The Boundless Show

How therapy can improve your life, plus Debbie Laaser on trauma recovery, and hope for a strained sibling relationship. Featured musical artist:  About a MileRoundtable: When to Look for a CounselorCounseling isn’t just for people in crisis. All of us need a personal growth tune-up from time to time, and occasionally the best wisdom might come from a good Christian counselor. How can you know when it might be a good season to get help? And what should you look for in finding a counselor who’s a good fit? Our panel of three experienced counselors will share tips for making counseling work for you.Counseling ServiceFind a CounselorCulture: Healing From TraumaWhether it’s a breakup, losing a loved one, or feeling the sting of betrayal, your heart can take years to recover from a traumatic season or experience. Professional counselor Debbie Laaser has walked through several heart-wrenching events but learned how instead of staying stuck, God wanted to transform her through them. She’ll tell some of her story and give hope for healing beyond the darkness.From Trauma to Transformation: A Path to Healing and Growth Inbox: Sibling BullyingDiagnosed with schizophrenia, she’s experienced a spectrum of relational challenges, including bullying. Even her brother is making light of her condition, and it’s put a strain on their relationship. Is it time for a difficult conversation? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in.

Small but measurable changes in productivity, plus the state of the pro-life movement post-Dobbs, and how to avoid online scams.Featured musical artist:  Jonathan Cain Roundtable: How to Increase Your ProductivityWhen you consider your habits and goals from 2022, what went well? What areas still need improvement? As we settle into a rhythm for 2023, our guests share small changes they’re making to accomplish their goals in the new year. Listen to the discussion on cutting the clutter, managing your time, and being more productive; then implement strategies for taking your own personal growth to the next level.Culture: What’s Changed Since the Roe v. Wade Reversal?Despite the Supreme Court’s landmark Dobbs decision last June, tension has remained high around the topic of abortion in America. Some states have instituted more restrictive abortion measures while others have sought to expand abortion rights. Protests continue, but what’s the real story? Months after the ruling, what has actually changed, and what are the implications for women, babies, the courts and the future of life in our nation? Focus on the Family’s Robyn Chambers sets the record straight and offers guidance for how to champion life where it matters most.Option Ultrasound ProgramInbox: Preventing an Online Scam She was recently scammed by someone on Instagram who posed as a well-known Christian leader. She gave money to the individual and is now dealing with the repercussions. How did this happen, and how can she prevent it from happening again? Cybersecurity expert Rhett Saunders weighs in. PDF: 3 Steps to a Secure Online Presence

Setting relational goals in the new year, plus Jeanine Amapola’s breakup recovery tips, and how to politely say “no” to a second date.Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: Goals for Your RelationshipsSince a new year usually prompts conversations around goals and resolutions, we thought it would be fun to discuss our relational goals for the next 12 months. Whether in dating, friendship, family, or just general communication and interpersonal prowess, our guests take a look back at their relationships in 2022, the areas they hope to grow in this year, and how to have hope for your relational future in singleness, dating and more.I Wasn’t Born to Be a MomCulture: Jeanine Amapola on Recovering From a BreakupLet’s face it: Breakups are hard. If you’ve recently or not-so-recently walked through a relationship implosion, you know it’s not something you just “get over.” And it’s doubly tough when your friends are in a season of romantic bliss (or so it seems). Jeanine Amapola, host of the “Happy and Healthy Podcast,” has seen her share of heartache. She’ll talk through a couple of her breakups, honestly dissecting what she did both wrong and right. Her insights will give us encouragement as we navigate our own stories of relational loss.Happy & Healthy PodcastInbox: What If I Don’t Want a Second Date? She was recently asked out by a guy but isn’t excited about it. She’s willing to give him a chance, but is already questioning how to turn down a second date if he asks for it. Is she overthinking this, or is there a way she can prepare for the conversation? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.

Ideas for a successful first date, plus popular misconceptions about dating, and the dangers of seeing every guy as a potential spouse.Featured musical artist:  Austin Stone Worship Roundtable: First Date Strategies for SuccessYou’re going on a first date! Just the thought sparks more questions than answers. Will we have a good conversation? Will he be a gentleman? Is she who I think she is? To help make your first date experience better, we brought in a group of friends to share some dos and don'ts for making a good first impression, infusing fun into whatever you do, having a meaningful interaction, and determining whether a second date is a good idea.Culture: Common Misconceptions About Dating and MarriageLast spring, Boundless’ show engineer, Alex Seeley, got married. For he and his wife, Megan, it’s been a fun and eye-opening journey of learning to adjust to married life. Looking back on their dating days, Alex and Megan share common myths people believe about dating and marriage (they even admit a myth or two that tripped them up). We’ll discuss dating choices, being “too picky,” maturity in marriage, and more.Roots Episode: Debunking Popular Myths About Dating and MarriageBusting 10 Christian Dating MythsInbox: Not Every Man Is a Potential Mate How can she stop viewing every cute guy as a potential spouse? It’s making her kind of crazy, and she wants more balance in the way she approaches the men she meets. Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.

Expressing your faith on social media and in person, plus more from Tim Challies on processing grief, and should a breakup be part of your story?Featured musical artist:  AbandonRoundtable: Living Your Faith Online and IRLAs Christians, our identity is in Christ, so there’s no way we can separate our faith from who we are and what we do. As such, our faith is reflected in everything, including our interactions with others. As we consider how we show up in relationships — whether real or virtual — what should that look like? How do we set the tone, language, actions and reactions to everything we communicate? Our panelists talk through ways they’re learning to be open about their faith, whether face-to-face or via a post, meme or Reel. Listen in as they share how to glorify God and share the love of Christ through our communication and conversations.Culture: Grief When You Least Expect It (Part 2) On November 3, 2020, Tim Challies got the call every parent dreads — his 20-year-old son, Nick, had died unexpectedly while away at college. As the grief and shock hit and then continued in waves, Tim found incredible comfort in grieving through the seasons of the following year by writing out his thoughts and emotions. In part two of our conversation, Tim discusses the spring and summer seasons after Nick’s passing — including what should have been Nick’s wedding day — and shares hard-won peace in keeping an eternal perspective on the days we are given.Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God Inbox: Is a Breakup Necessary for Relationship Success?We all know someone who’s gone through a breakup; in fact, most people experience one before they ever meet their mate. But our listener is wondering: Is a breakup a necessary part of the dating process? She’s reluctant to date because of the pain she’s seen breakups cause her friends. Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Christmas shopping on a budget, plus blogger Tim Challies on processing grief, and appropriate age gaps for dating.Featured musical artist: Ecclesia Roundtable: A Budget-Conscious ChristmasAre you still trying to finish your Christmas shopping? You’re not the only one. And with inflation and other financial pressures, gift-giving this year can seem more of a burden than a blessing. But what if truly meaningful gifts aren’t always the most expensive ones? Our panel shares ideas for fun and creative Christmas gifts and activities that will still leave money in your pocket.Culture: Grief When You Least Expect It (Part 1) On November 3, 2020, Tim Challies got the call every parent dreads — his 20-year-old son, Nick, had died unexpectedly while away at college. As the grief and shock hit and then continued in waves, Tim found incredible comfort in grieving through the seasons of the following year by writing out his thoughts and emotions. In part one of our conversation, Tim talks about the early days after receiving the tragic news, how he wrestled with God’s sovereignty amid the intense grief, and what helped him get through the dark days of that fall and winter.Inbox: Appropriate Age Gaps in DatingMany of us know a couple where the man and woman are several years (or more) apart in age.  At what point does an age gap become too weird or problematic? Is there a formula for figuring out how to view age differences for relational success? Lisa Anderson weighs in.  Get the book "Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God " for your donation of any amount! 4 Things to Consider When Dating With an Age DifferenceWhat to Ask When There’s an Age Difference

Are you a planner or more spontaneous? Plus, five instincts of masculinity, and is it normal to be regularly annoyed at your boyfriend?Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Structure or Spontaneity? While some people map out their daily routines, others prefer to be more “off the cuff” and ready for anything. Each tendency has strengths and weaknesses. Our panelists share their unique approaches to life, how they both maximize and guard their temperaments, and how they flex to accommodate those who are different.Culture: 5 Masculine Instincts and What They MeanWhat does it mean to embrace godly masculinity? Pastor Chase Replogle has written “The 5 Masculine Instincts” to explore this topic. Listen in as he and Lisa break down the manifestations of sarcasm, adventure, ambition, reputation and apathy in men — how they are not necessarily sinful, yet how they can go awry. Most importantly, Chase will show us what it looks like to submit each instinct to the Lord.Get the book "The 5 Masculine Instincts: A Guide to Becoming a Better Man" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-boundless-2022-12-08?refcd=1587405Inbox: She’s Annoyed With Her BoyfriendShe and her boyfriend have been together for almost two years, yet she finds herself regularly annoyed at him. Is this normal? Her friends tell her that annoyances get worse once you get married. Counselor Elaine Humphries weighs in.

Honoring people of different generations, plus going eyes wide open into marriage, and what if your parents don’t like your significant other?Featured musical artist:  Kerrie RobertsRoundtable: Showing Honor to Other GenerationsGen X, Baby Boomers, Gen Z and Millennials. Every generation is distinctive, each with its unique perspectives, habits, and cultural references. Is it possible for these generations to learn from each other and even — wait for it — get along? Members of four generations sit at the table this week to discuss the hallmarks of their own “tribe” but also to approach work, relationships, communication and more with generational differences (not to mention humility) in mind.Culture: Preparing for an Honest MarriageNobody walks into marriage perfectly prepared. Whether it’s baggage, misconceptions, pride or all three, all married couples must confront their brokenness if their relationship is to survive. With decades of pre-marital counseling experience and wisdom from his 40-plus-year marriage, Bob Lepine has mentored a wide variety of couples with an even wider scope of issues. He’ll offer insights on how to approach marriage with your eyes and heart open, and how to make the most important things the main things both before and after tying the knot.Build a Stronger Marriage: The Path to Oneness (Ask the Christian Counselor)Inbox: When Your Parents Don’t ApproveThe holidays are a great time to introduce your boyfriend or girlfriend to your parents. But what do you do when your mom and dad say they don’t approve of your match? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.

Overcoming the fear of commitment, plus tips for being a better communicator, and is asking a guy out for coffee too forward?Featured musical artist:  David Dunn Roundtable: Overcoming the Fear of CommitmentShould I take that job? Can I serve in this ministry? Is it time to pop the question? It’s good to ask such questions, but they can also spark a reluctance to commit. Deciding to commit to something or someone can be an intimidating thing, but if you don’t want to sit on the sidelines of life, at some point you have to make a decision. Our guests share examples of how they’ve struggled with commitment and suggest ways to use discernment when making a choice.Culture: Improving Your ConversationsFor any healthy relationship, communication is key — and Dr. Mike Bechtle has worked for years to help us do it well. In our interview, he’ll address ways to handle conflict, how to ask good questions, and how to “gain more weight” in what you say.Inbox: Should I Ask Him Out?  She attends a megachurch but finds it tough to have conversations with single guys since they’re involved in different activities. Should she take matters into her own hands and ask one or more out for coffee? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

A panel of pastors on why church matters (part two), plus overcoming anxiety and perfectionism, and how to be friends with moms your age. Featured musical artist:   Nathan TaskerRoundtable: Why Church Matters (Part 2)The Boundless team recently held a live event at Third Space Coffee in Colorado Springs to talk about why the local church is an essential part of the Christian life. Joining us were three pastors from the area. We put mics in front of them, Lisa asked a bunch of questions, and over 80 young adults sipped coffee and listened in. Now you can, too, as we share what was recorded in a two-part roundtable last week and this week. In part two, the pastors discuss overcoming church hurt, how to respond to church discipline, and ways to get plugged into a local congregation.Culture: Beating Perfectionism, Fear and WorryIn a culture that thrives on projecting strength, how can we possibly overcome the relentless drive toward perfectionism? Counselor Tim Sanford has some amazing insights into recognizing the difference between fear, anxiety and worry. He’ll show you how to retrain your brain against worry, and will give strategies for bucking perfectionism in favor of excellence. Inbox: Befriending the Moms at My ChurchShe’s a single woman who hopes to have a family someday. She wants to become better friends with the moms at her church, but they seem so busy, and she’s not confident around kids. What can she do? Ashley Bazer weighs in.