Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol

Behaviors matter. Sexual behaviors matter. But at least as if not more important are the underlying matters of the heart, such as broken needs for intimacy, isolation, and believing lies about the world, self, and God. Maria Nistri, Dr. Carol's guest on the podcast today, serves as executive director of Exchange Ministries. Here she shares her story of what she describes as "struggle and victory o...

Many in the Christian church see singleness as a condition of deficit, focused on what a single person doesn't have. The culture and ministries of many churches give the subliminal message that marriage and children are a higher spiritual state than singleness. That's not a Biblical - or a historically Christian perspective. Listen as Dr. Carol talks with Dr. Dani Treweek, author, adjunct professo...

Why does it matter that God created humans as sexual beings? What does that tell us about ourselves, and more importantly about God? How do we make sense of all the harm sex/sexuality has brought to many people in light of what God originally intended to be good? In this deep and encouraging conversation Dr. Carol talks with John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview,...

We hear from many of you asking questions about difficult situations involving sexuality, relationships, and intimacy. In this episode Dr. Carol addresses a number of your questions around these challenging issues. Issues she addresses include sexual betrayal in marriage, shame around masturbation, struggles to break free from pornography, and long-standing disconnect around sexual intimacy betwee...

Happily ever after - does that even happen? Not for most couples. Beyond behaviors (which matter), what do you do with the messed-up, hijacked, and broken matters of the heart when a marriage is wounded? Bob and Dannah Gresh are both ministry leaders and authors in their own rights. But in this vulnerable episode they talk with Dr. Carol about the process God used to redeem their own wounded marri...

What's the big deal about sex? Why does God care? What does God's original vision around sex say about Him and His design and plans for us? Dr. Carol talks with Joshua Ryan Butler, author and pastor, about seeing God's vision for sex as a window into God's story of redemption, and a validating guide to living with authentic love in a changing culture. Some of these ideas may sound controversial. L...

Both culture and the church in recent years have seen too many examples of male sexuality gone wrong. But what's the alternative? In this provocative episode Dr. Carol's talks with writer, research, and ordained minister Zachary Wagner, as he critiques purity culture, shares his vulnerable story, and offers a view of non-toxic Christian masculinity.  Connect with Zachary Wagner on  his website  or...

The toughest seasons of life often highlight the ways in which we've searched for hope in places and people that let us down. These hard times always challenge your relationship with God. Can your faith in Him remain intact? Or can it even grow? In an honest and uplifting conversation Dr. Carol talks with international speaker, Bible teacher, and author Michele Cushatt about simple, surprising, an...

Nothing hurts more than feeling betrayed in your closest personal relationships such as your marriage. Although your story is yours alone, what you're feeling is not unique. Understanding the way your heart has been damaged and what is needed for healing will be a roadmap forward. In today's podcast, Dr. Carol talks with Lyschel Burket, founder of Hope Redefined, a ministry organization helping wo...

Sexual harm and abuse leaves deep wounds and toxic shame, so much so that many find it hard to believe healing is really possible. What's that process like? Is it worth it? How does God bring about that healing? What about if you're too angry with God to even want Him close? Dr. Carol talks with Mary Ann Otley about the many layers of healing her heart had to go through to find wholeness. Maryann...

The key to your freedom is sharing the things you'd prefer to hide, even the dark and ugly things of your sexual story. John Fort, Director of Training for Be Broken Ministries dicusses his sexual story which includes some very dark things that he experienced and also things he did to others. But more importantly, his story is a demonstration of how God has miraculously transformed his story into...

The topic of race relations can be emotionally-charged both in culture and in the church. What if those emotions could be part of the key to bridging the differences we often sense? How can principles of psychology and spiritual formation help us have conversations that make things better? Dr. Veola Vazquez, psychologist, professor, and author, talks with Dr. Carol about scientifically and biblica...

How did you learn about sex? Was it helpful? Perhaps your sex ed was lacking, or shame-filled, or not based on a Christian worldview. You want something better for your children, but aren't sure how to make that happen. In this conversation Dr. Carol has a challenging conversation with sex educator Kristen Miele. She believes YOU can be the sex ed teacher for your kids. This conversation addresses...

"I can't tell anyone about this." That's shame talking. And it always ends in destruction. But how do you find someone to talk to? How do you find the courage to tell your story? What do you say? Guests Katie Griggs and Amanda Aanestad from The Victory Collective talk with Dr. Carol about their individual experiences with porn addiction, and the difference that came when they found the courage to...

The most frequent question that brings people to our website is, "How can I make my spouse want more sex?" Research from The Intimacy Project gives some very encouraging and practical answers that will help you do just that. Dr. Carol talks with Dr. Michael Sytsma, ordained minister, licensed professional counselor, certified sex therapist, and professor about his 30 years as a sex therapist and t...

Pornography addiction affections Christian women too. And Dr. Carol's guest on this episode, Jessica Harris, believes we need to be talking about it. Jessica shares her story of porn addiction, overcoming sexual shame, and finding the lasting satisfaction, healing, and real grace , and the answer to the thirst many women struggle with in their soul. And listen to hear what she means by "indoor plu...

Nearly 1.8 million people attempt suicide in this country every year. If you're not affected personally you know someone who is. Mental health is an increasingly big problem in our culture. On this episode Dr. Carol talks with Heather Palacios, pastor's wife, suicide survivor, and founder of Wondherful, a venue dedicated to encouraging people with mental affliction through daily encouragement and...

The unfilled longings in your heart are painful and can be misinterpreted. Sex and intimacy are related but they're not the same, and there's only one way to have the deepest needs in your soul fulfilled. Dr. Carol's guest on this episode, Amy Riordan, is a writer, speaker, licensed pastoral counselor, and founder of Longing for Intimacy. She shares her story that includes same-sex attraction and...

If you've ever had that "EEK" moment as a parent, you know how Barb Winters, Dr. Carol's guest on this episode, felt when she discovered her son was hooked on porn. How was she to help her son? How could she deal with the feelings this brought up in her own heart? Barb sees herself as offering a virtual hug to parents in tough spots. But she also shares a great deal of wisdom that will help any pa...

Has reading the Bible through in a year been one of those New Year's resolutions you  always seem to fail at? What if there was a different way to think about interacting with Scripture? To start the new year off, Dr. Carol talks with Trillia Newbell, lover of Scripture, Bible teacher, author, and Acquisitions Director at Moody Publishers, about her journey of interacting with the Bible and some r...

You voted–we listened. In this special year-end episode we share clips from the five most-requested episodes of our podcast from 2022.  You can find full episodes of these conversations using these links, and catch up on any you missed: -  How to Make Your Sex Life Sizzle , with  Dr. Jennifer Degler -  How to Understand Your Calling and Transform Your Work-life , with  Michaela O'Donnell -  Is You...

Christmas can be a season of wonder, hope, and joy. But, it can also be a very difficult season for many.  In this special episode, Dr. Carol shares a few of her favorite things at Christmas, and how these objects signify aspects of the true meaning of Christmas. Merry Christmas!

How often do you see or experience others as adversaries? You may be surprised to realize how often you slip into "enemy mode" with your spouse, your children, your coworkers, your friends, your church. But what can you do about it? In this episode Dr. Carol talks with Ray Woodridge, executive director of Life Model Works and coauthor with Dr. Jim Wilder of  Escaping Enemy Mode.  See what brain sc...

With the overwhelming pace of life, many of us struggle to stop long enough to be present. Our long to-do lists and full calendars leave little breathing room to hear from God. We know we need to slow down but we don't even know how to begin. Author, leadership coach, and spiritual director Alan Fadling joins Dr. Carol in this refreshing episode to share practical ways your soul can live at the un...

"Impossible" is often used when something or a situation seems hopeless, but as a follower of Jesus ALL things are possible.  In today's episode, Dr. Carol shares powerful stories of transformation and how generosity was a contributing factor. You'll not want to miss this.  You've heard about BlackFriday and CyberMonday, but what about GivingTuesday? Dr. Carol Ministries is participating in this i...