Today’s episode was recorded just days before Charlie Kirk was murdered back in September. We decided not to post it after his death as we were all in shock and grieving after the events that took place. We are releasing it now as a bonus episode. Although it’s a few months old now, the topic seems more relevant than ever.
These are not easy questions, yet they are things we wrestle with in our journey through this life. We hope you’ll find peace and comfort in this episode no matter what difficulties you are facing. You are not alone. Please reach out with any questions or comments. We’d love to hear from you!
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Elliott recently shared some of psychiatrist Dr. William Glasser’s work with Karin. Karin hadn’t researched his work in a long time, and it immediately resonated with her and the times we are living in. Dr. Glasser developed Reality Therapy and Choice Theory and was very critical of traditional therapy modalities of his time.
In this episode, we explore these themes and how we can see them through a Biblical lens. Elliott relates this to many of his clients who have recently felt stuck in their ability to make choices and move forward in life, making change. Karin also explores the ways in which modern-day therapy disempowers and dehumanizes so many people seeking help.
We hope you are encouraged and empowered as you listen. Make it happen!
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
After a variety of counseling sessions that revolved around similar themes Karin and Elliott dive into the topic of control. What do we do when our world around us feels chaotic and anxious? How do we deal with being misunderstood and mistreated? What’s the antidote to trying to control the people and situations in our lives? Where is God in the midst of anxiety and fears?
Karin and Elliott share their strategies, re-frames, and wealth of experience on how to deal with these big questions we all face.
Be empowered and encouraged as you listen! If you have any additional questions or comments feel free to reach out to us on our website or on social media.
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Today we have the pleasure of hosting Love & Life favorite David Wayne to discuss the intersection of faith, mental health, and the devastating ways Big Pharma impacts those seeking help. We discuss the spiritual awakening that many have experienced over the last 5 years, the challenges of navigating the mental health system, and the importance of emotional connection and self-empowerment in recovery.
* The mental health system often perpetuates harm rather than healing.
* How labels dehumanize people seeking help.
* How SSRIs numb our emotions.
* The importance of our emotions as we heal.
* How hope and self-empowerment are essential for recovery.
* And much more!
Enjoy the conversation and we pray that it meets you wherever you are on your journey towards wholeness and healing.
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Jennifer Sey, CEO of XX-XY Athletics has proclaimed October 10th (X X) as Real Women’s Day.
We at Love & Life are here for it!Jennifer encourages us to speak out—to be bold in our support and protection of women and girls.
I have purchased several T-shirts from XX-XY Athletics. The statements on the shirts are logical and reasonable, yet at this chaotic time, they are often perceived as controversial by many people.
I wear them to invite others to think.
I want them to consider their positions. And, I want to advocate for women and girls.
Because when men pretend to be women, they steal women’s positions, championships, and scholarships.
In effect, they erase women.
In today’s episode, our intern, Evelyn, joins me to share her thoughts, as a young Gen Z woman, on these concerns!
We invite you to join us as we support Jennifer‘s campaign. Speak up! Stand up! And, maybe even wear a T-shirt, proclaiming your beliefs about sex, reality, and the importance of protecting women and girls!
Evelyn also wrote a piece for us in honor of 10/10 Real Women's Day. You can read it here:
Substack - Girls Are Girls by Evelyn Harrington
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Elliott and I have recently talked about pain and grief around the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The horror and fury of losing a Godly leader are bad enough. The shocking reality that some people celebrated his murder heaps additional sorrow on those in mourning. (For more on this, please see ep. 372).
At the same time, God continues to redeem and bring glory to even the most hideous of circumstances. A spiritual fire has awakened many—people are returning to church and speaking boldly about their beliefs and faith.
We focus on this beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
In the midst of division, we find comfort with likeminded friends—this shared grief provides healing in and of itself.
For example, after listening to the episodes about Charlie, a friend from college texted me with a heartfelt, supportive response. Elliott and I discuss her text which led to a conversation about attachment.
We use the framework of Attachment Theory to flesh out the tension, pain, and dissension we feel at this time. How do we move through the vicissitudes of attachment to our friends, family, country, and God?
Throughout our conversation, Elliott provides Scripture to help us navigate strained connections. Ultimately, we lean on God as our secure attachment.
I’m still somewhat in shock. I NEVER thought I’d hear America’s most powerful leaders acknowledge what mothers of autistic children have known for years—the autism epidemic has nothing to do with genes and EVERYTHING to do with toxic and pharmaceutical exposures.
Including vaccines.
And yes, in the press conference, Trump initially mentioned Tylenol and the fact that taking it during pregnancy leads to an increased risk of a future diagnosis of autism for the baby.
But, right after that, Trump brought up vaccines stating that autism is virtually nonexistent in some communities where children don’t get them.
He looked to Bobby for confirmation and Bobby agreed that yes, several studies suggest this to be true in communities like the Amish, for example.
I was THRILLED to hear the top health official in the US utter this truth!
Finally, the moms of autistic children are vindicated. Finally, pediatricians won’t be able to gaslight them anymore. Finally, “believe all women” applies to them!
I invited our favorite dissident psychiatric nurse, Dave Wayne, to share his take on the press conference. Will we actually start preventing autism? Can we treat it with leucovorin as Dr. Makary asserts? And, how will these announcements impact the future of MAHA and the medical freedom movement?
Join us for a lively discussion on all things autism, junk medical research, and, of course, Big Pharma!
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
As we continue to mourn the murder of Charlie Kirk and reflect on his legacy, Karin shares her personal experience attending Charlie’s memorial service this past Sunday. She describes what she witnessed firsthand and the impact it had on her and those she attended with. Karin and Elliott also delve into the significance of forgiveness, healing, and confronting anger in the process of grieving while also addressing the criticisms and outrage that some commentators expressed about the memorial service. Was the memorial a platform to encourage revenge or forgiveness? How do we wrestle through these topics that have seemingly become so polarizing? Please join us as we have a real dialogue about how we navigate through these topics as we seek to honor Charlie’s legacy. Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
I’ve been thinking a lot about friendships in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Especially because, as we’ve talked about before on the program, many friendships have become strained in these highly charged times.
So when you admire a prominent figure who takes a stand politically, you can be certain friends who vote in the other direction will not only NOT admire him, they may actually despise him.
And, should he be murdered, they’ll shed no tears. They might, in fact, be secretly glad he’s dead.
Where does that leave the friendship?
We typically lean on friends during our pain and sadness. We look to them for empathy—even if they aren’t suffering the same loss.
True friends imagine how we’re feeling; they put themselves in our shoes and grieve with us.
As Paul instructed, they “carry our burdens.”
But maybe they can’t—or, won’t—when the loss involves someone or something they abhor.
Then what? What happens to the friendship?
I’m dealing with this right now and in today’s episode, Elliott helps me process.
If your friendships are fractured due to these divisive times—or, for any reason—please join us.
Below you’ll find the video we referenced in the episode:
https://youtu.be/azE7nqqQMmo
Sponsor:
The Wellness Company
Website: https://www.twc.health/lovelife
Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
How do we move through the shock and grief of murder?
We’re horrified, outraged, and demoralized. Nothing makes sense.
WHY, God?
And furthermore, Charlie was gunned down for inviting others to debate him at universities. Aren’t universities designed for spirited discourse? When we disagree, isn’t the solution to continue sharpening our positions, as opposed to silencing counter-arguments?
Elliott and I respond to Charlie’s murder by sharing Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ Stages of Grief while supplementing her model with principles from Scripture.
If you’re grieving, please join us for a word of healing and hope.
Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
We continue our conversation today discussing some of the issues we find in the therapy profession and the impact it has on individuals seeking help.
Specifically, we explore:
• What is Big Therapy?
• The Problem with Codependency in Therapeutic Relationships
• Mental Health Awareness and Its Implications
• How to Frame Mental Health Positively
• The Dangers of AI in Therapy
• And More!
We want to empower individuals to make informed decisions and to think critically when seeking out therapeutic help. If you have questions about therapy please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at http://loveandlifemedia.com
Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Therapy is a powerful tool that aids us in navigating complex issues, pain, trauma, and anxieties that are inherent to the human experience. The concept of seeing a therapist or a “shrink” was once considered taboo but has now become widely accepted in our culture as a normal response to challenging situations.
However, as with many aspects of life, the shift towards acceptance can sometimes lead to overemphasis. Ironically, we find ourselves in an era with an unprecedented number of therapists, yet the prevalence of mental health issues remains at an alarming level. Some individuals even experience a worsening of their condition after undergoing therapy.
In this episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics of modern therapy. We examine the challenges inherent in traditional therapeutic models, highlight the significance of reframing negative thought patterns, and explore the role of faith in fostering mental well-being.
Sponsor:
The Wellness Company
Website: https://www.twc.health/lovelife
Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Today we conclude Elliott's 2 part sermon series on Spiritual Thinking from Philippians 4:6-9. If you missed part 1 make sure to check out Ep. 367.
For more of Elliott’s sermons, please visit: https://solidrock.faith/
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Sponsor:
The Wellness Company
Website: https://www.twc.health/lovelife
Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Elliott is back and he’s here today to share a 2-part message series he gave at his church, Solid Rock Church, on spiritual thinking. The series covers Philippians 4:6-9, with Part 1 covering verses 6-7 and Part 2 verses 8-9.
In his 30 years of experience as a therapist, a counselor, and a spiritual renewal mentor, it dawned on Elliott the necessity and the power of spiritual thinking and how it impacts our lives.
Far too often, our thoughts can be fixated on worries, anxieties, and condemnation to ourselves or others.
These thoughts can destroy relationships, destroy lives, and block our influence and our inspiration to our community.
Elliott’s message is strong and direct, and we hope it challenges you. We hope it helps you to recognize and deal with this concept of spiritual thinking in your life.
For more of Elliott’s sermons, please visit: https://solidrock.faith/
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Sponsor:
The Wellness Company
Website: https://www.twc.health/lovelife
Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Dr. Karin and Pastor Elliott will be back next week but in the mean time we are replaying Ep. 307, one of our more popular episodes on mental health! Whether you're hearing this episode again or for the first time we hope it will empower you!
___________________________________
Recently, I read an article in Time Magazine titled, “America Has Reached Peak Therapy. Why Is Our Mental Health Getting Worse?”
Obviously, the content was quite sobering. How is it that mental health awareness is up, stigma is down—and yet, we’re more depressed and anxious than ever!?!
I knew I wanted to discuss the article with Elliott and share it with the Love & Life community.
Specifically, we unpack:
Oh, and let’s not forget Pharma. The realities we highlight throughout the episode wouldn’t be occurring without a healthy dose—pun intended—of Big Pharma influence.
Join us as we break down the current landscape while also providing hope for a more holistic, empowered approach to emotional wellbeing!
Article: https://time.com/6308096/therapy-mental-health-worse-us/
Sponsors:
The Wellness Company
Website: https://www.twc.health/lovelife
Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Recently, I was invited to appear on a podcast called "We Need to Talk with Dr. Darcy Sterling". On that podcast, we got into a lot of dating topics that I used to cover on Love & Life before Elliott joined.
- what to look for in the early days
- the dynamic of the dating relationships
- what red flags to notice
- what flag may not be all that red (but we should still pay attention to them)
- and more!
All these kinds of issues are things that Elliot and I are very passionate about. So we asked Dr. Sterling if we could share my interview on her program with you, the Love and Life family. We hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Darcy Sterling!
__________________________________
I’ve worked with so many smart, successful people who keep finding themselves in relationships that just don’t work. They’re self-aware, they’ve done the therapy, and on paper, they’re a catch. So why do they keep picking partners who can’t meet them where they are?
In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and “Love & Life” podcast host Dr. Karin Anderson Abrell to talk about why high-functioning people so often end up in low-quality relationships—and what to do about it.
We’re breaking down:
Why emotionally intelligent people sometimes ignore red flags.
The role fantasy and projection play in choosing the wrong partners.
How to tell the difference between chemistry and compatibility.
What “dating at your level” really looks like.
How to stop mistaking potential for actual partnership.
If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I’m the common denominator,” this conversation is for you. Because sometimes, you’re not the problem—you’re just dating one.
🎧 Hit play. Let’s talk about it.
Xxoo Darcy
REFERENCES/RESOURCES
www.alternativescounseling.com
Stat on DSM
https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2...
CREDITS
“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen.
DISCLAIMER
https://www.askdrdarcy.com/disclaimer/
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Summer is in full swing and that means while Dr. Karin and Pastor Elliott are out we are going back in time to Ep. 262 and replay one of our more popular episodes on mental health! We believe this topic is just as relevant today as it was back in 2023. Whether you're hearing this episode again or for the first time we hope it will empower you!
We’re in the midst of a mental health war. Over the last 50 years, we’ve raised awareness and developed abundant treatment options, yet Americans’ rates of depression and anxiety continue to skyrocket (Whitaker, 2015).
Today, Elliott and I discuss my reflections on his recent messages about the epidemics of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and addiction.
We conceptualize the current mental health landscape as a war for two reasons: (1) because so many Americans battle psychological concerns and (2) professionals are in the midst of deeply contentious disputes regarding how to best treat clients’ emotional distress.
Pharmaceutical corporations and many psychiatrists view this issue through a medical model i.e. patients are diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses and are prescribed pills to manage symptoms. But despite an exponential increase in the use of psychotropic medications, the number of Americans filing disability claims due to mental conditions has tripled over the last two decades (Whitaker, 2015).
Elliott and I argue that a “medicalized” framework pathologizes reasonable responses to trauma and pain; this frameworks also disempowers clients—which is both an unintended and unfortunate consequence. Furthermore, and very importantly, most pharmaceutical interventions for psychological conditions simply don’t work as promised—if at all (Brogan, 2016, 2019; Whitaker, 2015).
Join our conversation to learn the necessary tactics for engaging in this mental health war!
Works Cited
Brogan, K. (2016). A mind of your own: The truth about depression and how women can heal their bodies to reclaim their lives. Harper Wave.
Brogan, K. (2019). Own yourself: The surprising path beyond depression, anxiety, and fatigue to reclaiming your authenticity, vitality, and freedom. Hay House.
Spielmans, G., Spence-Sing, T., & Parry, P. (2020). Duty to warn: Antidepressant black box suicidality warning is empirically justified. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 20. ttps://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00018/full
Whitaker, R. (2015). Anatomy of an epidemic. Broadway Books.
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
We’ve been a series for the past month, taking a counter-cultural approach to the mainstream use of medications. These medications have been normalized by medical professionals and big businesses for decades, and those who experience negative side effects are often demoralized and shunned.
In today’s episode, Elliott offers his response to this series and helps us continue unpack these topics. He also shares with us his LOVE approach, which gives us some practical application to a subject that affects us on so many levels.
These topics can be heavy and may impact us personally or our closest relationships with family and friends. We hope you find encouragement and practical tools you can incorporate into your daily life. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or comments about these topics!
Sponsor:
The Wellness Company
Website: https://www.twc.health/lovelife
Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Over the last 10 years, there’s been an exponential growth in the number of children diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
“Gender affirming care” prescribes puberty blockers to keep children from developing naturally. Doctors often claim puberty blockers merely “pause” physical development—suggesting children can “un-pause” the process and resume puberty at will.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Psychiatric nurse, Dave Wayne, joins us to continue our series about commonly prescribed medications which may have detrimental side effects.
We discuss the realities of puberty blockers, including:
• the fact they’re used to chemically castrate sex offenders in Europe
• the irreversible physical damage they cause
• the resulting cognitive impairment
The research is clear—puberty blockers cause irreparable harm to children’s emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
It’s high time we adults start protecting children, as opposed to “affirming” their delusions.
Citations
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.14.25327614v1
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/dec/17/johanna-olson-kennedy-doctor-won-release-transgend/
Sponsor:
The Wellness Company
Website: https://www.twc.health/lovelife
Code: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!
David Wayne
Website: https://www.describe.health
Instagram: @david.wayne.rn
Dr. Karin & Pastor Elliott Anderson
Website: http://loveandlifemedia.com/
Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBook
Instagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson
Psychiatric nurse and Love & Life favorite David Wayne returns to the show today as we continue our series examining drugs that most of us consider completely safe, effective, and harmless. In this conversation, we discuss one of the most commonly prescribed drugs: antidepressants.
David witnessed firsthand how these drugs had profound impacts on the health of his patients…
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t good.
More than the negative impacts of these drugs, however, David believes the public has not been informed about the dangerous side effects and at times lifelong impact these drugs can cause.
As a result, patients are not being provided proper informed consent.
Whether you agree, disagree, or have never heard this side of the position before, we hope this episode will encourage you to think critically and conduct your own research as you start to question the status quo that has infused our cultural for decades regarding these medications.
To learn more about David’s story, please check out the other Love & Life appearances he has made over the years here:Ep. 298 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4jHUtoWp04Bqw8fjjYjmoR?si=2TCsg4ATTyqrM3uzsNW-gw Ep. 299 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0rBQyYgzQ8PJZlkhVG3f1o?si=gQrDg-5VQR6F7804f6ohrQ Ep. 316 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/58PblFM1gvijGfx8DF8Yrp?si=QnzwREsBQqCE8-z84ayg3QEp. 321 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5rOU5CwPeS38aRpgIh1p7D?si=QfKkO9TIRaqFdSbfhEbkwAEp. 324 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3rkQJAXYiyxDSIKzAilSQh?si=wgcOiuQ8TLaTLarLtCjbTw
Sponsor:The Wellness CompanyWebsite: https://www.twc.health/lovelifeCode: LOVELIFE for 15% off your order!David WayneWebsite: https://www.describe.healthInstagram: @david.wayne.rnDr. Karin & Pastor Elliott AndersonWebsite: http://loveandlifemedia.com/Empowered Dating Playbook: smarturl.it/EmpoweredDatingBookInstagram: @dr.karin | @pastorelliottanderson