The Robertson and Easterling Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sponsored by LifeWorks Counseling
Board certified family law attorneys Craig Robertson and Matt Easterling run one of the most successful boutique law firms in Mississippi. They have partnered with Roane and Eva Hunter of LifeWorks Counseling, who are highly distinguished therapists who work in marriage recovery. Listen to this groundbreaking wellness podcast for deep discussions about relationships, marital restoration, parenting, divorce and post-divorce recovery. You will hear informative, refreshing and inspiring real life stories and practical advice from the hosts and their guests. Whether you are seeking to enrich your marriage, begin the next chapter of your journey through divorce or you just want to hear a great story, this creative podcast will arm you with the information you need to live healthy and whole.
In this powerful episode recorded the day after her divorce was final, a former client shares her experience of surviving emotional abuse in her marriage to a narcissist. She discusses how covert manipulation and gaslighting eroded her self-worth and left her and her children living in fear. Her journey of awakening began when the pain of staying outweighed the fear of leaving. She realized she was living for just a fraction of the good times she calls “the 15%”, while the rest of her life was spent walking on eggshells. She offers deep introspection and an introduction to the various healing modalities she used to reclaim her life, learning that God loves her more than the institution of marriage.
In this episode of the Robertson and Easterling Podcast, hosts Matt Easterling and Craig Robertson dive into the crucial topic of temporary hearings in Mississippi divorce cases. A temporary hearing is often one of the first legal steps in a divorce proceeding, helping to foster calm and order amidst the storm of marital breakdown. Matt and Craig explain what happens during these hearings, the types of decisions that are made—such as child custody, debt service, spousal support, and use of marital property—and how these rulings can set the tone for the rest of the case. They also offer practical tips on how to prepare for a temporary hearing and what to expect when facing the court. Whether you’re in the early stages of divorce or simply looking to understand the process better, this episode provides invaluable insight into navigating the complexities of temporary hearings in Mississippi.
This Robertson + Easterling Podcast offering delves into the complexities of adultery and its implications in Mississippi divorce cases. Matt Easterling and Craig Robertson discuss how adultery is legally defined, its emotional and psychological impacts, and how it influences contested divorce proceedings in Mississippi - including child custody, alimony and the division of assets. While adultery may be grounds for divorce, it does not automatically affect other case dynamics and can create complex legal and emotional issues. Tune in to receive practical advice from these veteran family law attorneys on how to navigate infidelity, cheating and adultery inside and outside of the courtroom.
In this episode of the Robertson and Easterling podcast, host Craig Robertson sits down with Patrick and Jennifer, a couple uniquely positioned with custody of a non-biological child without the benefit of adoption. The conversation delves into the emotional intricacies of their legal situation, highlighting the courage and determination required to face such challenges. Patrick and Jennifer share their experiences and insights on the bravery needed to resolve child-related legal matters and the complexities of adjusting to life post-court proceedings. Join us for an inspiring episode that offers valuable guidance and encouragement for doing hard things.
In part two of this Robertson and Easterling podcast series, hosts Craig Robertson and Matt Easterling continue their deep dive into the complexities of navigating a divorce trial. This episode covers crucial aspects of trial preparation, including updating financial statements, gathering key evidence, and understanding the courtroom dynamics. They offer practical advice on how to present yourself, manage stress, and maintain composure throughout the trial. Special guest Ben Derrick shares insights on cognitive coaching and its role in overcoming personal obstacles. Whether you're facing a trial or seeking to avoid one, this episode provides valuable guidance to help you through this challenging process.
In this episode of the Robertson and Easterling podcast, hosts Craig Robertson and Matt Easterling dive into the complexities of navigating a divorce trial. From the importance of thorough preparation during the discovery process to understanding the dynamics of courtroom proceedings, they provide valuable insights to help you put your best foot forward. They emphasize the critical role of self-care during this challenging time and share practical tips on how to stay organized and mentally prepared. Whether you're facing a trial or seeking to avoid one, this episode offers guidance on making informed decisions and achieving the best possible outcome.
This short recording walks the listener through the R+E Wellness Notebook which we provide to interested clients in our initial consultation. If you found this recording and do not have a copy of our Wellness Notebook, please reach out to us at help@robertson.ms and we will provide you with a digital copy of the materials explained in this recording by founding partner, Craig Robertson.
Join Craig and Matt on a thought-provoking episode of the R+E podcast as they welcome special guest, Sherry Toler. Sherry is a highly sought-after therapist in Central Mississippi who explores the enigmatic world of narcissism. Delving into the practical realities of the subject, the trio discusses the journey of individuals discarded by narcissistic partners and their quest to rebuild their lives and form healthy relationships. Through engaging anecdotes and expert insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of narcissistic abuse and the path to healing and empowerment. Tune in for an insightful conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire.
This is a short talk by Craig Robertson to a group of attorneys and judges at the Mississippi Bar Center in Jackson, Mississippi on April 19, 2024 at the annual Hot Tips Seminar. Craig spoke on Attorney Health, Wellbeing and Mindfulness
James is the most interesting person at a party. A cannabis industry early adopter, he found himself in a marriage with a person who had not separated from her family in a healthy way, which undermined the safety of the couples emotional connection. Lean in and listen as James discusses his plant-based methods of healing and his journey to take back the courage his unhealthy relationship took from him. WARNING: This show discusses the use of medical marijuana and hallucinogens for healing. The content may not be suitable for children and could be triggering for someone with addiction issues or in a relationship with an addict. R+E is a team of legal, not medical professionals. Nothing talked about is intended to be healthcare advice. We are simply communicating the story of a former client whose name has been fictionalized. A person considering the modalities discussed in this episode should consult with their medical and mental health providers before using any substance.
In this episode of the R+E podcast, hosts Craig and Matt are joined by their associate, Mandalin Blanton, and seasoned divorce attorney and mediator, Susan Steffey. Together, they aim to dispel misconceptions surrounding mediation in Mississippi family disputes, offering an in-depth exploration of its significant utility in resolving conflicts for individuals and families. Steffey shares valuable insights into the practical, legal, and emotional facets of mediation, providing a holistic perspective on its transformative role in fostering communication and resolution. Whether you're planning for your own mediation or simply intrigued by the workings of mediation in Mississippi, this engaging discussion is not to be missed.
In the latest episode of the Robertson and Easterling podcast, we delve into the world of chiropractic care with special guest Dr. Ryan Miller from Madison Chiropractic & Wellness. Tune in as Craig discusses holistic approaches to wellness, the benefits of chiropractic adjustments, and practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Gain insights into Dr. Miller's expertise and discover how chiropractic care can contribute to overall well-being.
Divorce involves legal, emotional, and financial complexities. In this episode, we discuss the crucial role your choice of attorney plays in shaping your case. We also explore the process of understanding your unique needs and the key factors for finding the right legal advocate for you. Plus, get a sneak peek into the initial client meeting, one of the most important first steps in any legal journey.Divorce involves legal, emotional, and financial complexities. In this episode, we discuss the crucial role your choice of attorney plays in shaping your case. We also explore the process of understanding your unique needs and the key factors for finding the right legal advocate for you. Plus, get a sneak peek into the initial client meeting, one of the most important first steps in any legal journey.
Pinelake's Oxford campus pastor, Jody Schmelzer, is an expert in cultivating Christian men's communities. During his college years at Ole Miss, Jody was introduced to the powerful practice of men regularly gathering to share their life experiences. This simple yet transformative exercise has become the foundation for health, wellness, and spiritual growth for Jody and the numerous men he has guided throughout his 18 years of professional ministry. Men's community serves as a guiding light on the often challenging path of navigating work, marriage, and parenting. In this show, Jody provides an introductory course to this life-giving, ancient tradition. Join us as we explore the profound impact of building meaningful connections and fostering personal development in the company of other men. It's a journey toward a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life.
In honor of National Adoption Month, Craig and a special guest have a conversation with Preston and Jennifer Crowe, who have both biological and adoptive children, and who have fostered dozens of infants throughout their marriage. Preston is a pastor who works vocationally in mental health, and Jennifer is a high-energy fitness instructor, homeschool teacher and mom. Together, they talk about their marriage, foster parenting and fitness, plus they tell their own adoption story, which was only made possible by opening their own home to the temporary placement of children waiting for forever families.
Living Waters Massage Therapy Clinic helps clients understand self-care is necessary to maintain overall wellness in mind, body, and spirit. After a session with a LWMT therapist, you will have a clearer understanding of your body needs. Craig Robertson sits down with LWMTC founder, DeSheila Hughes, who has been a National and State Licensed Massage Therapist since 2005. Although not her first choice of careers, she talks about how God’s Plan is the best plan. About her work, Desheila says, “When I can see the physical, mental, and emotional change in my clients, I am overjoyed.” She is best known for deep tissue massage, trigger-point therapy, acupressure, plus foot and hand reflexology.
In this moving episode, Craig sits down with Alex, who lost his parents to a murder/suicide when he was only 3. Raised by his maternal grandparents, Alex gives his perspective on the tragic end to his parents' divorce, and it's surprising positive impact on his life.
In this show we discuss suicidal and homicidal thoughts and ideation. If that subject is too confronting, perhaps skip this show. If you are struggling, please raise your hand and reach out for help. You can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP and if you are experiencing suicidal ideation, know you’re not alone. We encourage you to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Are you contemplating divorce? Is someone you love experiencing difficult family dynamics? If so, there are many questions that need answers - What constitutes grounds, who gets custody of the children, how do we divide our money, and what if I am dependent on my spouse? Veteran family law attorneys Matt Easterling and Craig Robertson break down the ins and outs in this informative show, providing a unique, professional perspective of what to expect if you or someone you love needs to explore information about divorce.
Every week in our office, we see how addiction steals the joy from marriages. In this show, Craig sits down with guest host Bill Blair and Dr. Branden Henry for a conversation about both process and substance addiction, including its causes, the journey of recovery and the special considerations for the addicts’ partners. Branden is a creative mental health provider trained in treating trauma and 12-step recovery work. Being in recovery himself, he has both a personal and engaging perspective on the subject. Branden is the founder of Red River Counseling, and he and Bill work together in the adventure-based coaching organization called Rocks to Rivers.
In today's show, Matt and Craig sit down with one of our favorite local mental health providers, Dea Dean. Dea is insightful and full of life and energy. The conversation swings from perception of one's own backstory, involving "naming" an experience without blaming families of origin, to a discussion about the parentification of children whose parents, for whatever reason, are unavailable to meet their children's needs. Craig shares a few thoughts about his own life experience, and Dea gives respectful feedback about his journey, as great therapists do, without sitting on a throne of judgment.
Graduation Season is a great time to consider new beginnings, so Craig and Matt had a conversation with Trey Carroll, the founder and a coach at The NexTest Advantage. Trey changed majors 5 times in college, worked 8 different jobs and lived in 12 countries before suffering a stroke at the age of 28. Searching for direction, he took several personality and career assessments, but the Birkman Method changed his life. In this fast-paced show, we discuss how the the Birkman Method helps people of all ages discover how they are wired and how it is revealed in both personal and professional relationships.
Rocks to Rivers is an adventure based coaching organization founded by pastor, life coach and climbing instructor, Bill Blair. Craig sits down with Bill and his Rocks to Rivers co-leader Dr. Branden Henry to not only talk about the work of the organization, but also the struggle men have to find adventure, play and camaraderie as adults navigating the modern world. If you feel stuck and are looking to find deeper meaning in life and your true self, you will not want to miss this conversation.
Avery is an introvert who worked hard and excelled in school. She was the first-chair clarinet who loved to read. Being in relationships did not come naturally for her, so she cherished them greatly when they happened. After she and her fiance ended their long-term engagement, her study partner in graduate school suggested they should be more than friends. Although she had never given the idea any thought, it became all she could think about. When school was over, they decided to make a life together, but when she was three months pregnant with their first child, he gave her a letter that changed everything.
Lea is a doer. Although her family and community gave her a solid foundation, her parents were secretly unhappy, divorcing her senior year of high school. Lea felt deceived but guilty, because they stayed together for the sake of her and her brother, who remains her best friend. A two-sport athlete in college, she charged into a nursing career and marriage with the same energy you will hear in this episode. Unfortunately, her husband’s alcohol addiction derailed the life she originally planned, leaving her to pick up the pieces with humility, gratitude and a new perspective for simple pleasures.
Barry was a college athlete. After three kids and life began to move faster, he began to medicate uncomfortable moments with alcohol. Casual drinking snowballed into full-blown addiction, and Barry lost his marriage and career. Things got worse post-divorce, and he turned his back on key relationships, finding himself alone on Christmas Day with a half-gallon of vodka as his only companion. Listen to find out how a double dose of the Holy Ghost at Mission at the Cross saved Barry's life.
Bravery is showing the mental or moral strength to face danger, fear or difficulty –it is the state of being brave. In this episode featuring Eric and Laura’s adoption story, you will hear the couple’s journey from their chance meeting on a church softball field, to their marriage, fertility challenges and then the highs and lows of an adoption journey which is illustrative of the difficulties associated with domestic infant adoption. Their story brings into sharp focus the duality of bravery required by both the couple for stepping into the unknown as well as the birth mother for making the unnatural decision of having another parent in her place.
In another life-story-driven episode, Roane and Craig introduce you to Rob Lohman, whose drinking career started in his teens, leading him to dark places in life with the climax being a suicide attempt botched by his dog, Jake. You will grip the steering wheel as you hear about his rap sheet, which includes divorce, gambling addiction, bankruptcies and a prison sentence for arson, before finding wholeness through helping others.
In this fast paced show, Therapist and Infidelity Specialist, Linda MacDonald, discusses the importance of forgiveness when facing intimate betrayal and infidelity. She shares her personal struggle to come to terms with a broken marriage and talks about the necessity for the right type of professional help. Join Craig and Roane as they dive into the different types of relational responses to adultery as well as the path to healing from heartbreak.
What does a pastor do when he is not okay? Jason Smith was burned out after covering pain with performance for decades. His coping mechanism was service, describing his relationships with the people he served as codependent. When the limitations of the global pandemic created isolation, he was unable to receive energy and purpose from others, so his unconscious facade fractured, making him feel trapped. Thinking like no area of his life was good, he felt hopeless. Listen to this episode to find out how a dedicated ministry leader and professional helper took steps to get well.
Security Support Services are experts on getting people who cheat busted. They have been working behind the scenes for over 30 years to provide the truth to clients whose spouses are less than honest. Robert Saums, VP of the company, dishes with Craig and Matt about the complexities of the professional investigation business as well as what it takes to catch cheaters in their extracurricular activities.
Licensed professional counselor, certified sex addiction therapist and radio talk show host, Jim Cress, is our guest on this special Father's Day show. Jim tells his story and talks about the work he does to foster integrity and wholeness with couples and individuals at "Ground Zero" of their personal stories --collecting the dots to connect the dots. Craig, Roane and Jim dive deep into the concepts of the eternal father hunger within each of us and how all fathers bankrupt us on some level as we bump into their brokenness.
In an emotional, recovery story from the perspective of two moms, hear how Keisha‘s transition from an 18-year incarceration intersected with Shannon’s journey to find health, wholeness and meaning when both were at “crossroads” in their lives. Craig and co-host Eva Hunter narrate this captivating account of the power of being fully known and how recovery is available for everyone brave enough to search for it.
Roane and Craig take a deep dive with Ben Derrick about Jesus, emotional health and the Church. Topics range from childhood wounding and the associated toxic messages we carry into adulthood, to the reason fantasy and escapism almost work. Searching for yourself requires relational healing and a bridge between the gap of the ideal to the real, freeing us from the prisons of our own making. This episode contains such rich content about the journey inward, you will want to listen to it over and over.
Gale Mills combines training in psychology and law enforcement as one of the few female certified polygraph examiners in Mississippi. Conducting over 12,000 polygraphs, listen as this 30-year veteran professional truth finder educates and entertains in this discussion about sifting through lies and deception to uncover the honest truth.
Life for Brooke seemed to be a story written for someone else. A glass-half-full Southern girl, the expectations of her family and community left her feeling voiceless. Her desire to take the wheel of her own life led to unhealthy coping mechanisms and a bad relationship, so when she finished college and was dating her future husband, who was a “nice guy”, the music of the cake walk of life stopped and she sat next to him. Lean in to find out what happens when you try to follow a life scripted for someone else.
In a show about resilience, which is a person's ability to come back from a setback like divorce, Craig and Matt sit down with sponsors Kelly Englemann from Enhanced Wellness Living and Eva Hunter from Lifeworks Counseling. Listen in as our hosts and guests explain trauma and the steps an individual can take in the recovery process, including but not limited to self-awareness work, practical health and wellness, and how connectedness in good relationships helps us heal.
Steve Kinsley meets with Craig to share his journey from tech start-up founder to South African missionary. Steve’s life partner, Teresa, was not just instrumental in opening the door to the mission field for Steve, she also expanded his concept of family. During their time as missionaries, Steve watched Teresa do what she was made to do, fulfilling their calling – they also changed the destiny of a child with the word “Yes.” Listen as Steve discusses the impact Alfie had on their lives, through the lens of a marriage that was completed.
Certified Financial Planner Kristi Tidwell did not comprehend the long-term financial effects a divorce would have on a family until she lived it herself. Weathering the storm of her own personal journey, she found a new calling and a way to use her knowledge to help others in the same situation sift through the financial complexities. Listen as she discusses her walk through divorce, common financial mistakes and how to walk away from the process with new found confidence and fiscal health.
How does one model the “right” behavior for their children when things are personally unbearable? Roane and Roe Hunter share their family story with Jamie Walley and Craig Robertson. As a father struggling with the intense pressures of providing for his family while also juggling porn/sex addiction, Roane found himself in a deep, dark hole he couldn’t escape. This Father/Son duo walk through their journey from depression, anger, attempted suicide and shame to forgiveness and ultimately seeing God’s love.
Craig and Eva join Texas natives Jason and Andi to tell the story of their journey from young, naive love to intensely complicated married life. As a couple consisting of codependents with separate ideas and expectations, the pressure placed on each to make the other "complete" was overwhelming. Jason and Andi share the importance of breaking through the fantasy by seeking help from wise, professional counselors, putting in the work to improve the marriage, and the necessity of a supportive community.
What happens when things appear “right” on the outside but the inside is a complete mess? Troy and Melissa Haas, founders of HopeQuest Ministry Group, share their personal story detailing how their lives completely changed once their hearts became truly healthy. This couple discusses their journey from addiction and codependency to healing, noting the importance of the few, trustworthy people who walked with them to make things right from the inside out.
Craig and Roane spend time with Eli Machen, world-renowned author, speaker and certified counselor, to uncover the reasons why people cheat. Referencing his multi-decade experience as a specialist in the field of sex addiction, Eli discusses the significance of understanding the root cause of one’s problem as well as how to recover from that addiction. Travel along on their journey to learn how one can overcome the darkness and despair of self-loathing to get to a place of trust and understanding.
Matt, Craig and Roane have a conversation with Ben Derrick, Pastor of Vertical Church, and discuss what the Bible says about divorce and how our culture affects our interpretation of it. Oftentimes there is a huge difference between reality versus ideology, so it’s important to seek wise counsel in handling the complexities surrounding such a momentous life decision. Listen in as they challenge the normal divorce debate of what is considered “Biblical” and “permissible”.
Join Craig as he talks with Jamie Walley, pastor of First Baptist Church of Florence, about his family's remarkable journey through adoption. The Walley's choice to parent and love a child, who was biologically someone else's, was a deliberate, selfless act that not only changed his future, it saved his life. You will learn how one family's desire to bring love to those needing it the most, actually revealed more to them than they could ever imagine.
In this Easter episode, Craig with co-hosts Eva and Roane Hunter from LifeWorks Counseling meet with Tray and Melody from Undone Redone as they share about their journey through sexual addiction and infidelity to redemptive grace. Tray and Melody openly share their road to healing and how they were able to break free. They discuss how working through heartbreak and pain of divorce led them to a reconciliation later. Tray and Melody are now able to assist others through the brokenness and messiness of life.
Matt and Craig sit down with financial advisor, Chris Tipton, to discuss obstacles that plague many families' financial dreams: lack of clarity, complexity and lack of alignment. Chris dives into these topics and outlines the importance of creating a plan to ensure long-term financial success. Similar to divorce, the decisions made at the end are what one lives with forever. Listen in as Chris provides insight into how staying engaged and involved can make an enormous difference in one's financial life.
In this special Valentine's Day edition of the R+E podcast, Craig and special co-host Roane Hunter of LifeWorks Counseling have a conversation with married couple Mark and Ellen, who vulnerably share their journey through addiction and codependency on the road to eventual marital restoration. Mark and Ellen tell our listeners that wise counsel not only saved their marriage, it probably saved their lives.
Join Craig and Matt as they meet with top rated criminal defense attorney, Cynthia Speetjens, to uncover what it was like breaking into a male-dominated industry. Speetjens, one of a handful of females admitted to The University of Mississippi School of Law at the time, explains how her upbringing impacted her future. Cynthia’s journey from new prosecutor to an award-winning defense attorney is not one to miss. Listen as Craig and Matt talk to Speetjens about the impact she has made.
In this last podcast episode of 2020, divorce attorneys Matt Easterling and Craig Robertson continue the conversation with marriage therapists Roane and Eva Hunter about marriage and divorce during the holiday season. Roane and Eva reflect on their personal journey through divorce and the lessons they learned through the reunification of their family. They also explain how rigorous honesty is necessary to protect an individual from the busyness which often surrounds the holiday season. The conversation finally touches on concepts of codependency, leaving the listener with practical tools about simplicity, connection, asking for help and limit setting.
In the first of R+E’s two-part holiday episode, divorce attorneys Matt Easterling and Craig Robertson have a conversation with marriage therapists Roane and Eva Hunter about the holiday season and navigating the often difficult family dynamics. You will enjoy this lively discussion filled with practical advice about protecting time and space with immediate family, the necessity to voice appropriate boundaries, and how people often revert to the roles they play in their families of origin when everyone gets together for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
After 16 years of practicing law, Troy Odom decided it was time to make a career change. A man of conviction and goals, he set his sights on the bench, and when long time Chancellor John Grant announced his retirement, he was elected by the citizens of Rankin County, bringing his dream to fruition. You will hear about Judge Odom’s mentality of hard work, determination, steadfast resolve, and ability to remove emotions from his decisions. Please join our hosts Craig and Matt who visited Judge Odom in his chambers and talked about his experiences as one of the newer Judges in the Mississippi Chancery Court system. In his jurisdiction, honesty, grace and respect are the foundations of the proceedings over which he presides.
He spent part of his developmental years during the transition from communist Czechoslovakia to the Central European country now known as the Czech Republic, this future professional dancer left home at the age of 15 to pursue dance full time in the capital city of Prague. During his time in Prague, he became a Christian, and later found Mississippi's own ballet company, Ballet Magnificat!, which he later traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to join. While dancing for Ballet Magnificat!, he met a fellow dancer, who later became his wife. After ten years of happy marriage, the couple began to struggle to hold on to their individual identity separate and apart from their families of origin, and they divorced. In this episode, you will hear a transparent, thoughtful, beautifully articulated story of one artist's journey of life and love. You will hear him speak hopefully about the future as he reflects on the community he has found a long way from his former home.
Join attorneys Matt Easterling and Caylan Dunnells as they go behind the scenes with seasoned private investigator, Mike Byrd. With 20+ years experience, Mike sheds light on what it takes to put together a solid case. He also delves into the warning signs one may observe when dealing with a cheating spouse, and the listener will learn how patience and perseverance are key in order to successfully deliver the money shot.
Craig and guest host Cassie Dedmon spend time with their former client Heike, who is originally from Germany. Heike tells a great american survivor story... and she would do it all over again. After falling in love with a United States Service member, she left her family and way of life to travel to American and become a military wife and mom. One day she went to the mailbox, found a letter, and her life has never been the same again. Instead of becoming a victim of her relationship breakdown and life circumstances, Heike found a mentor, a part time job, and enrolled in junior college. She also educated herself about the benefits for which she was eligible, even teaching her attorneys about certain military nuances in the law. You will hear Heike bravely talk about living with a combat veteran and how PTSD impacted their life. Finally, learn how Heike's grit, determination and selfless willingness to move heaven and earth for her children is serving their family today.
Enhanced Wellness Living is Mississippi's leading functional medicine clinic. Craig and Matt have a conversation with its founder, Kelly Engelmann, FNP in this episode. You will enjoy this fun, fast paced discussion about health, happiness and vitality through the lens of Kelly's "Food First" approach to wellness. Many Mississippians suffer from fatigue, sleep deprivation, malnourishment and low sexual function, and Kelly gives practical first steps for a healthier lifestyle like hydration, movement and intentional quiet time to decrease the cascading negative effects of stress and inflammation. Kelly will inspire the listener to think about a pantry detox, while Matt and Craig raise questions about toxic relationships.
In this powerfully thought provoking episode, Craig and Matt sit down with Scott, a music minister who has always felt "different." Being raised in the deep south by conservative parents, he struggled over his sexual orientation, although he married a woman in hopes to sustain a heterosexual lifestyle. Scott's efforts failed, and he became depressed to the point of suicide. After finally coming out, he was divorced, separated from his son and believed he would lose everything important, especially his ministry. Walking in his truth, he finally found freedom through the love and acceptance of an understanding church and through the blessing of his step father. Now comfortable with his identity, Scott reflects on his journey from captivity to freedom.
The Enneagram is a personality typing system combining modern psychology with spiritual and somatic wisdom to describe 9 distinct, dynamic ways of being in the world. Each type is characterized by perpetual, patterned responses and unique motivations arising from how one thinks, feels, and behaves. In this episode, Matt and Craig sit down with Sarah Duet from Shreveport, Louisiana. Sarah is an artist and communicator who has studied the Enneagram for over a decade. Sarah works with individuals and communities to share basic Enneagram wisdom in hopes to foster increased self-awareness, empathy, meaningful work, and the capacity for healthier relationships.
Craig and special co host Dr. Kristen Jones of Cornerstone Counseling sit down with R+E former client Ginger, a bright professional who talks about the pressures of southern women to get married and then to stay married, even if the relationship is not working. Now looking back five years post-divorce, Ginger bravely tells about her journey and offers hope to people similarly situated.
Meaning and belonging are core needs of human beings. A meaningful life is discovered when we are focused on things outside of ourselves, because a self-centered worldview is very small. A true sense of belonging requires intimacy (Into-Me-See), which is the act of knowing and being known. Intimacy is the foundation of all meaningful relationships. In this episode, Matt and Craig sit down with Philip K. Hardin, who is a therapist and ministry leader who has devoted his life to helping people. Phil is one of the most creative counselors in the R+E network, combining music, journaling, movies, scripture and adventure to help men discover their true self --a life filled with intimacy.
Scott became a father as a young, single college student. When he and his girlfriend could no longer make their relationship work, a heated custody trial was necessary to determine the best interest of their son. Scott was not granted physical custody, but he enjoyed a very liberal access schedule where he would see his child several days a week in addition to alternating weekends and shared holidays. Eventually, as the child grew older, the original parenting plan no longer worked, so at the mother's insistence, the parties negotiated a second schedule. The second parenting plan continued until a significant geographic move coupled with a dyslexia diagnosis created custody litigation again, and this time the court agreed with Scott that his son should live with him full time. Today, the more mature parents have put lawyers and court proceedings in their past and work daily to effectively coparent.
Dr. Kristen Jones of Cornerstone Counseling vulnerably tells her story of growing up with an unhealthy mom in the wake of her parents' divorce. Every night, she would have an 8:30 call with her dad, who was emotionally present notwithstanding their geographic distance. During Christmas of her senior year in high school, she packed 3 suitcases and went to live with her dad, who was walking through the breakdown of his second marriage. The two started over together. The chaos of her childhood led Dr. Jones' to be interested in the human condition and helping others with similar life circumstances. Today, she works with mostly teenage girls who struggle with anxiety, low self esteem, depression and making sense of middle school, high school and their lives at home.
In the second of this two part series with Dr. Mark Hagwood of Turning Point Counseling, Mark and the hosts discuss Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder in the context of marital dysfunction.
A Road To Damascus Experience is a sudden insight that radically changes a person's life. In the first of a two part series with Dr. Mark Hagwood of Turning Point Counseling, Mark shares his personal account of early childhood trauma, addiction, divorce, remarriage and the challenges of blended families.
In this special episode, Matt and Craig welcome associate attorney Max Busching to the discussion about COVID-19, Divorce and Mississippi Family Law. Other contributors include Dr. Scott Benton of the University of Mississippi Children's Safe Center and past podcast participants like Roane and Eva Hunter, Lee Smith, Jackie Williams, NP and two of our most popular guests, May and Matt.
Jackie Williams, NP of Innovative Health, LLC sat down with Craig and Matt to talk about the holistic path to health and wellness through a crisis like divorce. In addition to competing in scores of other endurance events, Jackie is a nine-time Ironman triathlete and integrated medical professional. In this episode, you will be introduced to the concept of integrative, functional, lifestyle medicine for a balanced, optimal and healthy life. Jackie also talks about the process of discovering the underlying causes of symptoms to improve health and reduce the need for conventional medications.
Camille Eiland, LPC of LifeWorks Counseling bravely tells her personal story of divorce due to sexual betrayal which culminated in a full blown trial. In the crazymaking process that is divorce, counselors need counsel too. Now finally finished with the legalities of the breakup, Camille reflects on how knowing what it is like “to sit on the other side of the chair” has grown her ability to empathize with her clients and promote health, healing and belonging.
Tara Mills, LPC of The Shepherd's Staff sits down with Craig and Matt to talk about parenting through the process of divorce and the value of the therapeutic process, especially in children. This highly sought after therapist discusses active listening, trauma, parental alienation, conflict resolution and strategies for consistent co-parenting throughout the various developmental stages of childhood.
Lee Smith, LPC of Cornerstone Counseling joins our hosts in studio to talk about being a dad in our busy world. You will hear an engaging discussion about how divorce impacts the father's role and how dads can foster and develop a healthy connection with their children.
Retired Mississippi Chancery Court Judge William Singletary visit with Matt and Craig about the twenty-four years he spent presiding over divorce and family law cases and his current role as a private mediator. In this peak into a Judge's chambers, learn how lawyers and judges dialogue and get a feel for the humanity of the individual in the black robe.
In this more academic episode, Craig and Matt sat down with Jim Koerber to talk about the financial aspects of divorce. The listener will be introduced to the basics of property division and hear discussions about business valuation, forensic accounting, marital vs. non-marital property and the most important document in any divorce case, the 8.05 Financial Statement. For anyone facing divorce in Mississippi, especially where significant finances are concerned, this is a must listen.
In the second of the two-part series with Roane and Eva Hunter, the Hunters talk about beautiful moments in their life they might have missed if they had not done the work of marital reconciliation. The guests further unpack in detail how they have used their life story as the basis for their careers as Christian counselors and the process they use to aid couples in the journey of restored trust and intimacy.
In the first of this two part series, the hosts talk to Roane and Eva Hunter, Certified Sex Addiction Therapists and the founders of LifeWorks Counseling. Roane and Eva will keep you on the edge of your seat as they talk about the discovery of Roane’s sexual addiction, their divorce, healing and eventual remarriage. Today, Roane and Eva help other couples on the road to recovery, restoration and wholeness.
In this conversation about marital restoration, Craig and Matt talk to a former client, who came to see them after the discovery of his infidelity. The guest talks introspectively about his childhood, his failings as a husband and father, and his road home. Now two years post discovery, his marriage is stronger than ever, and the three men reflect on the advice given in the initial consultation and how it was a catalyst for him to seek help at a treatment center for sexual brokenness.
In this survivor story, Matt and Craig talk to former client May, who walked through the process of divorce and is thriving on the other side, where she has found grace, love and acceptance. May talks about the decision to contact an attorney, going through the divorce process and life after divorce.