Cheating Parents: An Adult Child’s Journey After Infidelity
When a parent is unfaithful, the fallout often extends far beyond the couple—it can leave a lasting imprint on their children, shaping how they view trust, intimacy, and their own worth. In this episode, we’re joined by author and former therapist Melissa Macomber who has spent decades exploring the often-overlooked impact of parental infidelity on children, particularly as they grow into adulthood. We discuss how this form of betrayal can subtly or profoundly influence adult relationships, sense of safety, emotional resilience, and faith. Together, we unpack the factors that can make the impact of a parent's affair more or less damaging—such as secrecy, loyalty conflicts, and emotional availability—and explore what it takes to break free from inherited patterns. Whether you're navigating the aftermath yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and practical tools for healing and growth. Find out more and connect with Melissa Macomber on her website or Instagram. If the impact of your family of origin is impacting your marriage now, check out our Fully Alive Marriage course. Find out more about Dr. Carol Ministries in-person intensives - a safe place to unpack your story and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message here.
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34:46
Knowing and Being Known: Fulfilling Your Need for Intimacy
What does it truly mean to experience intimacy—with God, with others, and with ourselves? In this episode, we sit down with author and campus chaplain Rev. Dr. Erin Moniz to explore how sex and intimacy may be related but are not the same, unravel common cultural myths, and examine where the church’s approach often falls short. Too often, Christian communities embrace culture's idolatry of romance/sex and "baptize" it with the marriage message. But what if intimacy is something we are all created for, regardless of relationship status? Together, we dive into a Bible-based theology of intimacy that includes but extends beyond romance and into all our closest relationships. What practical steps can we take to embrace intimacy in a way that reflects God’s design? Whether you're single, married, or "it's complicated," this conversation invites you to rethink what it means to be truly seen, known, and loved. Connect with Erin Moniz on her website, Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Find her book Knowing and Being Known: Hope for All Our Intimate Relationships Find out more about Dr. Carol Ministries in-person intensives - a safe place to unpack your story and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message here.
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49:25
The Power of Perspective: How Acknowledging Death Transforms the Way You Live Today
What if reflecting on our own mortality could lead to a richer, more meaningful life? In this episode, we sit down with internal medicine physician Dr. Pamela Pyle to explore how considering our earthly expiration date can transform the way we live today. While we touch on the importance of end-of-life planning, the heart of our conversation is about the here and now—how contemplating our mortality deepens our relationships, fuels forgiveness, cultivates gratitude, and inspires hope. Dr. Pyle also shares how this perspective has shaped her approach to life and work, including her powerful experiences in medical mission work in Rwanda. From the bedside to the broader human experience, this discussion invites us to embrace life with greater intention, purpose, and love. Don’t miss this conversation on how the end can powerfully shape the present. Connect with Dr. Pamela Pyle on her website, Facebook, or Instagram. Find her book Anticipating Heaven: Spiritual Comfort and Practical Wisdom for Life's Final ChaptersFind out more about Africa New Life MinistriesCheck out Five Wishes, a beautiful and faithful way to plan for the end of your earthly life Need some help with your relationships before it's too late? Consider individual coaching with Dr. Carol. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you; you can leave a confidential message here.
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41:09
How to Find True Connection Through Courageous Authenticity
This episode is about matters of the heart. Dr. Carol talks with Tom Bennardo, a seasoned ministry leader, author, and spiritual director, about the power and challenge of courageous authenticity. We explore the barriers that keep us from true connection—what he calls "Level 3 intimacy," where we move beyond surface interactions into deeper, truly vulnerable relationships. Whether it's fear, shame, or past wounds, we unpack what holds us back and why authenticity is both risky and essential for a meaningful life. Together, we discuss practical ways to cultivate deeper intimacy—with God, within ourselves, and in a few personal relationships. This conversation is an invitation to take off the masks and move into the kind of love and belonging our hearts were made for. If you desire deeper relationships and longer-lasting spiritual transformation but struggle with how to get there, this episode is for you. Connect with Tom Bennardo on his website, Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram Find Tom's book Open-Hearted People, Soul-Connected Church: How Courageous Authenticity Can Transform Your Relationships, Your Community, and Your Life Find out more about Dr. Carol Ministries in-person intensives - a safe place to unpack your story and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message here.
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48:02
Why There's More to Your Story: Unpacking the Past to Unlock Your Future
Your past is not truly past; it is still impacting you today. In this episode, Dr. Carol talks with trauma therapist and licensed clinical social worker Adam Young to explore how making sense of your story can lead to freedom, meaning, and transformation. We unpack the ways your past still holds power over you—often in ways you don’t even realize—and why resistance to facing your story is so common. Adam Young shares insights into how memory works, why certain moments from your past feel “stuck,” and how your brain and body hold onto experiences and bring them into the present. You'll especially appreciate our discussion of God's role in your story - not as a spiritual bypass, but as a fully honest and yet deeply kind way of finding your relationship with God in your story. Connect with Adam Young on his counseling website, on Facebook, or Instagram. Learn more about the Allender Center. Find Adam's book Make Sense of Your Story: Why Engaging Your Past with Kindness Changes Everything Find out more about Dr. Carol Ministries in-person intensives - a safe place to unpack your story and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message here.
Relationship Prescriptions with Dr. Carol is a weekly podcast dedicated to helping men, women, and couples experience good health, loving relationships and joyful spirituality that Jesus came to bring.
New Zealand