The Luella Jonk Show - podcast cover

The Luella Jonk Show

Dr. Luella Jonk, PhDredcircle.com

From the therapy room of a registered psychotherapist, dating coach and solopreneur who has tirelessly attempted a 'healthy' work-life balance for 25 years, it rarely existed for me and likely does not for most business owners, entrepreneurs and executives. The truth is relationships can really suffer. I will be interviewing expert guests who are doing things right so we can all learn to mix business with pleasure. Topics will range from building better relationships, connection, dating, and how to spread more kindness and compassion towards others while doing so. Listeners, you have the right to have passion surrounding your work while maintaining passionate relationships. You can have your cake and eat it too. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.

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Episodes

Episode #63: Why Mary is the Ultimate Model for Modern Womanhood

I'm sharing how studying our Mother Mary completely transformed my understanding of what it means to be a truly empowered woman—and how her example saved me from the toxic wasteland of modern female empowerment culture. After falling into the Facebook trap during COVID and losing thousands of dollars to "rise above" coaches who promised the world, I discovered that everything I'd been taught about female strength was completely backwards. Mary—the most powerful woman who ever lived—didn't become...

Aug 19, 202543 min

Episode #62: Why Your Marriage Feels Hard (It's Supposed To)

I'm speaking directly to anyone feeling worn out, disconnected, or questioning whether their marriage is worth fighting for. After 25 years as a therapist, I've witnessed countless couples chase surface-level solutions while missing the profound spiritual foundation that makes relationships truly thrive. Today, I'm sharing why I've shifted from relying solely on psychology to embracing theology in my practice—because the deepest pain I see isn't just emotional, it's spiritual. We're living in a ...

Aug 12, 202538 min

Episode #61: Letting Go of Control is Your Greatest Strength

In this deeply personal episode, I'm opening up about one of the most challenging yet transformative concepts I've encountered both in my practice and my own marriage journey—the radical freedom that comes through surrender and what true obedience actually looks like. If you're someone who feels like you're constantly holding the reins tight, afraid that everything will crumble if you're not managing every detail—whether you're an entrepreneur burning the candle at both ends, a mother feeling re...

Aug 05, 202543 min

Episode #60: Finding Peace When Everything Falls Apart

In this deeply personal solo episode, I'm sharing what I've learned after 25 years as a therapist about what actually saves us when everything falls apart. Spoiler alert: it's not another communication hack, a perfect three-step process, or even your impressive degrees. It's something much simpler—and much harder. Together, we'll explore: ✅ Why overthinking and problem-solving actually make crisis worse—and what to do instead ✅ How control disguised as "care" is suffocating your most important r...

Jul 29, 202546 min

Episode #59: Katy Faust on Children's Rights Over Adult Desires

In this deeply important episode, I'm joined by Katy Faust—founder and president of Them Before Us, mother of four, and fearless advocate for children's fundamental rights. Together, we dive into one of the most crucial conversations of our time: how our culture's elevation of adult desires is systematically harming the most vulnerable among us—our children. Katy brings both personal experience and profound expertise to this discussion, having grown up in a divorced home with a mother in a same-...

Jul 22, 202553 min

Episode #58: When Love Sounds Like a Foreign Language

🔈 A quick note: I was testing out some new equipment while recording this, so the audio may sound a little off in places. Thanks for your grace as I find new ways to bring these conversations to life. In this episode, I explore one of the most subtle and sacred tensions in any long-term relationship: the quiet miscommunications that slowly chip away at connection—not with yelling, but with silence, confusion, and resentment. We often say we have a “communication problem,” but what if the truth ...

Jul 15, 202526 min

Episode #57: Stop Protecting Peace - Let It Protect You

In this deeply personal solo episode, I'm getting vulnerable about one of the hardest lessons I'm learning as both a therapist and a mother: how to find genuine peace not after our struggles end, but right in the middle of them. After 25 years of helping others navigate their relationships, I'm discovering that my own parenting challenges are teaching me something profound about surrender, gratitude, and what it really means to let peace protect us instead of trying to protect our peace. I'll wa...

Jul 08, 202547 min

Episode #56: Robert P. George on Humility, Purpose, and the Sacred Order of Family

In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with Princeton's Robert P. George—McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and one of America's most respected moral philosophers. What began as a conversation about truth-seeking and intellectual humility transformed into something far more intimate: a exploration of how we find meaning in our most fundamental roles as spouses, parents, and community members. I'll walk you through: ✅ Why true strength begins with receiving, not doing—and how this changes ...

Jul 01, 202557 min

Episode #55: Therapy Is Hard Work - Why It Hurts But Heals

In this solo episode, I get brutally honest about what therapy should actually accomplish - and spoiler alert: it's not about making you feel warm and fuzzy. Inspired by a candid conversation with a long-term client who's been seeing me for 8 years, I break down the real reasons people invest in therapy and why so many are doing it wrong. I'll walk you through: ✅ Why objectivity matters more than validation (and why your therapist shouldn't be your cheerleader) ✅ How accountability in therapy cr...

Jun 24, 202535 min

Episode #54: Mary's Blueprint for Modern Women

In this deeply personal solo episode, I share something that's been stirring in my heart for years - a truth about womanhood that our culture desperately needs to hear. What started as a random voice memo on my phone turned into a 50-minute exploration of how we've lost our way as women, and more importantly, how we can find our way back. As someone who spent years avoiding conflict and wanting everyone to be happy (sound familiar?), I've learned that peace doesn't come from independence or "doi...

Jun 17, 202540 min

Episode #53: Douglas Wilson on Biblical Marriage and Masculine Purpose

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Douglas Wilson, senior minister of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, writer, and author of numerous books. What started as a conversation about biblical marriage roles evolved into a deeper exploration of why men today seem lost and how society's shift away from complementary gender roles is affecting everyone. I'll walk you through: ✅ Why the biblical concept of husbands as "head of household" isn't about dictatorship—it's about organic unity and...

Jun 10, 202546 min

Episode #52: Missing Discipline in Modern Love

In this deeply personal solo episode, I'm getting real about the epidemic I see everywhere - in my therapy room, in marriages, and in our culture at large. We're not just deficient in Vitamin D from the sun; we're starving for Vitamin D as in Discipline, and it's destroying our capacity for lasting love. From my own journey growing up in the 70s and 80s alongside the "you can do it all" mentality to witnessing the fallout in countless relationships, I'm sharing why our obsession with convenience...

Jun 03, 202536 min

Episode #51: Maria Emmerich on Healing Through Carnivore Nutrition

In this powerful episode, nutritionist and bestselling author Maria Emmerich shares her journey from a sick teenager with PCOS to becoming a leading voice in ketogenic nutrition who has helped millions heal. From writing her first book on a library computer after losing everything to helping clients reverse serious health conditions, Maria's story is one of resilience and unwavering dedication to healing others. I'll walk you through: ✅ How Maria discovered the ketogenic lifestyle at 16 when tol...

May 27, 202551 min

Episode #50: Finding Joy Through Faith

In this solo episode, I reflect on the profound importance of faith as the foundation for a joyful life and healthy relationships. Inspired by a recent podcast interview where I felt a reverend missed an opportunity to deeply address spiritual questions, I share my own perspective on how religion provides structure, meaning, and true peace in our increasingly chaotic world. I'll walk you through: ✅ Why religion isn't just an accessory but should be the very structure of our lives ✅ How placing G...

May 20, 202550 min

Episode #49: Ester Munt-Brooks on Finding Truth Through Faith in Everyday Life

In this episode, Catholic educator Ester Munt-Brooks shares her remarkable journey from being a free-spirited musician in Barcelona to discovering deeper meaning through faith and family. From touring Spain as a trumpet player living "la vida loca" to becoming a dedicated mother, wife, and theological scholar, Ester's transformation offers profound insights on living with purpose. I'll walk you through: ✅ How Ester's move from secular Barcelona to America led to a spiritual awakening ✅ Why the 5...

May 13, 202555 min

Episode #48: Erin & Dusty Stanczyk on Transforming Health with Food as Medicine

In this episode, Erin and Dusty Stanzik share their transformative journey toward holistic health and wellness. From battling emotional and physical challenges in their 20s to discovering the healing power of food, movement, and faith, Erin and Dusty reveal how their approach to wellness has radically shifted. Erin and Dusty are certified health & lifestyle coaches, online content creators, authors, international retreat hosts, and founders of EatMoveRest.com. In her 20s, Erin found herself ...

May 06, 20251 hr 2 min

Episode #47: Carrie Gress on Restoring Womanhood Through Faith and Tradition

In this episode, I'm joined by Carrie Gress—philosopher, scholar, editor of Theology of Home , and mother of five—for a deeply thoughtful conversation on what it truly means to reclaim womanhood in today's world. Together, we explore why so many women find themselves feeling unfulfilled despite promises of empowerment through modern feminism—and how restoring the true essence of femininity might be the key to deeper peace, purpose, and connection. Carrie shares her unique journey from a liberal ...

Apr 29, 202550 min

Episode #46: Luanne Rae on Leadership as a Parenting Essential

In this episode, I'm joined by Luanne Rae, a registered psychiatric nurse, therapist, and behavioral consultant for children with a thriving private practice. We dive into why today's parents are overwhelmed with conflicting advice and how finding the balance between "jellyfish" and "brick wall" parenting is crucial for raising confident children. Luanne shares her expertise on why children are desperately seeking leadership from their parents in today's confusing world. We'll walk you through: ...

Apr 22, 202548 min

Episode #45: Erica Komisar on Modern Parenting as a Crisis of Presence

In this episode, I'm joined by Erica Komisar, a psychoanalyst and parent guidance expert with over 30 years of experience, to discuss the critical importance of attachment in early childhood development. We explore why a parent's physical and emotional presence during the first three years is fundamental to a child's future mental health and resilience. Erica shares compelling neuroscience research showing how 85% of a child's right brain—responsible for emotional regulation and coping with adve...

Apr 15, 20251 hr 10 min

Episode #44: A Marriage Is Not About ‘I’—But ‘We’

What if your marriage isn’t broken… it’s just out of sync with design? In today’s episode, I share a heartfelt message about the trap of hyper-independence and how it can quietly erode connection in a relationship. Drawing from personal experience and client stories, I invite you to shift from “I” thinking to the sacred strength of “We.” You’ll hear: ✅ Why sameness isn’t the goal—and how God-ordained difference creates true intimacy ✅ How independence can subtly crowd out partnership in marriage...

Apr 08, 202555 min

Episode #43: Why Less Analysis Leads to More Clarity

In this episode, we're tackling the trap of overanalyzing your emotions and why too much self-reflection can actually hold you back. While understanding your feelings is valuable, constantly dissecting them can keep you stuck in a cycle of doubt and hesitation instead of moving forward. I’ll cover: ✅ Why endless self-analysis can make problems feel bigger than they are ✅ The difference between healthy reflection and emotional overprocessing ✅ How overthinking can drain your confidence and decisi...

Apr 01, 202534 min

Episode #42: Lately, I've Been Thinking...

In this episode, I explore the role of sacrifice in relationships, why work-life balance is harder than ever, and how our biological differences as men and women shape the way we navigate life. I also share a personal journey of rediscovering faith and how it has brought me more joy and fulfillment—not less—by shifting my perspective on sacrifice. In this episode, I explore: ✅ Why women often prioritize children over their spouse—and how that impacts marriage ✅ The reality of burnout, adrenal fa...

Mar 25, 202542 min

Episode #41: The Self-Help Trap

In this episode, I’m unpacking why chasing after emotional validation can sometimes do more harm than good. While feeling understood is important, constantly seeking reassurance can keep you in a cycle of dependence rather than growth. I'll walk you through: ✅ Why relying too much on validation can weaken your sense of self ✅ The difference between healthy support and emotional crutches ✅ How to build confidence without needing constant affirmation ✅ Why internal stability matters more than exte...

Mar 18, 202545 min

Episode #40: Feelings Matter, Overthinking Doesn’t

In this episode, I'm challenging our culture's obsession with emotional analysis that might actually be keeping you stuck. While understanding our feelings is important, I explain why constantly dwelling on emotions can transform what should be a passing breeze into a destructive storm. I'll walk you through: ✅ Why therapy and self-help books are valuable—but not always the complete answer ✅ How to recognize when you're trapped in an "endless loop of self-examination" ✅ The importance of managin...

Mar 11, 202540 min

Episode #39: What Sex Really Means in Marriage

In this episode, we're diving deep into a perspective on marital intimacy that's often misunderstood or completely overlooked in our modern culture—sex as a sacred, spiritual connection between husband and wife. I'm challenging the transactional view of intimacy that has created so much tension and obligation in marriages today. What if the struggles around frequency, desire, and obligation aren't just problems—but invitations? Invitations to discover a more beautiful understanding of what sex w...

Mar 04, 202539 min

Episode #38: The 7 Deadly Sins That Are Hurting Your Marriage (And How to Fix Them)

In this episode, we’re diving deep into a framework that has stood the test of time—the 7 deadly sins—and how they show up in our marriages in ways we don’t even realize. We often think of marriage as a place of love and companionship, but the truth is, it’s also one of life’s greatest teachers of virtue. What if the arguments, resentment, and emotional distance in your relationship aren’t just problems—but opportunities? Opportunities to practice patience, humility, and kindness instead of prid...

Feb 27, 202548 min

Episode #37: Andrea Wanerstrand on Burnout—It Doesn’t Just Happen, Here’s How to Stop It Before It Starts

In this episode, I sit down with Andrea Wanerstrand, a leadership coach and former corporate executive, to uncover the hidden costs of burnout and how to take control of your energy before it’s too late. After experiencing burnout three times during her 25 years in corporate America, Andrea shares the hard-earned lessons that helped her not only recover but thrive. We discuss why high achievers are particularly vulnerable to stress, the subtle warning signs most people miss, and how small, consi...

Feb 18, 202551 min

Episode #36: How Debbie Travis Taking Risks and Bold Leaps Led to a Life She Loves

In this episode, I sit down with Debbie Travis—TV personality, entrepreneur, and best-selling author—to talk about reinvention, risk-taking, and knowing when to say basta (enough). At 16, Debbie left home with no clear plan. She started painting houses, turned that into a thriving business, and eventually became a household name in lifestyle television. She built a media empire, published multiple books, and then, at the height of her success, walked away to start a new chapter in Italy. We dive...

Feb 11, 20251 hr 25 min

Episode #35: Julie on The Relationship Argument You’ll Never Win—And Why That’s Okay

Ever feel like you and your partner argue about the same thing over and over again? You’re not alone. 69% of relationship conflicts never actually get solved—but that doesn’t mean your relationship is broken. In this episode, I sit down with Julie Sharon-Wagschal, a Dutch-American psychologist and certified Gottman therapist, to talk about why couples keep getting stuck in the same fights and what they can do about it. We dive into the Dreams Within Conflict exercise, a powerful tool that helps ...

Feb 04, 202552 min

Episode #34: Commitment and Trust: The Cornerstone of Fulfilling Relationships

In this episode, I take a deep dive into the complexities of commitment and its impact on our relationships and personal values. From trust and loyalty to the challenges of overcommitment, I explore what it truly means to honor the promises we make—to others and ourselves. We’ll unpack how trust and commitment are inseparable, why love deepens through shared experiences, and the role of discomfort in strengthening bonds. I also address the societal shifts in how we perceive commitment, how overc...

Jan 28, 202554 min
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