Is defining-the-relationship (DTR) only important in a romantic context? Or can it be advantageous for our friendships too? What if your friend is more accurately defined as an acquaintance or something entirely different? In today's episode, Callie and David explore this subject exploring the reasons why categorizing our relationships can prove critical for your wellbeing and others, as well as how to understand which category the people in your life fall into.--------------------------...

In this first episode of the new year, we're joined by Chris Trondsen as he so vulnerably opens up to share his story of living with severe OCD for over a decade, recovering from it, and now helping others navigate their mental health as a therapist and advocate for OCD awareness and education. We learn how the quality of our mental health has a direct impact on the quality of our relationships and why conversations like these need to be had for everyone's benefit. If you might have a mental ...

In this episode, we bring on marriage blogger and award-winning author, Sheila Wray Gregoire to draw back the curtain, revealing the problematic and toxic teachings about sex taught to us growing up and throughout life, especially in church. Based on her book, The Great Sex Rescue, she shares how a groundbreaking in-depth survey of 22,000 Christian women reveals that generations of women have grown up with books and messages about sex that make them feel dirty, used, or invisible,...

For some of us, the holidays are an opportunity for quality time with close family and friends yet for many, the holidays and interactions thereof trigger mixed and often negative emotions; anxiety, anger, fear, sadness, grief, or loss. In this episode, Callie and David take time to acknowledge the difficulties of the holiday season and share 3 ways to help navigate difficult yet often necessary interactions. ALSO, listen till the end to receive a special CHristmas gift from both o...

Expressing love through sexual intimacy is a special way to be vulnerable and affectionate in a romantic relationship; however, it's not always the most intimate way to express love. If a relationship feels disconnected despite a healthy sex life, there are actually several other ways to experience intimacy. In today's episode, Mary Jo Rapini presents these other forms of intimacy, sharing from her wealth of experience as a psychotherapist, specializing in sex therapy and intimacy. Join us as...

We live in a globalized and connected world yet many of us struggle to reach outside of our own cultural bubbles and form real relationships that move beyond stereotypes and lead to understanding, healing, and solidarity across cultural lines. Even in shared multi-ethnic spaces like churches, schools, and workplaces where we may feel diverse, we must remember that multiethnicity does not equate to multiculturalism. In this episode, Michelle Ami Reyes takes us on a journey on how to look close...

In today's episode, we're joined by the wise Kelly Needham as she reminds us that we're called to more than halfhearted friendships and lukewarm connections. Sharing principles and personal stories detailed in her book, Friend-ish, we take an honest and closer look at what the tenor of Scripture says about the gift of friendship and what this practically means for us. Join us as we explore:Healthy vs unhealthy attachment in friendshipsThe first step to making friends in a new place/stag...

The psychologist, Dan Allender once wrote "if we don’t tell our stories, our stories will tell us. Our stories impact us either unconsciously or consciously. It’s up to us to decide whether we’ll be passive recipients or active agents in the shaping of our lives.” In this episode, we have none other than the king of chai & storytelling, @crossculturechristian, Kevin Wilson, to help us learn how we can explore, own, and honor our individual stories. As he shares reflections on his st...

In this episode, David now interviews Callie about her journey with sex. She reflects on her range of sources for sex education — from Planned Parenthood to married friends — and the value she's gained from each. Callie also shares how she navigated her insecurities regarding David's sexual history, as well as dealing with the guilt and shame of crossing boundaries in their relationship (and how to see it in its proper context). Not only is there much more, there's also plenty of jokes. You k...

In this episode, Callie interviews David about his journey with sex. Beginning from childhood, he shares up through their current relationship as a married couple. Reflecting on experiences, emotions, and beliefs, David's story shows how we can't ignore our sexual past, present, and future. Vulnerability, honesty, and especially compassion are all necessary for healing and growth — especially in the realm of sex. --------------------------------We're eager to hear your though...