The evidence is clear: loneliness is on the rise, and the loss of meaningful social connection is taking a toll on both our mental and physical well-being. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Join us as we discuss how we can push back against this cultural trend and equip ourselves—and the next generation—with the skills needed for healthy, thriving relationships. At THRIVEtoday, we help people build emotional capacity, recover joy, and become skilled at reconciliation. We’re excited to share these transformative practices and inspire lasting change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

🔗 Learn more Thrive Premier Training: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training

🔗 Explore our Habit Builder Courses: https://thrivetoday.org/skill-practice-courses

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Summer can pass in a blur of activities, leaving little room for meaningful connection with the people who matter most. In this episode, Chris shares practical ways to slow down, savor the moments, strengthen relationships, and keep joy at the center of your summer.

🔗 Take the 28-Day Joy Challenge: https://4habits.org

🔗 Check out the 4 Habit book series: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-series

🔗 Learn more about Relational Skills: https://thrivetoday.org/relationalskills

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Have you ever wondered why reading a "how-to" book doesn't instantly make you an expert on that subject? Information alone doesn't equal transformation. 

In this episode, we go on a deep dive into brain science to uncover the mechanics of how our brains actually change, develop skills, and build habits. Join us as we explore the neurological bridge between knowing what to do and actually doing it, giving you the practical keys to unlock lasting change and growth in your life.

🔗 Practice relational skills in a supportive group setting for 1 hour. Learn more about Practice Classes: https://thrivetoday.org/practice-class

🔗 Learn more Thrive Premier Training: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training

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Is focusing on relational skills actually Biblical, or is it just modern psychology? In this episode, Chris dives into the crucial difference between simply pursuing Bible knowledge and actually living out those truths in our daily interactions. Listen in as we explore the vital role relational skills play in our faith, and how mastering them allows us to truly reflect the character of God to a world desperate for hope.

🔗 Explore our books on this topic:

• Transforming Fellowship: https://bit.ly/transformingfellowship
• Relational Skills in the Bible: https://bit.ly/rskillsinthebible
• See all our books: https://thrivetoday.org/ourworks

🔗 Learn more about relational skills: https://thrivetoday.org/relationalskills/

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In a world that often pits logic against emotion, we are frequently taught that our feelings cannot be trusted. Many faith circles suggest that the ultimate fix for emotional struggle is to suppress our anxiety or sadness and simply declare biblical truth over ourselves. But is that how our minds—or our faith—were actually designed to function? Today we'll explore how emotions and truth work together in our brains and how to be both Biblically literate as well as relationally equipped. 

🔗 Explore our online course, "Inviting Jesus into Our Emotions": https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/inviting-jesus-habit-builder

🔗 See more resources on Emotions: https://thrivetoday.org/emotions

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Experiencing a breach of trust from someone close to us can cause profound emotional pain. Navigating the road to healing and rebuilding relationships is challenging but possible. Our friend Wendy shares her personal journey through a betrayal situation. Discover how she connected with God to process her emotions, maintain healthy relationships, and move forward with wholeness.

🔗 Dive deeper into this topic in our most recent online course, "The Pain of Disappointment": https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/pain-of-disappointment

🔗 Practice the foundational relational skills in our "Foundational 5 Introductory Course": https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/f5

🔗 Join a live practice class and start practicing with a small group online - classes 2-3 times a month: https://thrivetoday.org/practice-class

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Why do mental health professionals consider the ability to quiet ourselves a key predictor of lifelong mental health? In this episode, Chris explores the importance of learning to rest and quiet ourselves, and why this practice is emphasized so often at THRIVEtoday. He also highlights a resource from Life Model Works designed to help us assess how well we truly rest and quiet ourselves—and recognize when we rely on distractions that offer only false peace.

🔗 Take the first JoyQ® Assessment and then you'll have the option to take more assessments: https://lifemodelworks.org/resources/joyq

🔗 Explore our 'Simple Quiet Habit Builder' course for 12 lessons full of practice exercises designed to increase your peace! 

• Purchase the standalone course: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/skill-2-quiet-habit-builder
• See our monthly membership which gives you access to all practice courses: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/pages/thrivetoday-practice-people-membership

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Did you know it’s possible to measure not only your level of joy, but even signs of “false joy”? While you can pay thousands of dollars for a brain scans, in this episode we’re sharing a free joy assessment resource you can use to get started as well as simple, practical ways to begin intentional strengthening your joy levels today. Understanding your current level of joy can help you identify where more practice is needed and help you connect with Jesus, our source of joy!

🔗 Take the JoyQ® Assessment: https://lifemodelworks.org/resources/joyq

🔗 Explore our 'Share Joy Habit Builder' course for 12 lessons full of practice exercises designed to increase your JOY! 

• Purchase the standalone course: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/skill-1-joy-habit-builder
• See our monthly membership which gives you access to all practice courses: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/pages/thrivetoday-practice-people-membership

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On the heels of our event "The Pain of Disappointment: When Leaders Let us Down", this episode talks about how we can grow and become leaders who tenderly care for the people we shepherd. All leaders will make mistakes, but there are key skills and areas of growth we can pursue to become more like Jesus and lead with His heart.

🔗 Read the Rare Leadership book: https://www.amazon.com/Rare-Leadership-Uncommon-Increasing-Engagement/dp/0802414540

🔗 Miss the live event? Watch the recording! This event was designed to help you understand and navigate the pain and offense that surface when leaders fail us: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/pain-of-disappointment

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Tune in to hear our friend Steve tell about his journey to becoming a mature, safe elder for his children and grandchildren. He reminds us that it’s never too late to grow and become the person God created us to be!

🔗 Our 5-day in-person training is the most immersive experience we offer — designed to strengthen your skills through live practice in an intentional, joy-filled environment. Learn more about these in-person events we run twice a year in Michigan and Colorado: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training/

We have a partial missionary scholarship available for training - email us for details: [email protected]

Don't forget our FREE 40-min Premier Training Info Session offered throughout the year. Check here for upcoming dates: https://thrivetoday.org/events

🔗 Are you looking to live in a more relational way where you can be more present and connected to others? Practice relational skills in a supportive group setting for 1 hour and get a taste of practice by joining one of our upcoming classes: https://thrivetoday.org/practice-class

🔗 Explore our online membership for more practice opportunities: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/pages/thrivetoday-practice-people-membership

Thank you for listening!

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www.thrivetoday.org