The Boundless Show

Healthy attitudes for approaching a new year, plus self-care and goal-setting strategies, and hope for emotional eaters.Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado ( https://www.instagram.com/iamjeremyrosado/?hl=en )Roundtable: Out With the Old, In With the New‘Tis the season to straddle the “what-ifs” of last year and the “if-onlys” of the year to come. But what’s the right attitude and a healthy balance to have as the calendar turns the page? Our guests reflect on both the victories and missed opportunities from 2021 as well as what helps them stay optimistic about 2022. How to Survive Christmas as a Single Girl: https://liveoriginal.com/how-to-survive-christmas-as-a-single-girl/Culture: The Right Kind of GoalsSetting resolutions is all the rage in a new year. But it’s common to set lots of lofty goals only to have them fail by mid-January. The first step in successful goal setting is having the right goals and the right ways of going after them. Licensed professional counselor Easton Coleman and organizational development specialist Andrew Montgomery get down to the nitty-gritty in talking goals and strategies for everything from mental health to professional development to life plans. Inbox: Emotional EatingHer struggle with weight has been lifelong, as has her mom’s nagging about it. She knows her mom means well, but the pressure leads to anxiety which leads to more emotional eating. Can she develop a healthy mindset about food that will give her the tools necessary to move forward? Counselor Elaine Humphries weighs in.Counseling consultation and referrals: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/

Enjoying your family at Christmas, plus a Q&A with Jonathan Pokluda, and is it wrong to be attracted to others when you’re engaged? Featured musical artist: Daniel Bashta ( https://www.danielbashta.com/welcome )Roundtable: Making Peace With Family at ChristmasWhile getting together with your family for the holidays can be fun, it can also be challenging. What do you do when your family members don’t get along, or you’re the only Christian around the dinner table? Our guests discuss ways they’ve learned to compromise, set expectations, and enjoy quality time with their families, even when it’s not easy. Culture: Q&A With Pastor Jonathan PokludaAs a pastor and former leader of The Porch, Jonathan “JP” Pokluda has a lot of experience helping young adults. In this fun and thought-provoking conversation, we ask him a variety of questions on topics like: where young adults need to mature, how to develop spiritual rhythms in life, the importance of church, and how he navigates the temptation to be a “celebrity” pastor. Inbox: A Wandering Eye?Her fiancé recently proposed after three years of dating. Before their engagement, she only had eyes for him. However, since getting engaged, she’s noticing other guys and is tempted to compare them to her man. Is this normal or sinful? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in.Counseling consultation and referrals: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/

Part two of a difficult pro-life story, plus teaching men to pursue marriage, and when your date reveals childhood abuse.Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship ( https://covenantchurch.org/whatwedo/worship/ )Roundtable: The Hard Side of Choosing Life (Part 2) High school sweethearts at a Christian school, they seemed to be heading toward a bright future. Then came the news that they were pregnant. When faced with this reality, Jarod and Glory Adducci had a big decision to make: have the baby and forever alter their life plans, or choose abortion — something they had said they would never do. Listen to part two of Jarod and Glory’s powerful story.Option Ultrasound ( https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/option-ultrasound-program-2/ )Culture: A Mentor for Young MenShortly after his wife, Lori, died, Chris Peardon felt God calling him to teach young men lessons he learned in his own 33-year marriage. He started a small group with men from his church, and together they’ve talked through how to relate to women, how to prepare for marriage, and how to date well. In this thought-provoking conversation, Chris shares some of the principles he’s taught and the outcomes he’s seen. Inbox: Dating After Childhood Sexual AbuseThe guy she likes recently shared that he was sexually abused as a young boy. Out of the pain he experienced, he struggled with same-sex attraction and pornography before becoming a Christian. Even though he’s grown immensely, she’s wondering, “Has he truly healed from his past?” Counselor M.T. Wilson weighs in. Counseling consultation and referrals: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/

Part one of a difficult pro-life story, plus accepting grace after an abortion, and honoring God with your sexuality as a single adult.Featured musical artist: David Baloche ( https://www.louderthanthemusic.com/product.php?id=2437 )Roundtable: The Hard Side of Choosing Life (Part 1) High school sweethearts at a Christian school, they seemed to be heading toward a bright future. Then came the news that they were pregnant. When faced with this reality, Jarod and Glory Adducci had a big decision to make: have the baby and forever alter their life plans, or choose abortion — something they had said they would never do. Listen to part one of Jarod and Glory’s powerful story. Culture: When You Regret a Past AbortionBehind every abortion is a story. For many, that story is filled with trauma, shame and regret. But even in the midst of the tears, God forgives and shows grace. Greg Smalley and Joanna Brown share their journeys through abortion including the resulting fallout and the restoration only God could provide. Post-Abortive Recovery Resources: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-boundless-2021-11-01?refcd=1283701Inbox: Sexual Energy and the Single ChristianSexual desire is a gift from God. But what do you do with those desires as a single person? Is there a productive way to channel sexual energy outside of marriage? Counselor Glenn Lutjens offers some thoughts on the subject.John Thorington's Inbox: https://www.boundless.org/podcast/money-motivators-episode-511/Counseling consultation and referrals: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/

Guys on being friends with girls, plus finding stability in a transient world, and losing a parent when you're single. Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts ( https://kerrieroberts.com/ ) Roundtable: Being Friends With GirlsHaving friends of the opposite gender can be a lot of fun, but without healthy boundaries and respect, things will quickly get weird. We brought in a panel of guys who describe what it's like to be friends with girls their age. They'll address expectations, appropriate attitudes and behaviors, ways to avoid the awkward "friend zone" and more. Culture: Growing Roots (Part 2)We've all heard the myth, "The grass is greener on the other side." We laugh, but if we're honest, we've all believed it in some way. But what if true joy and fulfillment comes in being content where God has put us today? In part two of our conversation, Pastor Daniel Grothe shares about finding stability with family, making time for meaningful friendships, and what it looks like to find a life-giving church. Inbox: Losing a Parent as a Single PersonShe recently lost her dad and is feeling lonely. He was not only a great friend and fix-it guy, but since she is single, he was the main man in her life. Is moving on even possible during the grief process? Lisa Anderson weighs in with some hope and encouragement.Counseling consultation and referrals: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/

Girls on being friends with guys, plus finding stability in a transient world, and when your personality interferes with dating. Featured musical artist: David Dunn ( http://www.daviddunnmusic.com/ )Roundtable: Being Friends With GuysHaving friends of the opposite gender can be a lot of fun, but without healthy boundaries and respect, things will quickly get weird. We brought in a panel of girls (heads-up: next week is the guys' turn) who describe what it's like to be friends with guys their age. They'll address expectations, appropriate attitudes and behaviors, ways to avoid the awkward "friend zone" and more. Culture: Growing Roots (Part 1)We've all heard the myth, "The grass is greener on the other side." We laugh, but if we're honest, we've all believed it in some way. But what if true joy and fulfillment comes in being content where God has put us today? In part one of our conversation, Pastor Daniel Grothe shows us that our futures aren't necessarily somewhere else, how he's found joy in the here and now, and why many church saints throughout history were effective by simply staying put. Inbox: Is Being Type A a Dating Downfall?She's been told by past boyfriends that the traits which make her good at her job — specifically her ability to problem solve and having a stubborn streak — make her bad at dating. Is a personality overhaul in order? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.Counseling consultation and referrals: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/

Enjoy the holidays without going broke, plus a pastor's take on depression, and tips for beating burnout. Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust ( https://www.aaronshust.com/ ) Roundtable: Save Money This ChristmasThe holidays are fun, but they're also very expensive. Between gifts, travel expenses and parties, it can feel like you're drowning in expenses. To help solve this dilemma, we brought in some friends who shared what helps them enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank. They'll also discuss how some of the best gifts don't require spending money at all. Culture: How a Pastor Beat DepressionThere's a myth in Christian circles that pastors shouldn't struggle with depression. To debunk that theory, pastor Chris Hodges talks to us about times when he felt like he was trapped in a dark cave with no way out. Using the story of Elijah from the Old Testament, Chris shares the ins and outs of this common struggle, plus hope for life beyond its lows. Inbox: Beating BurnoutMillennials and Gen Z adults are regularly referred to as the "burnout generation." With so much to do and so little time to do it, is rest even possible? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in with some practical ideas for beating burnout.Counseling consultation and referrals: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/

Beating cynicism during the holidays, plus more on taming the anxiety monster, and when is it time to change your career? Featured musical artist: Mosaic MSC ( https://mosaic.org/MSC )Roundtable: Don't Be a GrinchThe holiday season can be a lot of fun, but it's also a time when negativity and depression unexpectedly creep in. Between stress, discouragement, unmet expectations and other pressures, it's easy to get angry and overwhelmed. Our guests admit their struggles with cynicism during the holidays, but have ultimately found ways to reframe their perspectives and infuse the season with peace and joy. Culture: Peace in an Anxious World (Part 2)Anxiety in today's world is at an all-time high — especially among young adults. Whether money, work, relationships or the future, there's always something to worry about. Is there a way to find calm in the storm? Pastor David Marvin is one of the leaders of The Porch — the largest church gathering of young adults in the U.S. — and he's passionate about finding peace and helping others do the same. In part two of our conversation, he shares what Scripture says about beating anxiety and how to overcome it in the areas of dating, career and money. Inbox: Time to Change Careers?She's working a stressful job as a nurse, and thinks it might be time to pull the plug. But how much should job stress be a factor in whether or not to change your career? Are there other options? Counselor Easton Coleman weighs in.Counseling Consultation and Referrals: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/

In praise of game nights, plus taming the anxiety monster, and do mental health struggles mean you’re not ready to date? Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker ( http://www.nathantasker.com/ )Roundtable: How to Host a Game NightPlaying games can deepen friendships, create fun memories and brighten an otherwise ho-hum week. We brought in a panel of guests who’ve hosted friends for party games, strategy games, card games and more. They'll give a few of their favorite game recommendations, plus tips on how to invite and include friends in the fun, what food to serve, and how to please both the competitive and casual game-players in your midst. Culture: Peace in an Anxious World (Part 1)Anxiety in today’s world is at an all-time high — especially among young adults. Whether money, work, relationships or the future, there's always something to worry about. Is there a way to find calm in the storm? Pastor David Marvin is one of the leaders of The Porch — the largest church gathering of young adults in the U.S. — and he's passionate about finding peace and helping others do the same. In part one of our conversation, he shares how we got so anxious, why some things seem scarier than others, and yes, why he even dreaded his own honeymoon. Inbox: Dating With Mental Health StrugglesShe wants to date but is struggling with her mental health. Since the fight may never stop, will it disqualify her from ever being in a serious relationship? Counselor Jenny Coffey weighs in.Counseling Consultation and Referrals: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/

When you should confront someone, plus a psychiatrist on the topic of suicide, and taking initiative vs. letting God run your love life. Featured musical artist: Danen KaneRoundtable: Christians and ConfrontationConflict. It happens, though most of us avoid it when we can. But sticking our heads in the proverbial sand won't accomplish anything. Instead, conflict and confrontation are a part of life, and the Bible has wisdom for how Christians should approach disagreements and even sin in one another. Our guests discuss conflicts and confrontations they've encountered and how they navigated hard conversations with grace. This discussion is a necessary primer for anyone who wants to mature in their relationships. Culture: An Honest Look at SuicideSuicide statistics are at an all-time high worldwide. Most of us know of someone – perhaps even a pastor or Christian leader – who has taken their own life, leaving us to wonder: Why is this happening? Is there anything we can do? How can we recognize acute depression and suicidal thoughts in ourselves and our friends, and what’s the best course of action when we do? Psychiatrist Karl Benzio gives us tools to rightly understand and address the warning signs of suicide. Inbox: Trying Hard and Trusting GodHe's trying to be more intentional about meeting girls and dating, but could he be trying too hard? Is there a balance between taking initiative in dating versus letting God be in charge? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Practical ways to stay healthy as a young adult, plus Skillet's John Cooper on discerning truth, and how much do women want to be pursued? Featured musical artist: Ginny Owens Roundtable: Staying Healthy in Your 20s and 30s You're young, you're busy – you really don't have time or money to eat right, exercise, or visit the doctor. You can worry about that later, right? Not according to our panel of medical and fitness experts. They say that the habits you form now will pay off in the future – stuff like eating healthy, getting proper rest, and setting up wellness visits with a doctor. Get a jump start on your whole-body health with practical tips from our wellness pros. Culture: Being a Bold Witness for ChristAs the lead singer of the world famous rock band Skillet, John Cooper knows firsthand the pressures of today's culture. Years ago, when his band was just becoming famous, a music executive promised John fame if he would "stop talking about Jesus." But John knew that doing so would compromise everything he believed. In this powerful conversation, Cooper shares ways we can stand strong for truth in a relativistic world. Inbox: Do Women Want to Be Pursued?He's trying online dating, but the women he talks to eventually seem to lose interest. Even when conversations start out fine, they eventually drop off. Don't women want to be pursued? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

The reality of life in your 20s, plus the highs and lows of young adult life, and setting boundaries with an overly strict parent. Featured musical artist: James Peden Roundtable: Expectations Vs. Reality of Life in Your 20s In college, you dreamed about doing big things when you launched into adulthood. But then the real world hit – bills to pay, assignments to finish, a job to find, and learning to be an adult on every level. The truth is, reality doesn't always live up to our expectations. Your 20s are a decade of excitement, but also a time of overwhelming changes and even disappointments. Our guests share the good, bad and ugly of being a 20-something today. They also discuss ways to maximize this season in all its ups and downs. Culture: The Gap Decade When Katie Schnack found herself drained by a job she hated, it seemed like her whole world was falling apart. But even then, God was working things out behind the scenes. Katie joins us to explain how the decade of your 20s is really a journey about trusting God and figuring life out, even during the hard times. Whether life is great or not for you right now, this conversation will give you hope as a young adult who wants to move forward in what God has for you. Inbox: Parental OverloadHer mom set very strict standards for her growing up, and is still trying to impose these standards on her as a young adult. She now feels manipulated into making the "right" decisions in everything from career to dating. Is it time to set some boundaries in the relationship? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.

Using humor appropriately, plus a conversation on humility, and when you're interested in one guy but another asks you out. Featured musical artist: Ellie Holcomb Roundtable: Using Humor AppropriatelyThere's nothing like laughing with your friends and family. A good punchline, a quick-witted response, and before you know it the room is roaring with laughter. But admittedly, crude joking and cheap low blows are easy to come by. As Christians, what kind of humor is appropriate and what is not? Our guests share the types of humor they appreciate, how they balance the funny and the serious, and what it looks like to tell jokes without tearing others down. Culture: The Truth About Our Bad Selves We hear it all the time: "He's good at heart." "I'm perfect just the way I am." But while it sounds nice, we know it's not really true. In reality, all of us think we're better than we really are, and comparing ourselves to others helps us believe it. Author and radio personality Brant Hansen calls it a humility problem, describing the ways he's struggled with pride and how God's Word points us to put others above ourselves. Inbox: Waiting in the WingsShe really likes a guy and wants to get to know him. However, a different guy just asked her out on a date. Should she hope the guy she likes will like her back, or go out with the man who's already offered? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Evaluating your dating standards, plus part two on a Christian's approach to dating, and finding a match when your options are limited. Featured musical artist: Liz Vice Roundtable: Are Your Dating Standards Too High?There are essential qualities to look for in a future spouse: must be a solid Christian, growing as an individual, has a humble spirit. But what about the gray areas ... like personality? Likes and interests? Or church preference and worship style? Our guests talk about evaluating their dating standards to focus on the essentials. They also remind us that we're all a work in progress, and discuss how to work through important issues that may or may not be deal-breakers in dating. Culture: How Should I Date? (Part 2)You long to be married someday, but before you find a mate, you must be willing to go on some dates. Well, is there a right way to date? Eric Demeter is a single guy who knows the ups and downs of dating, and has sought the wisdom of both Scripture and godly mentors. In part two of our conversation, he'll discuss practical ways to find a spouse, explain how love is similar to baking a cheesecake, and share his take on finding The One. Inbox: Slim Pickin's She wants to find a Christian husband, but the number of single guys her age in her community is rather small. Plus, she's looking for some specific qualities in a guy. What can she do? Lisa Anderson weighs in.Get the book "The Dating Manifesto: A Drama-Free Plan for Pursuing Marriage With Purpose": https://store.focusonthefamily.com/the-dating-manifesto/

Sifting through bias in today’s news, plus part one on a Christian’s approach to dating, and are you taking your relationship too slowly? Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: Spotting Media BiasYou scan the morning headlines to find out what’s happening in the world. But the more you read, the more it feels like the reporter wrote an opinion column instead of a news story. That can only mean one thing: bias! The fact is, we all have it, but is there a way to read or watch the news without letting bias cloud the truth? Our guests share their experiences working in various media outlets and how they keep up with current events while maintaining a balanced perspective. Culture: How Should I Date? (Part 1)You long to be married someday, but before you find a mate, you must be willing to go on some dates. Well, is there a right way to date? Eric Demeter is a single guy who knows the ups and downs of dating, and has sought the wisdom of both Scripture and godly mentors. In part one of our conversation, he’ll debunk some common myths about dating that many of us believe, and tell us how to start with a solid relationship foundation. Inbox: Are We Going Too Slow?She just started dating her boyfriend and doesn’t want to take things too quickly. However, his friends typically get engaged and married within a short time of starting a relationship. How can she know if their relationship is on track or moving too slowly? Lisa Anderson weighs in.