Strategies for Living

IOn this deeply moving episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian sit down with author and journalist Danielle Crittenden to discuss her powerful new book, Dispatches from Grief: A Mother’s Journey Through the Unthinkable. Danielle opens up about the devastating loss of her daughter Miranda, the physical and emotional realities of grief, trauma, healing, EMDR t...

On this episode of Strategies for Living, David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the hidden power behind emotional triggers and negative thinking patterns. Why do certain situations create such intense emotional reactions? And how can we challenge the thoughts that fuel anxiety, fear, anger, and self-doubt? Drawing from cognitive therapy, mindfulness, meditation, Byron Katie’s The Work,...

On this episode of Strategies for Living , David and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the spiritual power of paradox and how healing and hurting, faith and fear, softness and boundaries can all coexist. Together, they unpack the deeper meaning of spiritual growth, triggers, transformation, nervous system healing, intuition, generational patterns, and the messy beauty of becoming fully human. Discover...

On this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome life strategist Larry Valmore to discuss Epic Parenting: Extraordinary Parents, Invincible Children. Together, they explore how emotional regulation, consistency, discipline, and self-esteem shape healthy child development. Larry shares practical parenting strategies—including his “Rule of Three”—to help parents create ca...

In this deeply moving episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome author and wellness advocate Laurie S. Jacobson to discuss her powerful memoir, Unexpected Awakening: 22 Days at a Buddhist Monastery Freed Me from Abuse. Together, they explore emotional abuse, psychological healing, Buddhist teachings, meditation, compassion, self-love, and the journey of reclaiming your i...

On this episode of Strategies for Living , Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian welcome former divorce attorney and author Nancy Perpall to discuss her powerful book The Malnourished Marriage . Together, they explore the emotional “nutrients” every healthy relationship needs—including communication, trust, laughter, intimacy, attachment styles, and compassion. Learn how relationship “fog”...

What if the path to healing, clarity, and personal transformation wasn’t just for addiction—but for all of us? In this powerful episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillian, Lauren Leon McMillian, and Jay Murrell explore the profound wisdom of the first four steps of the 12 Steps—revealing them as a universal roadmap for growth, surrender, and self-discovery. Together, they unpack how adm...

What if the hardest truths about life are actually the ones that set you free? In this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren explore powerful “brutal life lessons” that challenge how we think about fairness, success, freedom, and self-worth. From accepting that life is unfair to realizing that true freedom comes from within, this conversation reframes discomfort as a path to growth. Y...

What does it really mean to “have thicker skin”—and can you build it without becoming hardened or closed off? In this episode of Strategies for Living, David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the powerful reframe: thick skin isn’t about shutting down—it’s about strengthening your inner foundation so you can live with a softer, more open heart. Together, they unpack practical, real-life s...

Why do good people sometimes act in harmful, confusing, or even destructive ways? In this thought-provoking episode of Strategies for Living , David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the deeper psychology behind human behavior—moving beyond labels of “good” and “bad” to understand what truly drives our actions. Drawing from trauma, attachment patterns, survival instincts, and the need to...

What truly creates change in therapy—and in life? In this episode of Strategies for Living, David McMillian, Lauren Leon McMillian, and guest Jay Murrell explore the transformative power of active listening, the therapeutic relationship, and the surprising truth that clients often already hold their own answers. Drawing from real-world counseling experience, addiction recovery work, and the wisdom...

What does codependency really look like—and how do you know if you’re stuck in it? In this episode of Strategies for Living, David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian break down the often-misunderstood concept of codependency, moving beyond buzzwords to reveal the real-life behaviors that quietly shape our relationships. From people-pleasing and fear of rejection to difficulty setting boundaries a...

In a fast-paced, reactive world, the ability to pause may be the most powerful skill we can develop. In this episode of Strategies for Living , David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the art and science of self-soothing—practical techniques that help you regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and respond instead of react. From the “sacred pause” to simple, effective tools like bre...

What if the simplest ideas could create the biggest shifts in your life? In this episode of Strategies for Living, we explore viral theories that have taken the internet by storm—not because they’re trendy, but because they actually work. From the powerful “Let Them” theory to the brain-resetting “10 Minute Reset,” these bite-sized strategies help you reclaim your energy, regulate your nervous sys...

Who do you allow into your life—and why? In this powerful episode of Strategies for Living , we explore the idea that not everyone deserves a seat at your table . Your table represents your energy, your time, your thoughts, and your emotional space—and who you invite in directly shapes your well-being and growth. Using the acronym TABLE (Trust, Acceptance, Balance/Boundaries, Love, and Evolution)...

What if everything you’ve believed about boundaries is backwards? In this episode of Strategies for Living , David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore a powerful paradox: boundaries don’t separate us—they create the conditions for deeper connection. Together, they unpack how healthy boundaries reduce resentment, build emotional safety, and strengthen trust in relationships. You’ll learn wh...

What if the secret to lasting joy isn’t found in more—but in less? In this episode of Strategies for Living , David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the surprising practices of monks, nuns, and devoted communities who radiate a deep, grounded joy that many spend their lives chasing. From structured daily rhythms and intentional pauses… to silence, simplicity, shared ritual, and even sch...

What if the words you speak—especially the ones you say to yourself—are shaping your entire reality? In this episode of Strategies for Living , David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the powerful connection between language, identity, and emotional experience. From the labels we unconsciously adopt to the stories we repeat daily, our words can either trap us in cycles of anxiety, grief,...

Are you truly living your life—or simply reacting to it? In this powerful episode of Strategies for Living , Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the transformative power of intentionality. Discover how most people operate on autopilot—driven by unconscious patterns, emotional reactivity, and inherited beliefs—and how intentional living allows you to reclaim authorship of your lif...

What if the questions you’ve been avoiding are the very ones that could transform your life? In this episode of Strategies for Living , Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore 10 powerful—and often uncomfortable—questions designed to spark deep self-reflection and real personal growth. From examining your daily habits and routines to confronting fear, avoidance, and the cost of stayi...

What if the key to true freedom isn’t changing others—but changing how you respond? In this episode of Strategies for Living , David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the powerful mindset shift of not taking things personally . Through practical habits like self-acceptance, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and building authentic support networks, they reveal how releasing the need for...

What does it really mean to let go —and how do you do it without feeling like you’re giving up? In this episode of Strategies for Living , David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the powerful wisdom of the Serenity Prayer and unpack practical strategies for releasing what you can’t control while reclaiming your peace, energy, and presence. Through insightful quotes and real-life applicat...

What if love isn’t just something we feel—but something we are ? In today’s episode of Strategies for Living , Dr. David McMillian and psychotherapist Lauren Leon McMillian explore powerful, thought-provoking insights on love inspired by author Jim Palmer. From the idea that love is our deepest human need to the truth that we can always choose love—even in difficult moments—this conversation chall...

What if the hardest parts of life aren’t the struggles themselves—but the truths no one prepares us for? In this powerful episode of Strategies for Living , Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore 12 life realities that often go unspoken —from grief and growth to relationships, fear, and personal responsibility. You’ll discover why not everyone you love will stay, how healing really...

What if 90% of your problems could disappear—not by changing the world around you, but by changing how you relate to it? In this powerful episode of Strategies for Living , David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore 20 simple yet profound mindset and lifestyle shifts that can dramatically reduce stress, improve relationships, and increase inner peace. From letting go of control and managing...