like in a godly relationship....
Sep 13, 2022•40 min
Are you the only one whose marriage is having a hard time? Of course not. But it can certainly feel that way when you are struggling with really big problems in your relationship. In this bonus episode Dr. Carol responds to questions about difficult marriage situations posed by Pastor Zonerphia Williams. You just might find your circumstances mentioned in these scenarios. If you need help for your challenging marriage, get the Fully Alive Marriage online course today! These things work! And they...
Sep 09, 2022•41 min
When you said "I do" you expected lasting love and connection. But perhaps now you're wondering, "What did I get myself into?" Whatever happened to "happily ever after?" In this candid conversation between Dr. Carol and her friend Jamie Keith, they share the single most important step you can take that will begin transforming your marriage today ! And you'll hear about a resource where you can learn what nobody ever taught you about love, relationships, and intimacy so you can build a Fully Aliv...
Sep 06, 2022•38 min
What thoughts are you thinking right now? Are they helpful? If not, do you know how to move to more helpful thoughts? Dr. Carol's guest, Gem Fadling, is a spiritual director, life coach, and author. On this episode she unpacks powerful but simple ways to sort through the unhelpful voices in our heads and the graceful process of replacing them with more helpful thoughts as led by the Spirit. Connect with Gem Fadling at Unhurried Living or on her Instagram or YouTube . Find her book Hold That Thou...
Aug 30, 2022•44 min
As a parent, do you feel anxious or squeamish about having "The Talk" with your kids? Yes, we're talking about The Sex Talk. In today's hyper-sexualized culture don't let porn sexually disciple your kids. Nick Liberto joins Dr. Carol on this episode to talk about ways you can get equipped to have a truly great sex talk with your kids. Find out more and sign up for The Sex Talk video course for parents . And enter promo code DOCTORCAROL at checkout for 10% off. For any comments or questions, Dr. ...
Aug 23, 2022•45 min
Every facet of your life is shaped by desire–including your soul. But what is it that you really want? Underneath all our longings is the desire to be known―and it manifests itself in our deep need to make things of beauty and to take beauty into our souls. In this best-of episode, Dr. Curt Thompson, author, board-certified psychiatrist and the founder of the Center for Being Known unpacks how connecting with our deepest desires opens the door to the deepest heart transformation. Connect with Dr...
Aug 16, 2022•54 min
Are you satisfied with your Christian life? Are you more like Jesus now than a year ago? Or does "trying harder" cause frustration as it feels as if nothing is changing? On today's podcast recorded at Horizon Worship Center in Round Rock, Texas, Dr. Carol shares from both God's word and from science about the process of spiritual transformation. And don't forget to stay tuned for the questions Dr. Carol gets to answer after the message. Dr. Carol would love to hear from you. You can leave your c...
Aug 09, 2022•1 hr 14 min
The beauty standards promoted in culture are nearly impossible and destructive for many. Do we need a new and expanded perspective on beauty? Today's guest helps us do that. Melissa Johnson, marriage and family therapist, and educator talks with Dr. Carol about her own story of leaving her distorted view of beauty behind to grasp God's perspective, and how she is now helping other people on the same journey. Connect with Melissa Johnson on her website , Instagram , or Facebook . Check out her Im...
Aug 02, 2022•35 min
Gender identity is not only a hot topic in culture; it's a hot topic in the Christian church. How would Jesus address these challenges? How can we as followers of Jesus address them with faithfulness and love? Dr. Julia Sadusky, author, speaker, psychologist, and an expert in the area of sexuality, gender, and faith join the podcast to address the issue and provide biblically based insights. You will be both challenged and encouraged by this conversation. Find Dr. Julia Sadusky on her website , ...
Jul 26, 2022•37 min
If you've purchased groceries or filled your gas tank, you've found that your money doesn't go as far as it used to. Economic uncertainty and the rise in Inflation make it more important than ever that we learn to manage money smartly God's way. On this weeks podcast, Dr. Carol is joined by Katie Jones, money coach and investor to discuss practical advice for how to think about and manage money during inflationary times--God's way. Connect with Katie Jones on her website , Facebook , YouTube , o...
Jul 19, 2022•30 min
God has a lot to say about this beyond "Do it". And it's time to learn why! Clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and president of Authentic Intimacy, Dr. Juli Slattery, talks with Dr. Carol about the four pillars of a truly good married sex life and how these pillars apply in some challenging common issues husbands and wives face. Find out more about Dr. Juli Slattery and Authentic Intimacy on their website or connect on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram . Get Dr. Juli's book God, Sex, and Yo...
Jul 12, 2022•39 min
Trauma and loss do not have to be the end. Dr. Carol's guest on this episode Dawn Damon experienced abuse and the loss of everything meaningful to her. But her story of growth, healing, recovery and finding her brave heart will encourage and inspire you. Connect with Dawn Damon on her website , Instagram , or Facebook . Find Dawn's books When the Woman Abused Was You and When a Woman You Love Was Abused . You can leave Dr. Carol a confidential message here ....
Jul 05, 2022•35 min
We are all born to connect. But contemporary culture makes being connected difficult, and that affects our wellbeing in many ways. Hence, our connection or lack thereof with other human beings affects our sense of connection with God. Psychologist and professor Dr. Todd Hall talks with Dr. Carol about how our spiritual formation is deeply impacted by our connections, and what it looks like to learn to love in connected ways. Find Dr. Todd Hall on his website or Twitter . Check out Dr. Todd Hall'...
Jun 28, 2022•34 min
The abortion debate has divided pro-life and pro-choice groups deeply. The US Supreme Court decision overturning Roe vs. Wade has made this a top cultural issue more than ever. But there's something glaringly absent from these debates–the matters of the heart. What's going on in the heart of a woman faced with a crisis pregnancy? And even more important, what's been going on in her heart that led her to be in this situation? "How did this happen?" This is not a biological question, but a heart q...
Jun 24, 2022•16 min
Do you imagine your job as a father is to get your kids to behave right? What if there's a more helpful thing to focus on? Chad Hayenga from Connected Families has been coaching parents for over 25 years, and presents some powerful ways in which a father's connection with his children becomes more important and effective in helping them become who they need to be. Find out about the Connected Families website and podcast Do your kids seem to be always fighting? Only during the month of June, Nam...
Jun 20, 2022•36 min
Are you struggling with the absence of love from your father? And how do you feel about God as "Father"? The father wound, which may be from a father being absent either emotionally or physically, may be the root cause of those feelings that don't seem like they're ever going away. John Finch, author and speaker joins Dr. Carol to discuss father wounds and how to find healing. You don't want to miss this episode. Find out more about John Finch, and The Father Effect book and movie, on his websit...
Jun 14, 2022•35 min
God has positioned fathers to build up their children. But what happens when you fatherhood becomes tough? What about the failures you experienced from your own father? And does being a father impact how you understand God? In today's episode, three fathers join Dr. Carol to discuss the various stages of fatherhood and why being a dad is significant. Check out these resources from Dr. Carol Ministries: - article Is "God is Your Father" Good News or Bad News? - article What to do if "God" has Bec...
Jun 07, 2022•36 min
Do you desire to overcome the pain of your past and find joy? Author and marriage and family therapist Nicole Zasowski knows what it's like to take a blow that makes it difficult to look to the future with expectation. During a time of hardship she found the courage to celebrate. And she discovered God is as present in our joy as He is in our pain. You don't want to miss this special podcast. Find Nicole Zasowski's book What If It’s Wonderful? Release Your Fears, Choose Joy, and find the Courage...
May 31, 2022•34 min
Millions of women battle with the after-effects of trauma and they’ve developed post-traumatic stress disorder—similar to suffering experienced by soldiers who’ve gone through war. Wanda Sanchez joins the podcast today to discuss healing from PTSD and how to hear God’s words of love and deliverance even when things appear hopeless. Find Love Letters from the Edge: Meditations for Those Struggling with Brokenness, Trauma, and the Pain of Life by Wanda Sanchez and Shelly Beach Find out more of Wan...
May 24, 2022•49 min
Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. In today's podcast you'll learn the how, what, and why to Dr. Carol's mental health approach to thinking and feeling fully alive. Show notes: Are you you ready to overcome your feelings of fear or anxiety? Purchase the Defeat Your Fear and Anxiety course today!
May 16, 2022•28 min
