The Amor Factor Podcast

In this episode of The Amor Factor, Rebeca explores the calming power of touch, both human touch and the simple act of connecting with nature. We break down what science reveals about how gentle contact soothes the nervous system, lowers stress, and supports emotional well‑being, and we look at how Scripture has pointed us toward these truths all along. From the way your skin senses the world to the peace found in green pastures and still waters, this episode offers practical, heart-centered ways to feel more grounded, creative, and connected, and to care for yourself.

This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.

Abraira, V. E., & Ginty, D. D. (2013). The sensory neurons of touch. Neuron, 79(4), 618–639.

Kim, J., Choi, Y., & Park, S. (2023). Effects of tactile stimulation using an assortment of natural elements on the psychophysiological responses of adults. Horticulturae, 9(5), 555.

McGlone, F., Wessberg, J., & Olausson, H. (2014). Discriminative and affective touch: Sensing and feeling. Neuron, 82(4), 737–755.

Packheiser, J., Hartmann, H., Fredriksen, A., Gazzola, V., Keysers, C., & Michon, H. (2024). A systematic review and combined analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions. Nature Human Behaviour. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01841-8

Schirmer, A., Meier, L., & Vuilleumier, P. (2020). Affective touch and emotional well‑being: A review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 555058. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.555058 (doi.org in Bing)

Psalm 23:2–3. Holy Bible (Public Domain).

The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

In this episode of The Amor Factor, Rebeca explores how something as simple as folding a piece of paper can bring calm, spark creativity, and support emotional well‑being. Drawing from recent research on dexterity, focus, and anxiety, she shares how gentle movements, shapes, and imagination work together to keep both the mind and body engaged. Blended with Scripture and heartfelt encouragement, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, pick up a sheet of paper, and rediscover a sense of peace through the simple, meaningful act of creating something personal. 

This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.

BMC Geriatrics (2024). Study on mental activity, dexterity, and aging.

 Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Craft Activities to Improve Fine Motor Skills (2025).

Cognitive Intervention Through the Use of Origami (2025).

Mudre, L. (2022). The Use of Origami for Anxiety. Albertus Magnus College.

The Holy Bible — Ecclesiastes 9:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:11.

The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

In this episode of The Amor Factor, Rebeca explores how something as simple as coloring can calm the mind, strengthen focus, and spark joy. Drawing from recent research on anxiety, attention, and memory, she shares how colors, shapes, and creativity work together to support well‑being. Blended with Scripture and gentle encouragement, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, pick up a colored pencil, and rediscover peace through the work of their hands.

This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.

Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking. Psychological Science.

Kim, S. et al. (2022). The Effects of Coloring Therapy on Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Frontiers in Psychology (2024). Coloring Complex Shapes and Anxiety Reduction.

Zentall, S. S., & Kruczek, T. (1988). The Attraction of Color for Active Attention‑Problem Children. Exceptional Children.

Diachenko, O. et al. (2022). Color Education: A Study on Methods of Influence on Memory. PMC9674548.

The Holy Bible

The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

In this episode of the AMOR (A Matter Of Relationships) Factor, Rebeca explores the surprising creative and mental power of doodling. Blending neuroscience, psychology, and a touch of faith, she shows how simple shapes can boost attention, memory, relaxation, and creative confidence. Whether or not you believe you can draw, this gentle practice reconnects your mind, your hands, and your imagination.

This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.

Andrade, J. (2010). What Does Doodling Do? Study demonstrating improved attention and memory in participants who doodled during a monitoring task.

Harvard Health Publishing (2016). Article summarizing research on how doodling supports thinking, focus, and memory.

Coward, J. (2022). Doodling as Self‑Expression (Dominican University of California). Study showing increased creative self‑efficacy through doodling.

Zeki, S. (1999, 2001). Foundational work in neuroaesthetics exploring how the brain processes art and creativity.

The Holy Bible, Isaiah 64:8

The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

In this episode of The AMOR Factor, Rebeca explores how handwriting engages the brain in ways typing cannot, boosting memory, creativity, and focus. From neuroscience studies to David’s Psalms, in this episode, we discuss how writing serves as both a mental workout and an avenue to inspire hope and purpose.

This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.

Askvik, E., van der Weel, F., & van der Meer, A. (2024). Frontiers in Psychology: Handwriting vs. typing and brain connectivity.

Marano, M., et al. (2025). Life Journal: The Neuroscience Behind Writing.

Smith, W.W. (1986). Creativity and Handwriting: A Study of the Relationship Between Handwriting and Creativity in Fifth-Grade Children. University of Massachusetts, Doctor of Education dissertation.

The Holy Bible, Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:10.

The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

In this episode of The AMOR Factor, Rebeca explores creativity as both a divine gift and a powerful tool for healing and connection. Drawing from scripture, she highlights how we are made in God’s image to create and bring goodness into the world. Modern research reinforces this truth: studies show that engaging in creative practices boosts happiness, reduces stress, and strengthens your mental health.

This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.

Kaufman, J. C., & Gregoire, C. (2021). An Updated Evaluation of the Dichotomous Link Between Creativity and Mental Health. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, Article 781961. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.781961

Tan, C.-Y., Chuah, C.-Q., Lee, S.-T., & Tan, C.-S. (2021). Being Creative Makes You Happier: The Positive Effect of Creativity on Subjective Well-Being. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(14), 7244. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147244

Weir, K. (2022). The Science Behind Creativity. Monitor on Psychology, 53(3). American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/04/cover-science-creativity

Sawyer, R. K. (2012). Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

In this episode, Rebeca invites you to rediscover the healing, creative, and relational power of play. Drawing from neuroscience, occupational therapy, and biblical wisdom, she explores how play reduces stress, boosts brain function, and deepens emotional connection. Whether you're a caregiver, artist, or co-creator, this is your reminder that play isn’t optional. It’s essential. Tune in and learn why choosing the joy of play is all about love, or (AMOR) A Matter Of Relationships.

This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.

Brown, S. (2009). Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. Avery.

Whitebread, D. et al. (2012). The Importance of Play. University of Cambridge.

Ginsburg, K.R. (2007). The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. Pediatrics.

Siegel, D.J. (2012). The Whole-Brain Child. Random House.

Siegel, D.J. (2010). Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation. Bantam Books

The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Step into the masterful world of your senses. Each one has a superpower designed to help you feel balanced and to connect with the world around you. In this episode, we explore how your unique blend of sensory preferences forms your Feeling Code. Your personal toolkit for calm, joy, and resilience. Discover how deep pressure, sound, scent, and movement can support you in tough moments, and learn how to gather these elements into a space that’s just for you.

This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.

Sayorwan et al. (2012). The Effects of Lavender Oil Inhalation on Emotional States, Autonomic Nervous System, and Brain Electrical Activity

Salimpoor et al. (2011). Anatomically Distinct Dopamine Release During Anticipation and Experience of Peak Emotion to Music

Bertheaux et al. (2019). Emotion Measurements Through the Touch of Materials Surfaces

Brain Sciences (2025). The Neural Correlates of Chewing Gum—A Neuroimaging Review

Current Psychology (2023). The Role of Personal Relevance of Images in Retrieving Autobiographical Memories for Emotion Regulation

Emotion (2018). The Effects of Viewing Photographs of Loved Ones on Mood and Stress

The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

In this episode of The Amor Factor, Rebeca invites listeners to explore slow, intentional movement as a pathway to emotional well-being and spiritual connection. Together, we reflect on how tuning into the body can help release tension, regulate emotions, and return us to presence. Movement becomes more than physical; it becomes the rhythm of wellness, a gentle invitation to feel and reconnect.

This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.

Brewer, M. (2023). Somatic Movement and Nervous System Regulation. mckenzybrewer.com

UCLA Health (2021). Free Moving Dance Has Healing Benefits for Mental Health. uclahealth.org

Kaul, A. (2024). Dance, Movement, and Emotional Healing. Journal of Neuro Psychiatry Reports

Caballero Estebaranz et al. (2025). Dance Movement Psychotherapy’s Impact on Emotional Well-Being. Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy

van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Penguin Books

The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

In this episode of The Amor Factor, we journey through the emotional layers of gratitude, especially when it’s hardest to find. Through reflection, scripture, and science, we explore how gratitude becomes a healing lens: one that reveals peace in pain, clarity in chaos, and sacredness in every breath. Together, we learn to see life not just as it is, but as it can be, through the lens of possibilities.

This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.

Jans-Beken, L., et al. (2020). Gratitude and Health: An Updated Review. The Journal of Positive Psychology.

Boggiss, A. L., et al. (2020). A Systematic Review of Gratitude Interventions. Journal of Psychosomatic Research.

Grant, A. M., Franklin, J., & Langford, P. (2002). The Self-Reflection and Insight Scale. Social Behavior and Personality.

The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.