In the first episode of the All About Marriage series, Larry Vinson is joined by April Bordeau to explore one of the most essential foundations of a thriving marriage: healthy communication.

Before couples can effectively navigate conflict, heal after betrayal, or deepen intimacy, they must first learn how to communicate with emotional awareness, safety, and intention. April draws from both her clinical expertise and nearly three decades of marriage to offer practical, real-life tools couples can begin using immediately.

Core Truth About Marriage

Marriage is not sustained by intention alone—it requires ongoing effort and grace. April reframes long-term marriage as a continual process of growth and learning. As individuals and seasons of life change, communication must evolve as well. God’s grace, paired with intentional practice, allows couples to remain connected even when they stumble.

The 3 Foundational Principles of Healthy Communication

1. You are responsible for your own “yard.” Each spouse is responsible for their own physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
2. You are not responsible for your spouse’s “yard.” You cannot control how your spouse shows up—but you can control how you do.
3. Spouses influence one another, but do not determine one another. Healthy communication invites influence without manipulation or control.

April emphasizes that oneness is not sameness. Two distinct people sharpen one another rather than merge into a single identity.

10 Practical Steps for Healthy Communication

1. Pause before responding to ensure you are responding intentionally rather than reacting emotionally.
2. Check your intent by asking why you are having the conversation and what you hope to accomplish.
3. Assume positive intent and remember that you and your spouse are on the same team.
4. Speak from your own experience using “I” statements instead of blame.
5. Listen to understand, not to win, recognizing that winning an argument can cost connection.
6. Reflect what you hear to validate your spouse before responding or problem-solving.
7. Name emotions clearly, going beyond basic emotions like mad, sad, or happy.
8. Stay present and on topic, avoiding “kitchen sink” fighting that derails conversations.
9. Repair after rupture by owning mistakes, apologizing, and returning to connection.
10. End with connection and next steps rather than walking away without closure.

These steps are not about perfection, but about increasing the likelihood of emotional safety, connection, and intimacy.

Encouragement for Listeners

A single podcast episode cannot undo years of communication patterns, but change is possible. With intentionality, support, and the right tools, marriages that once felt tense or disconnected can experience renewed closeness and hope.

“It’s not too late. Start today. Start small. Try one thing.”

Resources & Support

Visit caretochange.org and explore the Resources tab, including the Marriage section, for podcasts, books, and tools to support your relationship. Couples who need deeper support are encouraged to schedule counseling or marriage coaching with Care to Change.

In this episode, April Bordeau is joined by Brittany Gipson, Director of Clinical Services at Care to Change, to close out our parenting series with a tender and necessary conversation about grief and loss.

Loss comes in many forms - death, divorce, estrangement, health challenges, or the loss of a dream - and grief does not follow a predictable timeline. Together, April and Brittany explore how parents can support their children through grief while navigating their own healing journey.

This episode offers compassionate guidance for families walking through life after loss, emphasizing that grief is not something to “get over,” but something to integrate with care, honesty, and hope.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why grief is not linear and why there is no “right” way to grieve
• Common misconceptions about grief (including the pressure to move on)
• How children experience grief differently than adults
• Signs that a child may need additional support
• What rebuilding a “new normal” can look like after loss
• The importance of presence - not fixing - for those supporting someone in grief

April also shares personal reflections from her own journey through loss, underscoring the sacredness of grief and the power of walking alongside one another rather than rushing healing.

Resources mentioned:

• Previous Care to Change podcast episodes on grief and loss
• Grief-focused resources and book recommendations available on the Care to Change website
• GriefShare groups and community-based grief support

If this conversation brings up questions or emotions for you or your family, we invite you to reach out. You don’t have to navigate grief alone. Care to Change is here to offer support, counseling, and practical tools for healing.

Parenting young adults is one of the most tender and complex seasons of family life. In this episode, April Bordeau is joined by returning guest Jean Crane to explore how parents can navigate the tension between letting go and staying connected as children move into adulthood.

Jean brings both professional insight and lived experience, parenting children who are actively launching into college, marriage, and independent life. Together, April and Jean discuss the emotional push-pull parents often feel—grief and pride, closeness and distance—and how to stay relationally connected without overstepping into control.

This conversation offers practical guidance, reassurance, and hope for parents who want to maintain influence through relationship rather than authority.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why parenting young adults is fundamentally different from parenting teens or children
• The shift from positional influence to relational influence
• How brain development impacts decision-making well into the mid-20s
• What helps young adults want to stay connected with their parents
• How curiosity and listening build trust and openness
• Healthy ways to set boundaries with adult children
• How to respond when you’re deeply concerned about your child’s choices
• When to speak up, when to step back, and when to pray and wait
• A simple practice parents can use this week to strengthen connection

Key takeaway:
The goal isn’t control—it’s connection. When communication stays open, curiosity replaces judgment, and encouragement is spoken consistently, young adults are far more likely to invite their parents into their lives.

Resources mentioned:
Parenting Through the Stages (Orange Series)
The Power of a Praying Parent
The Power of a Praying Parent for Adult Children
The Anxious Generation
Stolen Focus

April also references a previous Care to Change podcast episode on parenting adult children, which will be linked in the show notes.

If you’re navigating this season and feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected, Care to Change offers experienced therapists who can walk alongside you through counseling, marriage intensives, or leadership coaching.

Learn more or reach out at caretochange.org.

Guests: Teresa Haskins, LMHC & Billy Haskins, Associate Pastor of Plainfield Christian Church 

Parenting teens today looks and feels very different than it did even a decade ago. In this episode, April sits down with therapist Teresa Haskins and her husband, Pastor Billy Haskins, for an honest conversation about the real challenges facing teens and the parents who love them. Together, they explore how identity is formed during adolescence, why teens reach for autonomy, and how parents can support that process without losing the connection that matters most.

Listeners will hear about the pressures today’s teens face academically, socially, and digitally, including the role of comparison, perfectionism, and fear of failure. Teresa and Billy discuss how social media shapes teens’ sense of belonging, how parents can navigate digital boundaries without shaming, and why phones aren’t the root cause—or the solution—to every struggle.

The conversation also highlights the importance of self-awareness in parenting. Teresa explains why managing our own emotions is essential, especially when our teens’ choices activate our fears. Billy offers encouragement around letting go of perfect parenting and focusing instead on intentional presence. The episode includes practical steps parents can take this week to lower tension, strengthen connection, and create more meaningful conversations with their teens.

Resources mentioned include: The Anxious Generation, Parenting From the Inside Out, Boundaries with Teens, Jim Burns’ Understanding Your Teen, and podcasts from Homeward, All Pro Dad, and iMom.

Whether you’re navigating academic pressure, digital boundaries, mood swings, or the tension between freedom and accountability, this episode offers wisdom, compassion, and realistic tools for the journey. If you’re feeling discouraged or unsure of your next step, Care to Change is here to help. Discover more resources and support at caretochange.org.

Quote 1:
“What really matters is not perfect parenting, but it's just authentic presence in your kids lives." Billy Haskins

Quote 2:
“Your teen doesn’t need you to be a dictator or a helicopter—they need you to listen, stay curious, and trust that they’re becoming who they were created to be.” Teresa Haskins

Host: April Bordeau 

Guest: Mac Zambrano  

Parenting young children can feel overwhelming, especially when big emotions, power struggles, and exhaustion collide. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to parent littles with both love and limits, without relying on shame, fear, or survival-based parenting approaches.

Rather than focusing on “fixing behavior,” this conversation reframes early childhood challenges through a developmental and relational lens. You’ll learn why boundaries are not the opposite of love, but one of the clearest ways children experience safety, connection, and trust.

We talk about:

• Why limits are essential for emotional and nervous system development
• How to respond to big behaviors without escalating power struggles
• The difference between discipline and punishment
• Why parents don’t need to do this alone—and were never meant to
• How early support can change the trajectory for both children and parents

If you’re parenting a little one and find yourself questioning, second-guessing, or feeling worn down, this episode is an invitation to pause, breathe, and reach for support.

🧡 You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Care to Change offers counseling, parent support, and trusted resources specifically designed for families raising young children. If you’re looking for guidance, reassurance, or professional support, we encourage you to call Care to Change and explore the parenting resources available to you.

Parenting with love and limits is not about perfection. It’s about connection, support, and having the right tools along the way.

Techniques for Coping with Anxiety and Reducing Stress Levels

Welcome to "Finding Peace: Faith Based Approaches to Anxiety and Stress," where we explore practical ways to integrate faith with mental health. Today, we dive into a crucial topic: anxiety and stress management. In this episode April Bordeau and Jean Crane discuss effective techniques rooted in faith principles that can help you find peace amidst life's challenges.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding Anxiety and Stress:
   • Define anxiety and stress and their impact on mental health.
   • Recognize the prevalence of anxiety in today's society and its effects on individuals.
2. Biblical Perspective on Anxiety:
   • Explore relevant scriptures that address anxiety.
   • Discuss how faith can provide comfort and strength during anxious moments.
3. Techniques for Coping with Anxiety:
   • Prayer and Meditation:
     • The power of prayer as a tool for surrender and seeking peace.
     • Guided Christian meditation techniques to calm the mind and spirit.
   • Breathing Exercises and Relaxation Techniques:
     • Deep breathing exercises to reduce physiological symptoms of anxiety.
     • Progressive muscle relaxation methods to release tension.
   • Journaling and Scripture Reflection:
     • Keeping a gratitude journal to focus on blessings rather than worries.
     • Reflecting on scripture passages that emphasize trust and God's provision.
   • Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
     • Importance of regular exercise in reducing stress and improving mood.
     • Balanced diet and adequate sleep as foundations for emotional well-being.

• Connection and community
  • Authentic relationships with people who support and encourage you
  • Forgiveness as a regular part of community
• Seeking Professional Help:
  • Encouragement to seek support from counselors or therapists.

Remember that managing anxiety is a journey, and you are not alone. By integrating these techniques with your faith, you can experience a deeper sense of peace that surpasses understanding. Thank you for listening. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share with others who may benefit. Remember, in Christ, there is hope and healing for every anxious heart. Until next time, may God's peace be with you always.

Follow Care to Change on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/CaretoChange.org/
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See our YouTube page here

If you would like someone to come speak to your group about anxiety, depression or mental health, contact usfor more details.

If you are struggling and ready to take a step toward freedom, schedule an appt today.

In this heartfelt favorite episode of yours, we explore the vital role friendship plays in marriage and practical steps couples can take to cultivate friendships. Join our director, April Bordeau, as she leads a discussion with Joey Coffman and Robyn Coffman, from the nationally known 10|10 Ministries.  Join us as we discuss how cultivating a deep friendship with your spouse can strengthen your relationship, enhance communication, and enjoyment in life. They share valuable insights on building and maintaining friendship within marriage and offer practical strategies for couples to implement in their daily lives.

Key Topics Covered

• The Biblical Foundation of Friendship: Exploring scripture that highlights the significance of companionship in marriage.
• Friendship vs. Romance: Understanding the difference and how both elements are essential in a thriving marriage.
• Communication as a Cornerstone: How friendship fosters open and honest dialogue between spouses.
• Shared Interests and Activities: Practical ways to cultivate friendship through shared hobbies and experiences.
• Spiritual Connection: The importance of praying together and growing spiritually as friends and partners.

Scripture References

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor."
• Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up."

More about Robyn Coffman
More about Joey Coffman
Online resources published by the Coffman Company

Contact Care to Change if your marriage is lacking luster and you're just not friends anymore. 

In this episode, we tackle the challenging topic of toxic friendships and their impact on our mental health. Join us as we discuss how to recognize unhealthy relationships and practical steps to cultivate healthier connections.

Key Discussion Points:

• Defining Toxic Friendships:
  • Characteristics of toxic friendships and how they differ from healthy ones.
• Identifying Red Flags:
  • Common behaviors that signal a toxic friendship (e.g., manipulation, constant negativity).
  • Determining if you are the toxic friend
• Navigating Toxicity:
  • Steps to address and confront toxic friendships.
  • When to consider ending a friendship and how to do it gracefully.
• Building Healthy Connections:
  • Tips for fostering supportive and uplifting relationships.

Featured Scriptures:

• Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
• 2 Corinthians 6:14: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers..."

Guest Expert:

This episode features Brittany Gipson a Christian therapist specializing in relationship dynamics, who shares her insights on maintaining healthy friendships and navigating toxic ones.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books:
  • "Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No" by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
  • "Necessary Endings" by Dr. Henry Cloud
  • "Find Your People" by Jennie Allen
  • "Uninvited" by Lysa Terkurst

Closing Thoughts

Navigating friendships—both healthy and unhealthy—is an essential part of our emotional and spiritual well-being. Our hope is that today’s conversation encourages you to pay attention to the relationships shaping your life and to pursue connections that reflect God’s design for encouragement, growth, and mutual respect. Whether you’re setting boundaries, healing from hurt, or learning to be a healthier friend yourself, remember you are not alone on the journey.

Thank you for joining us for this important discussion. If this episode encouraged you or gave you clarity, share it with someone who might need it. And as always, we invite you to subscribe, leave a review, or reach out with topics you’d like us to explore in the future.

Until next time, may your relationships draw you closer to Christ and to the person He is shaping you to become.

In this episode of the Care to Change Podcast, April Bordeau sits down with therapist Jean Crane to close out the Gratitude Series. Together, they unpack the life-giving practice of mindfulness and stillness in a culture that glorifies busyness.

Jean shares her personal journey of learning to slow down and be fully present, even in the middle of a full and demanding life. She explains how mindfulness connects with gratitude, how it helps regulate emotions, and why checking in with ourselves—even for just a minute—can have a lasting impact on our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

From morning routines to simple grounding techniques, Jean offers practical ways anyone can build stillness into their daily rhythms. You’ll come away with encouragement that stillness is not only possible, it’s essential—and you are worth the check-in.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why our culture’s pace makes stillness a “lost art”
• How mindfulness and gratitude work together to change perspective
• The science behind negative bias—and how gratitude rewires our brains
• Practical tools for busy people: body scans, grounding exercises, and daily gratitude check-ins
• How to start and end your day with mindfulness for better rest and focus
• Why even small moments of stillness can deposit into your overall well-being

Resources & Mentions:

• Spiritual Practices for the Brain by Anne Kertz Kernion
• Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest by Ruth Haley Barton
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
• The How We Feel App for daily emotional check-ins

Closing Note:
As we close this series on gratitude, reflection, and self-awareness, remember: you don’t need hours or a retreat to practice stillness. You can begin with small steps today. And if you find yourself struggling, Care to Change is here to walk alongside you with practical solutions for positive change.

In this episode of the Care to Change Podcast, April Bordeau welcomes back Teresa Land, therapist and clinical supervisor at Care to Change, for an inspiring conversation on the practice of gratitude journaling.

Teresa shares how she first leaned into journaling during the difficult days of COVID, discovering it as a God-led practice that shifted her focus from anxiety to hope. She explains how journaling is more than making a list—it’s about slowing down, engaging both sides of the brain, and allowing gratitude to shape our perspective.

Together, April and Teresa explore practical ways to begin, prompts that make reflection meaningful, and how gratitude journaling can transform not only how we see ourselves but also how we connect with God and others. This practice, though simple, has the power to bring calm, deepen faith, and build resilience.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why gratitude journaling is more than “making a list”
• How writing can help slow racing thoughts and steady your heart
• Practical prompts to guide reflection (using all five senses, people, places, and ordinary gifts)
• How gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to sufficiency
• The overlap of Scripture, science, and gratitude in shaping peace of mind
• Why journaling is personal—your practice can be as unique as you are
• Simple tips to make gratitude a daily rhythm in your life

Resources & Mentions:

• In All Things Give Thanks by Charles Stanley (gratitude journal)
• Spiritual Practices for the Brain by Anne Kertz Kernion
• One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
• The YouVersion Bible App (gratitude devotionals and reading plans)

Contact us online here.