Coffee with CAPS

Thinking about doing long distance in college? In this episode, Sam and Aaron talk about the reality of long-distance relationships for college students. Why do so many couples try to make it work after going to different schools — and why do some relationships actually grow stronger while others fall apart? Drawing on research and counseling experience, they unpack the common challenges of distance, from loneliness and communication struggles to unrealistic expectations.

If you’re dating someone far away — or considering it — this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the pros, the pitfalls, and the kinds of questions worth asking as you think about the future of your relationship.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Ever feel like there’s a countdown on your relationship once senior year hits?

In this episode, Sam and Aaron talk honestly about the whole “ring by spring” culture — where it comes from, why it feels so intense, and how it can quietly shape your decisions. They get into the pressure from family and friends, the temptation to rush something just to not be alone, and the fear that graduation means your window is closing.

More than anything, this conversation is about slowing down. Asking better questions. Paying attention to values, emotional readiness, and wise counsel instead of a deadline. Whether you’re in a serious relationship or single and tired of the comments, this one’s for you.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

How do you forgive yourself? And why is it sometimes harder to accept God’s forgiveness than to believe it’s true for everyone else?

In this follow-up conversation, Sam and Dr. Jichan Kim dig into the difference between self-compassion and self-forgiveness, and why many Christians quietly struggle with shame long after they’ve repented. They talk about guilt that leads to growth versus guilt that keeps you stuck, the tension between justice and mercy, and how holding onto self-condemnation can actually keep us from fully receiving grace. If you’ve ever felt defined by something you’ve done, this episode invites you to think differently about repentance, responsibility, and what it really means to live forgiven.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Can you forgive someone who hurt you — and does that mean you have to stay? In this episode of Coffee with CAPS, Sam and Dr. Jichan Kim unpack what forgiveness really is (and what it isn’t) in college relationships. They talk about the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, how to know if someone is truly changing, and why forgiveness is more about shaping your own heart than excusing someone else’s behavior. If you’re navigating hurt, mixed advice from friends, or questions about what moving forward should look like, this conversation offers practical insight grounded in both psychology and faith.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Dating on campus can start to feel like a battle instead of a connection. In this episode of Coffee with CAPS, Sam reflects on why men and women often approach dating with suspicion, how social media fuels that divide, and where expectations quietly become unrealistic. The conversation explores what healthy standards actually look like, how to talk about values without turning dating into a checklist, and why starting with curiosity and goodwill changes everything. A grounded, thoughtful listen for students who want healthier, more hopeful relationships.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Ever wonder if you’re setting “too many” boundaries — or not enough? Sam and Aaron are joined by CAPS counselor Emily Elrod to unpack what healthy boundaries really look like in dating and relationships. They talk about values, communication, compromise, and how to handle moments when things don’t go as planned. Emily also shares insight on relationship pressure, emotional awareness, and why understanding yourself first makes all the difference. A great listen for anyone trying to grow in confidence and connection.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

What does healthy masculinity actually look like? In this episode of Coffee with CAPS, Sam sits down with CAPS counselor Marshall Shank to talk about dating, boundaries, emotional growth, and showing up well in relationships. They unpack toxic vs. healthy masculinity, fear of rejection, “situationships,” and why doing hard things is part of becoming who you’re meant to be.

If you’ve ever felt confused about relationships or unsure how to grow as a person, this one’s for you.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Sam and Aaron kick off Season 4 by talking about what it’s really like to come back to campus for the spring semester. From normal back-to-school anxiety and shifting friendships to breakups, boundaries, and finding your people again, they unpack why transitions are hard and how to handle them with a little more grace. The conversation also touches on faith, anxiety, and what it looks like to trust God without shaming yourself for feeling stressed. A grounded start to the semester for anyone feeling the pressure of being back.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

In this episode, Sam and Aaron sit down to talk about something a lot of students run into around Thanksgiving and Christmas break: meeting your boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s family for the first time. They unpack what actually helps when you’re walking into someone else’s traditions, expectations, and family dynamics — how to make a good impression without being fake, what to talk about (and what might be better to skip), and how to handle everything from awkward moments to mismatched values.

They also talk about boundaries, preparing each other before the trip home, and why being open, warm, and respectful goes a long way — whether you're chatty, quiet, confident, or nervous. If you’re heading into the holidays with a significant other, this one might make the whole thing feel a little less intimidating.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

In this follow-up chat with Trish McCoy Kessler from Empower Counseling, Sam and Aaron dig into how social media shapes the way we see our bodies — and each other. From “fitspo” influencers and #WhatIEatInADay videos to filtered “real me” selfies, the conversation gets honest about what’s healthy, what’s not, and how comparison creeps in without us noticing. They also touch on cultural takes on body image, why food and exercise rules can quietly take over your life, and how to tell when “discipline” turns into obsession. It’s a thoughtful talk about body image, health, and learning to separate real connection from the highlight reel.

Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!