Strategies for Living

Feeling stuck is one of the most common human experiences, but what if you're never truly stuck at all? In this episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillian and psychotherapist Lauren Leon McMillian explore why we feel trapped, from overthinking and comparison to fear of failure, comfort zones, lack of direction, and inconsistency. Learn how perception shapes reality, why small daily chan...

What does true freedom really mean? As America celebrates 250 years of independence, David and Lauren McMillian explore a deeper definition of freedom that goes beyond rights and choices. Discover the powerful "Freedom Formula"—responsibility, capacity, and honesty—and learn how these three principles work together to create genuine empowerment, healthier relationships, emotional resilience, and l...

What if healing isn't about treating symptoms, but restoring the body's natural ability to heal itself? This episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian welcome Dr. Stacie Slabaugh to announce the evolution of Balance Life Wellness into Restore Healing. Together they explore chronic stress, nervous system regulation, inflammation, root-cause healing, holistic we...

Why do you keep reacting the same way, even when you want to change? In this episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the unconscious patterns that shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Learn how childhood conditioning creates patterns like the pleaser, controller, avoider, performer, and defender, and discover practical tools for recognizing t...

What if facing death could teach us how to live more fully? This week on Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome conscious dying pioneer Ram Dev Dale Borglum, author of How to Live So You Can Die Without Fear. Together they explore the connection between healing, mindfulness, compassion, grief, caregiving, and the deeper questions of meaning and mortality. Drawing from psychology...

What happens when a lifelong skeptic begins asking different questions? This week on Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome author Gary Meisner to discuss his powerful new book, Life Through a New Lens: Finding God Where Reason and Faith Meet. Once a committed agnostic with a passion for science and mathematics, Gary shares the unexpected experiences that transformed his worldvi...

Today on Strategies for Living, David and Lauren welcome broadcasting icon and Louisiana Hall of Fame radio legend "Lovable" Larry Ryan for a heartfelt conversation about radio, leadership, community, and a life spent serving others. Larry shares stories from more than six decades behind the microphone, the history of Shreveport-Bossier broadcasting, lessons learned from building successful radio...

What do children really need to thrive? In this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome life strategist Larry Valmore to discuss the foundations of emotionally healthy parenting. Drawing from his Epic Parenting framework, Larry explains why children crave structure, discipline, and clear boundaries just as much as they need love and affection. Learn the difference betw...

In this thought-provoking episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian explore one of life's most important emotional truths: many feelings can exist at the same time. You can be tired and still keep going. You can feel lonely and still enjoy your own company. You can experience fear and still move forward with courage. Through personal stories, psychological insights, and practica...

Join David and Lauren McMillian, Gary Tiemann, and special guest Patrick Walsh for a fascinating exploration of the Essenes—an ancient spiritual community often associated with healing, meditation, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Drawing from the work of Edgar Cayce, reincarnation research, and historical discoveries such as Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, thi...

In Part 2 of our Spiritual Hygiene series, David and Lauren McMillian continue exploring the daily practices that protect your energy, strengthen self-trust, and support spiritual well-being. Learn why what you consume affects your soul, how your morning routine shapes your day, why fear and haste often lead us astray, and how honoring your deeper commitments can create greater peace and clarity....

What if self-care goes beyond diet, exercise, and mental health? In this thought-provoking episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian explore the often-overlooked practice of spiritual hygiene—the intentional care of your energy, attention, inner voice, and emotional well-being. Drawing from psychology, spirituality, personal growth, and everyday life, they discuss how honoring t...

Could your cravings be more than a lack of willpower? On this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian, Jay Murrell, and addiction recovery expert Dr. Jeff Sandoz explore the growing recognition of sugar and carbohydrate addiction and its impact on physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. Dr. Sandoz discusses Sugar & Carb Addicts Anonymous (SCAA), the scienc...

Career coach and holistic healer Mandy Tang joins David and Lauren to explore the hidden impact of workplace trauma, burnout, imposter syndrome, toxic leadership, and career dissatisfaction. Drawing from her new book, Heal Your Career Wounds, Mandy shares practical tools for recognizing career wounds, rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with purpose, and navigating an evolving job market. Discover...

How do you care for someone you love without losing yourself in the process? In this powerful episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome educator, hospice caregiver, and author Roy Remer to discuss his new book, Zen Caregiving. Together, they explore mindfulness, grief, emotional resilience, compassion fatigue, self-care, and the deeper meaning of caregiving. Whether you'...

In this episode of Strategies for Living, David, and Lauren McMillian welcome parenting coach and social worker Larry Valmore, creator of Epic Parenting and founder of Epic Children. Together, they explore practical parenting strategies that help children feel secure, develop emotional intelligence, and build resilience for life. Larry shares why discipline is not punishment, how consistency reduc...

In a world increasingly shaped by AI, what does it mean to be human? On this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian sit down with author and business strategist Gavin McMahon to explore the extraordinary power of storytelling. Discover how stories influence culture, leadership, business, personal growth, and even the way we see ourselves. Learn why the stories we tell—and the...

What can a centuries-old blue and white ceramic teach us about history, identity, craftsmanship, and the human need for connection? 🎙️ On this episode of Strategies for Living , David and Lauren McMillian welcome decorative arts advisor, Antiques Roadshow appraiser, and author Genevieve Wheeler Brown to discuss her fascinating new book, Beyond Blue and White: The Hidden History of Delftware and th...

On this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome renowned sales trainer and speaker Damian Boudreaux for a powerful conversation about relationship selling, authenticity, mindset, trauma, energy, and personal growth. More than a discussion about sales techniques, this episode explores how trust, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and genuine human connection can tr...

David and Lauren welcome environmental engineer, professor, scientist, and author Dr. Pablo Ribeiro Dias to Strategies for Living for a powerful conversation about climate change, sustainability, and the real solutions available to us today. Together, they explore the science behind greenhouse gases, fossil fuels, recycling, net zero, and environmental responsibility, while also addressing the gui...

On this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome Stacie Slabaugh, DHM, of the thebalancedlife.us ⁠ for a fascinating conversation about biofield tuning, energetic healing, nervous system regulation, and the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Discover how relaxation, frequency, and holistic wellness approaches may help reduce stress, ease pain, and restore balanc...

On this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome financial advisor and author Lev Mandel to explore the deeply emotional and psychological relationship we have with money. Inspired by his workbook Money Is Weird, the conversation dives into financial anxiety, childhood money beliefs, avoidance, gratitude, social media comparison, and how curiosity and awareness can help...

On this episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillian, Lauren Leon McMillian, and Jay Murrell explore the deeper realities of addiction recovery and why healing is about far more than simply “stopping.” Together, they unpack the emotional wounds, trauma, shame, family dynamics, and nervous system dysregulation that often fuel addiction. The conversation also highlights the power of group s...

This episode of Strategies for Living explores the timeless wisdom of Edgar Cayce with special guest Henry Bieryla. Discover Cayce’s powerful insights on holistic healing, alkaline diets, inflammation, gut health, emotional wellness, gratitude, and the mind-body-spirit connection. Learn practical health strategies for modern living, including natural healing approaches, food balance, cleansing pra...

Award-winning author Ruth Franklin joins Strategies for Living to explore the enduring legacy of Anne Frank beyond the familiar history. This moving conversation examines identity, journaling, resilience, faith, adolescence, and the power of preserving our inner life during times of fear and uncertainty. David and Lauren discuss how Anne Frank’s diary became both a deeply personal document and a u...