Anchored Mind Podcast

Why do so many men struggle to move toward emotional intimacy, even in their most important relationships? Anchored Mind therapist Jason Howard joins Michael for an honest conversation about the barriers he sees every day in his work with couples and men. From the pressure to fix problems instead of simply listening, to the fear of vulnerability, pride, and the messages many men grew up believing,...

We can't read each other's minds, but sometimes we act as if we can. In this episode, Michael and Kristen dive into one of the most common traps in relationships: assumptions. Whether it's assuming someone meant to hurt you, assuming they know what you need, or assuming they're thinking the same way you are, these stories can quickly create distance and disconnection. They explore why assumptions...

What if counseling, nutrition, fitness, and recovery didn't live in separate places, but worked together under one roof? In this episode, Michael and Kristen pull back the curtain on the vision behind the new building and share why this next chapter is a natural evolution of everything Anchored Mind has been working toward. As walls begin to go up and plans become reality, they reflect on the jour...

We’ve all heard the phrase, “your body is a temple”…but what does that actually mean? In this episode, Michael and Kristen break down what it looks like to truly care for your body as one whole, interconnected system. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. They explore what it means to care for the “rooms” of your life: how you think, how you fuel your body, how you respond to stre...

Many people are turning to AI for therapy and nutrition advice…but should they? In this episode, Michael and Kristen sit down with marketing expert Mack for an honest conversation about the rise of AI in mental health. From the growing number of people using chatbots for anxiety, relationships, and stress, to the bigger questions around what we gain…and perhaps more importantly, what we lose. Toge...

Pursuing your dreams is exciting. But what happens when two people are chasing dreams that don’t always look the same? In this episode, Michael and Kristen get honest about the tension of chasing big dreams while staying connected in the process. As they step into a new season and watch the new Anchored Mind space begin to take shape, they reflect on what it has required of them physically, emotio...

Sex and intimacy aren’t just about what happens in the bedroom. In fact, they’re often a reflection of everything happening outside of it. From emotional disconnection to unmet needs, so many of the struggles couples face can trace back to a deeper lack of awareness, communication, and connection. In this episode, Michael and Kristen dive into a real and honest conversation about what intimacy act...

Consistent conflict without resolution doesn’t have to control your marriage. While you can’t stop the storms, you can learn from them. Repair what’s been broken and begin paving a new future together. The goal isn’t to avoid conflict, it's learning how to come back from it stronger, wiser, and more connected than before. Join Michael and Kristen for a real, raw, and personal conversation on emoti...

What if more love in your marriage wasn’t the answer to happiness? Most couples assume that if they could just feel more love, more passion, more connection or excitement, everything would fall into place. But strong marriages aren’t sustained by feelings alone. They’re built through the small, intentional choices couples make every day: how they communicate, how they show up for each other, and h...

We don’t marry ourselves. When two people come together, they also bring two different goals, desires, and ways of seeing the world. So how do we keep those differences from slowly creating distance or division? If you’ve ever expected your partner to want what you want, enjoy what you enjoy, or move at the same pace you do, this episode is for you. Join Michael and Kristen as they unpack how to p...

Are you a parent who wants to raise kids with a healthier relationship to food? As active parents of three young girls, we’re asking the same questions. The way we talk about food and nutrition matters more than we often realize, and it plays a meaningful role in our kids’ long-term development. In this episode, we explore how everyday language, expectations, and control around food can shape a ch...

Want marriage conflict to end? Us too. In this honest conversation, we unpack a recent conflict that uncovered deeper patterns shaping how we relate to each other. We connect the dots between childhood experiences, daily habits, and the way conflict shows up in our marriage. If you’ve ever struggled with repair or wondered why the same fights keep happening, this episode will help you see conflict...

“I know that food can’t go through processing without a cost.” With nearly 90% of serotonin produced in the gut, what you eat could be shaping your mental health more than you realize. Kristen and Michael explore how food impacts both the body and the mind — and why this connection matters.

Have you ever apologized to your spouse, a friend, or a family member only for it to fall flat? Or worse, be outright rejected? Yeah, us too. And before you know it, a small moment has turned into a full conflict, everyone is activated, and emotions are running high. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. We unpack the missed “I’m sorrys” in our own relationships and offer practical gui...

What if we’ve been told only half the story? In a world that treats mental health and nutrition as two separate journeys, the truth is far more connected. In this episode, Michael and Kristen break down how what’s on your plate can shape what’s happening in your mind. With over a decade of combined experience in therapy, nutrition, and real human care, they unpack the science, the stories, and the...

Where therapy, nutrition, and real life come together to create a more human, accessible, and connected approach to wellness. In each episode, we’ll give you simple, sustainable tools to build healthier habits, strengthen your family, and make meaningful change that actually lasts.