The Dr. Dodd Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Dr. Dodd provides the unique integration of being well trained in Theology and Psychology/Counseling. This podcast comes as an extension of his many years of ongoing ministry… of private practice Christian counseling, public speaking (holding both conferences and workshops), and consulting work with private corporations. Through a powerful combination, that utilizes his training in theology and psychology, as well as real life experience…each podcast is an effort to encourage, provide hope, inform and challenge individuals with grounded, insightful and practical principles. “It is simply an effort to help individuals navigate everyday struggles, issues and relationships that can often be very difficult and challenging. All of this…to bring honor and glory to God!”
Dr. Dodd states that, “This episode is provided, intended to give hope to those who have suffered marital division, unfaithfulness, and heartache. I want to introduce to you a couple that I have known, intimately well over the last 1 ½+ years…Chad and Ashley. They are here to share, to have a conversation about, their journey of real marital pain and ultimately God’s faithfulness in their healing.”
Hey…this is Dr. Dodd and I welcome you to the Dr. Dodd Podcast. In this episode, the parents of Josh Neuman will share the story of the tragic loss of their 22-year-old son, February 2022. Please allow me to introduce to you Chris and Kristin Neuman. They share who Josh was, the accident, their journey of grieving, and the “Josh Neuman Foundation.
“Listen…I’m all about supporting each other! But when does it become unhealthy? When is it too much?” In this episode, Dr. Dodd talks about the important difference between a healthy support and an unhealthy emotional crutch.
It's one of the most common and challenging, emotional topics we encounter as mental health professionals. In some theological circles, it is often described as wrong and sinful…no matter the circumstances. This podcast is an effort by Dr. Dodd, to shed some light on the matter of being angry, it’s impact on the individual, how it can affect relationships, as well as potentially… your walk with God.
Dr. Dodd states that, “One of the most common point or cause for conflict/arguments in relationships is, quite simply, when one spouse doesn’t feel like their needs are important to their spouse. They complain that they don’t feel any real connection to/with their spouse. Too often, it seems that we take better care of our homes, our cars, etc. than we do the needs of our spouse or our marriage.” In this episode, Dr. Dodd shares the importance of prioritizing your marriage, your spouse (including in a blended family), the reasons why it often doesn’t occur, and suggestions and how to make it a reality.
A gentleman recently asked, “Dr. Dodd…at what point does personal responsibility kick in?” Another individual stated, “It seems that no one wants to answer to anyone…we are so quick to blame everything or everyone else.” In talking to still another individual on this very subject, he said… “If I allow myself to be accountable, that’s going to put me in a very vulnerable position. Why should I do that? I’m very private.”
In this episode, Dr. Dodd discusses the idea of being accountable…to ourselves (i.e., holding ourselves accountable), accountable to others, and ultimately accountable to God. The importance of being accountable and how to live successfully, as a result. He states, “Accountability is about living in integrity. Your thoughts, words, and actions are consistent with one another and in alignment.”
Several recent studies have shown that almost half of Americans are lonely. Ironically, while we are more connected through social media, etc., we are experiencing loneliness at higher degrees.
Feeling lonely is a normal, human experience. We’ve all experienced the situation of feeling alone/lonely, when you’re by yourself or even in a room full of people. Feeling very disconnected from everyone or feeling like no one understands you.
Join Dr. Dodd as he provides several possible factors that contribute to feeling alone and lonely, as well some very practical suggestions on how to address them.
“Hey…what’s the problem? You have a guilty conscience?” “You know what you did…your conscience bothering you?” “You know what your problem is…you have no conscience at all! Nothing seems to bother you!” “I don’t know what the big deal is…my conscience is clear!”
In this episode, Dr. Dodd talks about a subject that has been written about, studied, and discussed for most of recorded history is…the human conscience. From the perspective of religions, various philosophers, social scientists, and psychologists, it has been defined and described in a multitude of different ways.
He states that “the conscience gives us the ability to evaluate our own thoughts and desires, to discern what is right or wrong, and to distinguish between what is good and what is best. When we talk about the conscience, we are often referring to reflection about ourselves as moral persons and about our moral conduct. It is one of the ways God speaks to us.”
Waiting at a cash register, in a traffic jam, at the doctor’s office, at the DMV, at the bus station/train station/airport. We wait and wait. And as we wait…there are often the expectations of immediate results, immediate gratification, and what Dr. Dodd calls a “drive-thru” mindset and attitude. This is often accompanied by a sense of entitlement…that we are entitled to be served first, to get an immediate response, to get the results…right now. Frustration, boredom, anxiety, and anger… too often occur, when an individual is told…wait.
In this episode, Dr. Dodd helps the listener discover the truth of “good things happen to those who wait.” He provides helpful suggestions on how to wait successfully, as well as several of the triggers/causes for becoming impatient. Of course, he looks at what God’s Word has to say, about waiting patiently.
While there are multiple types of identities (e.g., cultural, professional, ethnic and national, religious, gender, etc.) … in this episode Dr. Dodd talks about personal identity. He states, “It’s the concept you develop about yourself, that evolves over the course of your life. It consists of self-definitions…in terms of your unique and idiosyncratic characteristics. Your abilities, likes and dislikes, your personality traits, and what motivates you, can contribute to your unique identity as a person.” So why is this question, “Who Am I” …so important?? It’s critical in helping us make life choices. Knowing what comes from within us, from within ourselves, versus what comes from everyone else. It is vital in helping us live life authentically.
Often, we hear the words, “being in a healthy relationship.” We use the phrase as if everyone has, or should have, a good understanding as to what that means! Most are left to try and figure it out by what they saw growing up…what they want to have in their relationships and what they don’t want to have. I know that I have used those words often, in many of my podcasts. So, what does it really mean to be in a healthy relationship?
In this episode Dr. Dodd provides the listener with practical information about what a healthy or unhealthy relationship looks like. Join him, if you find yourself in unhealthy relationships, as he gives several suggestions on how to work toward making them healthy!
The Dr. Dodd podcast is brought to you in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd
“Dr. Dodd…it just feels like my wife keeps me at arms-length, all the time. We’re not connected at all. It’s like she’s mad at me but won’t tell me why. I ask…and she just says, “I’m fine,” or simply walks away. But to be honest about it, it feels like she treats almost everybody… the same way. She won’t let anyone “in” real close.”
Dr. Dodd shares, “that story has been repeated in my office so many times. It’s incredibly sad when that type of relationship is happening. It’s painful for both individuals involved!”
Join Dr. Dodd as he discusses the very common issue of emotional walls/barriers in relationships... what they are, where they come from, why do we have them, and what can be done about them.
The Dr. Dodd podcast is brought to you in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd
The dictionary defines stress as “physical, mental or emotional strain or tension.” It’s clear that everyone can suffer from stress, while facing challenges that can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children. How we handle it (stress) really does vary from one individual to another.
Sometimes stress (defined as eustress) can help you focus and get the task accomplished. But when stress (better identified as distress) is frequent and intense, it can create significant strain on your body and make it very difficult to function. Join Dr. Dodd as he provides insight and suggestions on how to cope with stress!
The Dr. Dodd podcast is brought to you in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd
The world we live in is so impulsive! We will say whatever comes to mind. Take a dare. Make a decision. Get “an attitude” and then maybe, think about the consequences later. As has often been said…we act first and then think later!
Listen, it is true that all of us have said or done something that we wish we hadn’t. But many struggle with the fact that they are often impulsive, maybe several times a day. Acting that way, can lead to problems and regret!
Join Dr. Dodd as he defines impulsivity, describes many more of the symptoms and consequences, as well as possible treatment options. He states, “Simply put, acting impulsively is typically when you act quickly, with little to no thought of the consequences. There’s nothing on your mind beyond that exact moment.”
The Dr. Dodd podcast is brought to you in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd
It has been said that one of the most common relationship issues, that individuals face, is that of trust. Everything from, the basic form of trust to relational, emotional, physical, spiritual, and self-trust. Dr. Dodd emphasizes that trust is the single most important ingredient in every relationship.
“It, trust, is the act or firm belief in an individual…based on truth, reliability, and honesty. It’s having the ability to believe in the good intentions and will of another person… to meet our expectations. Trust creates an environment that feels safe, comfortable, and secure.”
When your trust is broken, to any real/significant degree at all, your sense of security and safety is broken. Join Dr. Dodd as he provides several suggestions/principles on how to Rebuild Trust.
The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd
The commitment to love, honor, and cherish are words very familiar to most of us. Too often they are simply words of a ceremony. The meaning, weight, and importance of those words are often overlooked. They are actual promises/vows that spouses make to each other, for a lifetime. We say them in front of our family, friends, the preacher, each other, and God. Yet…do we really “get” the meaning of those words and apply them to our daily lives…living them out in our marriage? In this podcast, Dr. Dodd looks at each of them… to inform, to encourage, and to give practical suggestions on how to accomplish loving, honoring, and cherishing your spouse.
The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd
In this episode, Dr. Dodd “walks around” the subject of emotional immaturity. He provides guidance, help, and practical suggestions on how to change from being immature or how to navigate a relationship with the emotionally immature.
He states, “The emotionally immature individual will find it hard to effectively convey or process their emotions… often appearing/presenting as being very selfish, self-centered, or distant. They often get defensive and will resort to blaming anyone/everyone but themselves…due to them rarely thinking that anything is their fault. They lack many of the emotional and social skills…leading to difficulty in relating to other adults. Their reactions are more what you might expect to see from a child…than out of an adult. The emotionally immature tend to overdramatize situations. They usually focus just on themselves. Being emotionally immature brings absolute havoc into relationships, homes, and communities.”
The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd
Conflict is just a part of life. It really is a normal part of any healthy relationship. There’s simply no way that two people, are going to agree on everything! Yet…so many individuals fear conflict, they try to avoid it. Then there are others, that appear to walk through life “just looking for trouble.”
We live in a very conflictual time. If you don’t know how to manage, or often find yourself mismanaging conflict… you’ve likely discovered that it can cause great harm (e.g., trust compromised, communication suffers, distance sets in, etc.) in a relationship. Dr. Dodd states that, “It is my desire to help you learn, or be reminded of, that conflict managed in a healthy way (i.e., sensibly, efficiently, solution seeking, mutually respectful, and a scripturally sound manner) can provide real opportunity to strengthen the relationship between individuals.
The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd
Join Dr. Dodd as he looks at being defiant and oppositional, versus obedient… from both a scriptural and psychological perspective. He points out that being oppositional is “often demonstrated by getting easily annoyed, demands its own way, has feelings of resentment or anger, frequent arguments with others, deliberately annoying others, blames others for their own mistakes, and is spiteful.” He states that, “obedience is a form of social influence that involves performing an action under the orders of an authority figure.”
Finally, Dr. Dodd discusses the dilemma of being defiant with God or submitting (being obedient) to His authority over our lives.
The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd
Dr. Dodd states: “I often hear the importance of being honest. I completely get it and agree! We all want to be around people that we can count on, people that are dependable, consistent, trustworthy, real, and of course…honest. But the idea of being honest with ourselves, somehow gets overlooked… really, not even thought about. The idea of doing the hard work of looking deep within ourselves and asking the hard questions regarding our dependability, trustworthiness, etc., somehow gets neglected.” In this episode, Dr. Dodd talks about the criticalness of being “gut level” honest with yourself. We’ve all been taught from a very early age that “honesty is the best policy.” That we should be, in all our dealings whether big or small…be honest. It’s vital to be honest with others…but it’s critical to be honest with yourself. The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd
One of the most difficult and least talked about subjects today is, how to “parent” your child… who is now an adult. What a balancing act. What a challenge. The hard reality is today’s young adult lives in a very different world. And the “spill over” of all this on to the family, particularly parents, cannot be overstated. Join Dr. Dodd as he provides some suggestions/guidelines on how to parent your child, who is now an adult.
A common question is, “Can you ever truly achieve emotional healing?” A very similar question is, “Can people really change?” Dr. Dodd states that, “I tell you that it is absolutely possible. It is my desire, to define what that healing “looks like and entails,” as well as provide some practical suggestions on how to achieve and maintain it. Again, to heal emotionally is always possible. With time (it’s going to whatever time it takes), a genuine “want to,” the willingness to seek help, and God…it is very possible.”
Dr. Dodd is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
We often talk about balance…keeping the right amount of air in the tires of our car, the balance needed to roller/ice skate, or the balance required to simply go up and down the stairs. But what about finding/having balance in our lives? Join Dr. Dodd, as he invites the listener to consider balance in all the different aspects of our life…everything (to name a few) from relationships, our work life, health and fitness, finance, our social life, emotional well-being, and of course…our spiritual life. He states that… “balance leads to a positive outlook, it focuses on good habits, it helps to lower stress. Being “out-of-balance” can shortchange what is important to us and diminish our overall quality of life.”
Dr. Dodd is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
Dr. Dodd shares, "I have come to believe, that most men I know, would strive/work toward being a spiritual leader… but simply have no idea what that even means. They’ve never had a scripturally sound and emotionally healthy model, to teach or mentor them. Also, men may struggle with feeling very inadequate (spiritually, emotionally, mentally) to lead. There is often the fear of being not good enough, of being transparent, accountable, and vulnerable."
So, being a spiritual leader…what does that even mean? In this episode, Dr. Dodd sheds light on what he has come to believe it means, to spiritually lead... as well as, what it doesn’t.
Dr. Dodd is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
In this episode, Dr. Dodd invites the listener to begin experiencing joy despite the trials, stress, and circumstances of life. He spends time distinguishing between Happiness and Joy, stating that joy is attributed to something that is very consistent and internal. Happiness is usually triggered externally…it is something that happens to us. Join Dr. Dodd as he provides several suggestions on how to have this joy despite your circumstances.
Dr. Dodd is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
Dr. Dodd states, “By far, the most common types of fear that I encounter in clients are the fear of failing, of being inadequate, rejected, and abandoned.” Join him as he describes some of the possible causes, typical symptoms, or consequences, as well as treatment options. There is hope and help for all those who suffer with any one, or all, of these fears!
Dr. Dodd is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
It’s true that we can all experience anxiety. A certain degree of feeling anxious can even motivate us to prepare more diligently and practice more intently. However, there are so many who suffer with intense fear and distress, becoming overwhelmed and often unable to perform everyday activities…leading to the diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.
In this episode, Dr. Dodd speaks especially to those individuals who find themselves daily, struggling with the condition of an anxiety disorder. He offers direction, information, and practical strategies on how navigate through this very common struggle in our society.
The Dr. Dodd Podcast is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
Any life, every life…is a life of change. It’s an inevitable part of life. That doesn’t always mean that dealing with the change is always easy. It requires a level, a degree of adjustments. Even good changes, that you’re excited about, can be stress-inducing.
Change can disrupt your routine. The associated stress can bring feelings of being overwhelmed. But finding ways to accept, cope, work through, learn from them, can make these transitions smoother, less troubling or stressful. Having coping strategies can help you become more resilient to stress and make it easier to adapt to the changes in your life. Join Dr. Dodd as he gives several very practical suggestions/tips on how to cope with change.
The Dr. Dodd Podcast is sponsored in part by Trinity Debt Management. Call 1 800 793-8752 to talk with a counselor today.
Being a good listener is one of the most important skills you can have. It is key to all effective communication. If you are a good listener, you will find that people will be drawn to you. They will want to be around you. The simple act of paying attention and listening to someone else, tells them that are interesting and worthwhile. It tells other people that you care about what is happening to them, how they think, and how they feel. Join Dr. Dodd as he shares his thoughts on being an active and empathic listener, open minded, and with awareness.
The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd.
The spoken word, being a strong verbal communicator, is a critical skill for everyone to learn. It is incredibly valuable in both your personal and professional life. There are many different verbal communication skills and abilities. Everything from the obvious, e.g., speaking clearly, confidentially, concisely to being an effective listener. In this episode, Dr. Dodd provides some basic principles/thoughts pertaining to the spoken side of communication.
He states, “It is beyond critical that individuals involved in any meaningful relationship…speak. It’s especially true within families, marriages, or any other close relationship. To share your thoughts, needs, desires, etc. are imperative. If you don’t, then others in your life are put in a position of guessing what you are thinking…of having to assume.”
The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd.
Join Dr. Dodd as he discusses the increasingly prevalent, damaging, hurtful, and trust breaking behavior…the emotional affair. He provides several of the warning signs, the negative consequences associated with the behavior, and what to do if you're involved in it. Dr. Dodd states that, “With technology enabling the proverbial round-the-clock, hidden, communication…it has never been easier to fall into the trap of moving from “just friends” to “more than friends.””
He further states, “that while there are those who believe that an emotional affair is harmless, since there is not a sexual component to the relationship, most marriage and relationship experts view it as being unfaithful.” Emotional affairs often serve as a gateway to sexual infidelity. They take place when an individual invests more of their emotional energy outside of their marriage. They receive emotional support and companionship from the “other” person…not their spouse.
The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd.
Every relationship has varying degrees, or levels of expectations. And contrary to popular opinion/belief, expectations are not always a bad thing or as the adage says, “expectations lead to disappointments.” In this episode Dr. Dodd helps the listener understand, establish, and work through Relationship Expectations.
“It is my desire to share with you some of the more common hurdles associated with those expectations, such as realistic vs. unrealistic expectations, and what to do when those expectations are not met.”
Calling all you dads, dads-to-be, stepdads, grandads, male guardians, father figures, etc.…please listen up! Join Dr. Dodd as he discusses the critical role of being dad! Numerous studies continue to support the belief that the pivotal role of a father figure, can significantly influence the life…the well-being of a child. He describes what he believes a healthy dad/child relationship looks like and the critical importance of it.
In this podcast, Dr. Dodd shares that “over the last several weeks, I’ve received a lot of questions pertaining to the issue of depression.” He further states that, “I hope to answer many of those questions in a way that is both helpful and practical to the listener, including taking a quick look at the four more common types of depression versus a day or two of feeling “down” or sad.
“I am scared to death of what’s coming!” “There is so much uncertainty in my life!” “I hate change!” “Can I do something to help me be able to walk in faith?” “The idea of surrendering to God’s will, makes sense to me… but I’m afraid of what He may want me to change.” “If I let God be God in my life, then how will that play out? Can I trust Him?” Join Dr. Dodd as he addresses the fear of the unknown, some of possible causes, and practical tips on “what to do about it.”
Everyone can have moments of feeling worried about what could go wrong, of being irritable, maybe have feelings of sadness, or have trouble sleeping. But when these feelings become so persistent (lasting for more than just a day or so) that they begin to interfere with your ability to work, to maintain relationships, to think clearly, or even handle everyday activities…you may be struggling with a more significant mood disorder. In this episode, Dr. Dodd especially “wants to speak to men” about depression and/or anxiety.
In this episode, Dr. Dodd has a conversation with a previous guest, Lincoln Lawing. Lincoln, as someone who struggles with the disorder, shares some of the challenges and tips to succeed, he has learned over the last several years. Dr. Dodd states “that the listener will find hope, practical suggestions, and lessons learned by allowing Lincoln to share his journey with you.” Don’t miss this!
"The idea that every day starts to feel the same, that you have very little motivation to do anything, or “I’m just trying to get through yet another day,” when life feels unfulfilling, yet…. I’m scared to make any real change because “I don’t like change and I don’t want to deal with all the unknown.”
In this episode Dr. Dodd declares that, while we all can go through times of feeling like we’re in a rut, “You absolutely can do something about this!” He shares with the listener several tips/suggestions on how to become “unstuck.” Whether it’s mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual “stuckness!”
In this episode, Dr. Dodd speaks to all those who are struggling with some type of regret(s). It’s the persistent temptation to look back and reflect on things you wish or believe you could have done differently. Many find that regret has robbed them of any joy in their life, leading to feelings of having no power. Often, this is due to regret leading to shame, sadness, heavy remorse, anxiety, and maybe even depression. Dr. Dodd shares that, “In this podcast, it is my hope and prayer, to help you discover/learn some useful and practical tools, that will assist you in the working through of regret and the guilt often associated with it.”
Dr. Dodd states, “Every day I work with couples and individuals who are having to make some very critical decisions (e.g., regarding their marriage, what to do with their addiction, do I allow myself to trust, etc.).” I recently told an individual, “you are where you are because of your choices and decisions.” Too often people want to shift blame and responsibility. It’s always someone else’s fault. “If only they had done something different, I wouldn’t be in the mess I’m in! It’s their fault, I’m not responsible.” Listen, you and I are where we are…because of our thinking, which then dictates our choices and decisions. Again, our lives are shaped/fashioned by our choices and decisions. In this episode, Dr. Dodd “walks-around” several critical decisions that we all (potentially) make every day.
In this episode, Dr. Dodd “walk’s around” the subject of being true to yourself, of being authentic, being real. In other words, being your authentic self. It’s about being who you really are…deep within you. It means that what you say in life is in alignment with your actions. It’s about living life that is genuine, real, consistent with how you define you…no matter your circumstances or audience. Having your thoughts, your words, actions, attitudes, beliefs…line up with each other. He cautions that when this is not the case, it’s easy to slip into “people-pleasing” mode, or the “Imposter Syndrome” which usually involves the wearing of psychological masks, when we do and say things based on our circumstances (i.e., what others expect of us).
In the world we live in, men often feel that they need to present as self-reliant, fearless, stoic, and have all the answers. Imagine, just for moment, being a young boy who is crying over a painful injury…or being afraid…and then being told to “man up.” A man recently shared, “This world seems to tell us that men should be stoic, aloof, and a lone wolf. But I have found, to be there…is a dangerous spot to put myself. I need people around me, especially other men who can hold me accountable…in a non-judgmental way.”
Join Dr. Dodd, as he addresses the myth (or completely wrong conclusion) that men are unfeeling, void of emotions.
In this episode, Dr. Dodd is responding to so many individuals who have reached out asking, “how do you maintain good mental health in times of crisis or trauma?” In situations (e.g., marital separation/divorce, loss of a job, loss of an important relationship, etc.) that create or add stress, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Every human being wants life to be predictable…to be certain. Dr. Dodd provides real life, practical suggestions on how to navigate your way through difficult times.
In this episode, Dr. Dodd encourages us to choose progress over perfection. He states that, “All of us have had times when we neglect to do what we can do…out of fear of not doing it perfectly. Our world calls it “perfectionism.” As a rule, perfectionism almost always has at its roots, the desire to be accepted and the fear of being rejected. Our goal should not be to strive for perfection, rather to make imperfect progress. Join Dr. Dodd as he provides several (19) practical suggestions on how to do this…imperfectly!
In a world that seems too often chaotic, noisy, angry, fearful, without any peace, and very little hope…Dr. Dodd has some really good news for you! In this episode, He shares that “It is possible to live in a place of peace that the world cannot understand or certainly provide. It’s just as possible to have a hope that is not based on circumstances, your bank account, your strength, your individual resources, or where you live!
It can be more than just an intellectual understanding/agreement. It’s a way of living! To be able to trust His peace and Hope…to live it out…to wrap your heart around it!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd addresses the incredibly disturbing issue of abuse. He states, “that while there are many different types of abuse, I categorize them in to four different types…physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.” Dr. Dodd further states that, “It is my hope and prayer to not only identify or describe the four…but to also provide some hope, alternatives, resources, thoughts, steps…on how to begin addressing possible abuse in your life.”
We’ve all heard the saying, “actions speak louder than words”. What we do says more about our values, beliefs, and priorities than what we say.
In this episode Dr. Dodd says, “I want to take a few moments to talk about the importance of our actions matching our words. You know the issue, “your actions speak so loud I can’t hear a word you’re saying!” In other words, an individual’s credibility and/or trustworthiness, is largely based on their ability to “live out” what they mean or say…with their words. Too often we take someone’s words as the truth, even when all the evidence points otherwise.
Are you ready for some help?! You can beat the odds! Let me share with you some basic tips on how to build a successful, blended family. So many of the common difficulties are often unanticipated and end up showing themselves after the new family is formed. Please realize…there are some unique barriers to the blended family/marriages, that must be managed…both prior to and during the blended marriage. He states, “I can’t emphasize enough…the need to be proactive in this versus finding yourself having to always react!”
In this episode, Dr. Dodd shares some of the major/critical points/topics (the “laundry list”) that he believes must be addressed…increasing the likelihood of success. Knowing what to expect can help you address issues before they become bigger than necessary.
Oh…the important role of Man in our society! As men, we are to offer valuable life lessons! We are to model/teach what it means to be a man of honor, of strength, a man of faith, integrity, as well as a seeker of wisdom. Dr. Dodd states that he has talked with hundreds/probably thousands of men over the years and has come to believe that so much of societal issues are due to men growing complacent…growing quiet…not taking a stand.
In this episode Dr. Dodd asks that all men (especially) listen with an open heart and mind. With no desire or intention to shame, guilt, or criticize…he challenges you to be strong, honorable, have integrity, be a man of faith, and a seeker of wisdom and the heart of God.
Join Dr. Dodd as he uses his humorous, practical, and often direct style uniquely blending the scripture (utilizing sound theological principles) and psychology, to help listeners navigate so many of life’s challenges. Every topic/issue from Blending Families, The Uniqueness of Being a Man, Dealing with Today’s Stressors, Personality Issues, Dealing With Difficult People, and so much more will be discussed!
Depression can occur to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group. Listen… depression is never a “normal” part of life, no matter what your age, gender or health situation. It is reported that major depression affects more that 16 million American adults each year.
Join Dr. Dodd as he addresses the possible causes of depression, common types of depression, several of the various treatment options available, and some important thoughts regarding depression and the believer.
Wow! The word narcissist sure does gets thrown around a lot today. If we didn’t know better, we would believe that every man on earth is one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd sheds some light on what being a narcissist is…and is not. He states that “It’s an effort to give both men and women some hope.” To the women, the awareness that not all men are…and to the men (while you may have been labeled as one) it’s not necessarily so…you just may have other problems!
Join Dr. Dodd has he also provides some very practical tips on how to “deal” with the narcissist that may be in your life.
If you’re going to take action or make a decision, you should know “the why!” Are you acting out of your own self-interest? Are you doing “it” for someone else? “The Why” is simply your reason for doing something. It’s that inner drive, impulse, intention that causes a person to do something or act in a certain way.
In this episode, Dr. Dodd provides some of the more common “factors” that play a part in people doing what they do. He emphasizes that, knowing the “why” is critical to maintain (or change) a behavior, direction, or accomplish a goal.
This podcast is in response to so many who have been asking that the topic of “Parenting Teenagers” be covered…with a special emphasis on being a single parent of a teen. While this is an incredibly important and rather large topic, Dr. Dodd provides some of his own “learned lessons,” practical tips, and resources that are available to you as a parent. So…grab a pen or your cell phone and get ready to take some notes!
Dr. Dodd invites the listener…particularly men, to consider the word pride. He shares that there are two different forms of the word, healthy pride and unhealthy/sinful pride. Both are looked at in detail, including how they are demonstrated in an individual’s life and the consequences of each. Dr. Dodd explains that the most damaging consequence to sinful pride is that it alienates individuals from God. If you suffer with unhealthy or sinful pride, please listen to the episode to find both insight and direction.
In this episode Dr. Dodd ask the question…when you are approaching life, decisions, relationships, parenting, etc., is it from a position of faith or a position of fear? He shares with the listener that both, faith and fear, are two sides to the same coin. It’s the expectation of an event that hasn’t happened or the belief in something that cannot be seen or touched. Join Dr. Dodd as he challenges you to examine…where is your focus? Where are my thoughts and energies placed? If you struggle with walking in fear and not by faith, you won’t want to miss this episode!
In this episode Dr. Dodd’s wife Cindi, joins the discussion. They help the listener understand that while the two words, guilt and shame, are often used interchangeably to describe your feelings, there’s a big difference between the two. Guilt can help an individual understand how their actions impact others, but shame is an inwardly directed emotion that reflects how you feel about yourself. Join Dr. Dodd as he describes the symptoms of each, as well as what can be done to effectively address them.
So, do you think you have the necessary skills, the abilities, the traits, the personal assets (not possessions!) that it takes to interact with others effectively? In this episode, Dr. Dodd discusses the idea of “Relational Competency.” He takes the listener through several areas of concern, i.e., how well do you communicate, are you able to compromise, are you trustworthy, can you establish healthy boundaries, are you empathetic, how well do you manage your emotions, do you fight fair, and how’s your walk with God? Join Dr. Dodd as he challenges you to develop/sharpen your personal skills, to have relational competency!
In an effort to give the listener a glimpse into the work Dr. Dodd does every day, he “walks around” the four words of forgiveness, surrender, trust, & being intentional. He believes that they often go right to the heart of issues and dysfunction in so many people’s lives and their families. You are encouraged to listen to Dr. Dodd, as he discusses the importance of each word and the criticalness of having a firm understanding of them.
“Soooo, who are you?” Probably the one of the most frequently asked questions. In the world we live in, we are often put in a situation where we have to prove, “we are who we say we are.” The inability to prove who we are can exclude us from property ownership, free movement, sometimes social protection, etc. In this episode Dr. Dodd raises the critical issue or concern of, NOT knowing who we are, our identity, and where we fit in. He again emphasizes that an individual is so much more than what they DO!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd helps the listener understand the different aspects of the “Five Common Fears” i.e., Abandonment, Rejection, Failure, Being Inadequate, and the Unknown. He not only presents, in his own unique style, important information regarding the challenges and symptoms of each but provides some suggestions on how to begin moving forward…breaking free from the bondage, of living in fear. Join Dr. Dodd for this very important podcast!
In this episode Dr. Dodd shares with you the harm, often destructive, aspects of pornography. Some of the information he shares may not be appropriate for children. Pornography is a subject that he confronts in his practice, almost daily. He states, “Every day I hear the hurt, the pain, the separation, the shame and guilt, the violation of trust, etc. that is directly attributed to porn and its negative, ripple effect in a person’s life.” Dr. Dodd invites the listener to not only become more aware of the damage of porn, but he also then offers some basic principle/ideas on how to begin addressing the issue.
Dr. Dodd, in an effort to meet the requests of many, addresses the subject of working through grief and then, “how do I move forward?” In this episode, grieving is identified as a natural response to loss. The pain associated with grieving, can often feel absolutely overwhelming. He discusses, as a part of a conversation with his wife Cindi, the additional aspect of grief called complicated grief, which is often associated with a sudden, extremely stressful and disturbing loss. Please join Dr. Dodd, as he provides to the listener several suggestions/tips on navigating the loss and how to begin the journey of moving forward with life.
Join Dr. Dodd as he discusses the two powerfully damaging emotions of resentment and bitterness. Dr. Dodd shares the idea of resentment being “a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something (or someone) regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury.” If resentment is not resolved, it can change the nature of an individual, into becoming bitter. The episode provides several suggestions/tips on how to address (experience freedom from), the very difficult emotional conditions of resentment and bitterness.
This episode explores the very difficult journey of existing in an adversarial marriage relationship. Dr. Dodd defines the adversarial marriage as one that is antagonistic, often sharply opposed to each other, with an environment of hostility. He emphasizes the dangerous, negative impact of being in this sad/hurtful predicament, some of the possible causes and characteristics, as well as suggestions on how to change it. Please join Dr. Dodd as he endeavors to offer hope and a path forward, out of the extremely difficult situation of living in an adversarial marriage.
In this episode Dr. Dodd has a conversation with Lincoln Lawing, a former regional director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and now the Director of Asaph Talks ministry. Lincoln shares his journey of struggling with various addictions, his diagnosis of bipolar d/o, and how God rescued him at the lowest moment of his life. Lincoln provides some very practical, day-to-day tips on how he maintains sobriety and how God is his/our hope for tomorrow. If you, particularly struggle with addictions...please listen to the episode for hope, encouragement, and direction!
Dr. Dodd shares his frustration with two commonly held beliefs regarding "the past." The beliefs are: the past predicts the future and the past defines you. Join Dr. Dodd as he discusses his frustration with each, their possible origins, and the hope found in God's Word.
New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode Dr. Dodd shares his personal journey of knowing and living in the will of God. He discusses it particularly in the context of his calling to ministry, and how he tries each day to know and live in the center of God's will. The highlight is Dr. Dodd sharing a reading that he came across many years ago entitled, The Will of God, written by Rebekah Nolt. The episode endeavors to provide hope, comfort, and the direction that is found living in the center of His will.
New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
Episode 32, entitled The Will of God, involves Dr. Dodd sharing his personal journey of knowing and living in, the will of God. He discusses it particularly in the context of his calling to ministry, and how he tries each day to know and live in the center of God's will. The highlight of the episode is Dr. Dodd sharing a reading that he came across many years ago entitled, The Will of God, written by Rebekah Nolt. The episode endeavors to provide hope, comfort, and the direction that is found living in the center of His will.
In this episode Dr. Dodd discusses the struggle , that so many individuals and families are having to work through, of impatience, stress, and fatigue (mental, emotional, and spiritual). He shares the descriptions of each, as well as some of their common symptoms and possible lifelong consequences. Be sure to pay attention, as Dr. Dodd provides 15 very practical ways of addressing these unhealthy ways of living.
In this episode Dr. Dodd shares, "Our society is so full of fear, anger, and distrust. I hear about it, see it, every day." He discusses the unhealthy and relationship damaging aspects of these three powerful emotions. Join him as he not only presents the negative/hurtful pieces of the various emotions, but also gives some very practical advice on how to address each.
"It feels like you never listen to me...everything else and everyone else seem to be more important!" Not being a good listener conveys to the speaker that you don't see them as important, therefore not willing to invest your time and energy. In this episode Dr. Dodd emphasizes the importance of "listening to understand" versus "listening just to respond." He also shares the twelve more common blocks or hurdles to listening.
"I'm afraid to speak up...I've even been told that if I want your opinion, "I'll give it to you!" Dr. Dodd, I've always been made to feel that my thoughts, opinions, needs, expectations....they don't matter. Whenever I've tried...I"ve felt ignored, devalued, invisible." Another individual shared, "I've always avoided conflict/confrontation, because I've been afraid of saying something wrong or that would make the other person mad. It just made things worse. Besides, no one wants to hear what I have to say!" In this episode, Dr. Dodd seeks to provide you hope, direction and information, as well as basic skills pertaining to the communication technique of...being ASSERTIVE.
We all have them! Basic needs…that God has placed within all of us. No matter who we are…male/female, young/old, parent/child, rich/poor, etc. In his own style, Dr. Dodd shares the seven basic needs that are common to everyone. Needs that we all want to have met, as we do this thing called life! Now, husbands and wives…please pay special attention! If you’re going to put the needs of your spouse before your own (God’s direction for healthy/Christlike marriages)…it’s important that we know what they are!
Dr. Dodd, my wife keeps telling me that she wants to feel closer to me. I have no idea what she’s really talking about! I work hard, I provide the best I can, I take care of the house, pay the bills, and yet it doesn’t seem like it’s ever enough! I can’t do any more, than what I’m already doing!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd talks about a subject that is often very misunderstood…especially by men…the subject of intimacy. While there are several different types of intimacy, he takes a look at what he calls “the big 3”…emotional, physical, and spiritual intimacy. Join him as he describes “the big 3,” the importance of intimacy, some of the roadblocks to getting there, and suggestions on how to improve it.
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Are you kidding me?! Everything has to be done your way! You never listen to me! I’m always wrong and you think you’re always right! Even when you’re wrong, you’re right! If I don’t do it, just the way you think I should…I get all kinds of grief!
Well…I’d rather just do it myself, that way I know it’s done right! It’s just easier for me to do it than have to tell you how! WOW! Have you ever thought, said, or been on the receiving end of those kinds of statements??
Join Dr. Dodd as he walks us through some of the more common signs/symptoms of the “control freak” individual. He shares some of the causes of this condition, what can be done if you’re in a relationship with someone like that, and how to begin bringing change in your life…if you believe you are one.
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There’s great news for you today! In this episode, Dr. Dodd reminds us that God invites us/wants us to come to Him…to find grace, rest, hope, healing, peace, forgiveness, freedom, answers, and so much more. For those who struggle with so many doubts, fears, shame, and questions…Dr. Dodd emphasizes that a part of the journey, of trying to get to the place of good mental health, relationship healing, and freedom from paralyzing fear, etc., should be/can be…to go to God with all of it! God is not “put off” by us coming to Him. He doesn’t say…Great, you again?! He says “Come….”
It’s everywhere today. The stress of 2020 has created so much worry, fear, and anxiety. It’s so important to make a distinction between them, in order to address them effectively.
First Dr. Dodd looks at: Worry. Unwarranted fear or worry is always based on something in our imagination or our memory. It is the fear that we manufacture…in other words, it’s a choice.
Then: Fear. In general, fear is a reaction to something very specific…an observable danger. Fear can make us “run for cover.”
And finally: Anxiety. Whereas fear relates to a known or understood threat, anxiety is a result of an unknown or poorly defined threat. Being anxious about all the “unknowns.”
Join Dr. Dodd as he shares some very practical tips on how to address each of them.
OK…can you please give me hint?! I don’t have a clue (it often seems) what I’m doing! What am I supposed to do? On a topic that has been studied, taught, practiced, and written about so many times…Dr. Dodd shares, in his own unique style, the basic and yet very critical points/goals for effective parenting. He presents the Four R’s of Parenting that must be taught/modeled to our children and adolescents today. Join him as he discusses: Being Respectful of Authority, Self-Reliant, Self-Responsibility, Relationally Competent.
Quick question, do you believe in angels? Or, have you ever seen, felt, experienced an angel?? What would it be like to have an angel say to you, "...you are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Dr. Dodd invites you to listen to the experience of two different individuals in the scripture, who not only saw and heard, but actually talked to an angel! He asks us to consider, how those two separate encounters can challenge us, in our day-to-day lives.
“Well…I’m sorry, but I don’t trust you or anyone else!” “If you had been through what I’ve been through, you wouldn’t trust anyone either!” Another’s comments, “I know…I give way too much trust, too quickly, to too many people! And then I just hope and pray I don’t get burned!” Any of this sound familiar?? Join as Dr. Dodd looks at the essential ingredient of trust, from three different perspectives, and discusses why trustworthiness is so foundational to every relationship!
So…are you interested in making your marriage stronger? Are you struggling to understand how to be a better spouse? What if you knew that God gives to us/direct us to an essential ingredient…that is absolutely an essential part of a healthy, scripturally sound, marriage relationship?? In this episode, Dr. Dodd and his wife Cindi, share with us their perspective on being a servant spouse. In a concept that is foreign to our world today, they encourage the listener to experience the joy and fulfillment of putting the needs of your spouse, before your own.
Have you gone, or are you going through, a journey in your life when you found yourself asking…what’s the point of all this? When you say…I don’t get it! Let me tell you, we’ve all been there. When the anger, fear, depression sets in, there’s a sense of hopelessness, and fatigue. It’s when worry, anxiety and stress creep in. In this episode, Dr. Dodd shares how God uses all the various journeys, we may find ourselves in, to help us discover His ultimate purpose…the point…to live in and experience the freedom of knowing “the truth!”
Are you finding that it is getting more and more difficult to be thankful? For so many, if they look just at their circumstances…job loss, financial set back, lives lost, relationships suffering, it seems so hard to be thankful! In this episode Dr. Dodd, from both the emotional and physiological perspective, tells us WHY God desires that we experience gratitude even in the most difficult of times. Dr. Dodd not only helps us understand the WHY but provides some very practical tips on how to achieve the state of being thankful!
Have you recently been in a “foul” mood and not know why?? Have you spent time around someone that is nothing but negative, pessimistic, and generally no fun to be around? It seems that they are against everything…doubt everything (including themselves) and live in constant fear! In this episode Dr. Dodd discusses that idea of Negative Automatic Thoughts. He emphasizes, that when a negative thought is left unchallenged your mind will embrace it as truth and then the body will react to it. Join Dr. Dodd as he highlights some of the more common automatic negative thoughts, how to challenge or push against them! New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
Have you ever felt stuck in a pattern that you keep repeating a behavior or make a decision that you really want to change, but it seems almost impossible to do so?! Even though the consequences are usually negative and defeating! In this episode, Dr. Dodd challenges you to examine what you really believe, looking at the matter of core beliefs…beliefs that guide our behavior, how we perceive ourselves, and life situations. These core beliefs are what we look through, our filter, as we do life…including our decision making! New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd invites you to join him on a discussion regarding the struggle that is encountered almost every day in people’s lives. The struggle is about understanding and living in, the critical difference between “doing and being.” Doing, simply put, is all the things we do…it’s the hands and feet kind of stuff. It’s tied in closely with activity, accomplishments, and tangible things. Being, on the other hand, is much deeper. It relates to character…who we are. It has more to do with intangibles…it’s more about heart and attitude. It’s about who we become or are on the inside. New episodes every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd “walks around” the whole matter of forgiving ourselves. Oh man! What a challenge…it usually seems impossible! This struggle is SO common in individual lives today. There is the belief that “the offense I’ve committed is “unpardonable!” Dr. Dodd shares what he believes are some of the psychological/emotional hurdles, as well as, what to do!!! It starts with giving yourself permission, to begin the journey of self-forgiveness. New episodes every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd continues his series on Forgiveness and ask the question, “What other choice do we really have, but to forgive? There really is not another way to deal effectively with the issues of the past.” Forgiveness doesn’t just happen, and the idea of “it will work itself out” is so common in our world today. The idea of just “stuffing it” or not dealing with the transgression that needs forgiving, is not forgiveness and solves nothing. The hurt, anger, and resentment associated with unforgiveness, are not gone…they are just waiting to be experienced again, often coming out “sideways!” New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd examines/challenges one of the most hurtful, defeating, confusing, impossible misperceptions of all…the notion or belief of Forgive and Forget. In fact, there are events, people, and situations that we should forgive…but remember! But, the meaning of the memory changes. Dr. Dodd also discusses the relationship between forgiveness and reconciliation, that forgiveness doesn’t always mean that you have to have a relationship with “that person". New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd continues his series on Forgiveness by examining the misperception, particularly in Christendom, that you must “quickly let go” of the anger associated with the hurt and pain of an offense. In fact…anger is a necessary part of the journey of forgiving. The deep hurt, the wounds, often appear impossible to forgive! There are a lot of emotions to process, to work through. Anger is a part of the grieving and eventually coming to terms with the offense. Dr. Dodd offers some practical advice on how to process the anger and how God is so faithful in the journey! New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode Dr. Dodd begins a series on an incredibly misunderstood doctrine…Forgiveness. He challenges us all as he shares and helps us work through some of the more common misperceptions regarding forgiveness, the WHY’s of forgiveness, how to begin and eventually get to the place of forgiving. He shares his own journey regarding the struggle of forgiving and why God requires this of all believers. Dr. Dodd looks at the benefit of forgiving from a physical, emotional and spiritual perspective…in his own unique style of directness, humor and spiritual insight. New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode Dr. Dodd discusses how there are various ways the believer deals with the stress of life, when we believe that the demands of life are greater than our resources to meet them. Do you struggle with trying to navigate life and its demands on your own strength and ability? Listen as Dr. Dodd challenges us to discover a new approach to doing life, in partnership with God. New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode Dr. Dodd asks the question, what’s on your list of impossibilities and how did it get there? How do you decide that something is impossible? What happens to you when you decide it’s impossible? As a result, do you struggle with feelings of helplessness and often ask the question, “Why Try?” Dr. Dodd wants us, using the story of the “feeding of the five thousand,” to remember that our task is to give God our best and KNOW that He will give us His best! New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd explores the difference between a mistake and a choice and why often, the words “I’m sorry,” just doesn’t seem to have any effect. The importance of knowing the difference and how each should be handled (to bring understanding and resolution) is discussed in his own unique style and presentation! New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd discusses six (6) major areas of an individual’s life and encourages listeners to consider/decide what will be acceptable, tolerable, allowed in each of those …and what will not. He emphasizes that this is an important piece of the journey in defining one’s self, and in turn not allowing that definition to be done by the environment, by others, or by circumstances. New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd tackles the subject of loss (relational, financial, etc.) and grieving during Covid. It is an effort to help families, couples, individuals make sense of where they are emotionally during this very difficult time. Several very practical suggestions are offered, in an effort to help work through the grief associated with Covid. New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd challenges (particularly men!) individuals to consider the importance of being relationally vulnerable/connected. A discussion of what it means to be vulnerable, in this context, and several of the necessary steps to be taken in the path of becoming more emotionally connected. New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd challenges the popular belief of “you are what you do.” If you struggle with understanding who you are or where you fit in, the episode offers a unique perspective and practical help on your journey of identity, self-discovery and self-worth. New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
In this episode, Dr. Dodd discusses the topic of emotional distancing which has developed as a result of social distancing. If you are feeling alone, isolated, and frustrated during this time of uncertainty, this episode offers very practical tips on how to stay emotionally connected. New episodes come out every Wednesday, subscribe now so you never miss one!
What If you could get the brutal honesty of an expert like Dr. Phil, combined with the caring heart of a Godly man? Now you can, introducing the Dr. Dodd podcast! This comes as an extension of his many years of ministry through his private Christian counseling practice and public speaking and workshops. Every week you'll have access to Dr. Dodd's insightful and practical principles to help you navigate everyday struggles, issues and relationships. The first episode starts August 5, subscribe now so you never miss a Wednesday release!