What if the wisdom of the world’s bestselling psychology and self-help books could be distilled into just 20 practical rules? In this episode of Strategies for Living, David, Lauren, and Jay unpack insights from classics like The Body Keeps the Score, Emotional Agility, Atlas of the Heart, Atomic Habits, The Happiness Trap, and more. Together they explore how these timeless lessons reveal the truth about trauma, emotions, relationships, boundaries, and self-compassion. Learn why your brain isn’t designed to make you happy, how secure relationships can rewire your mind, why curiosity heals more than judgment, and why you’re not broken—you’re becoming. Perfect for anyone on the journey of personal growth, emotional healing, or building a healthier mindset.

Original airdate: 8/27/2025

🔑 Keywords for Podcast Platforms

psychology books, self-help books, personal growth, emotional intelligence, trauma healing, self-compassion, mental health, secure relationships, boundaries, emotional regulation, anxiety, self-awareness, healing journey, strategies for living, David McMillian, Lauren Leon, Jay Murrell

In this inspiring episode of Strategies for Living Radio, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian welcome acclaimed novelist Paula Saunders, author of The Distance Home and her brand-new release Starting From Here.

Saunders opens up about her writing journey under the mentorship of Toni Morrison, the struggles and resilience woven into her family-centered coming-of-age stories, and the universal need for self-forgiveness, empathy, and spiritual growth. Together, we explore how past wounds shape us, why emotional honesty matters, and how every transition in life is an opportunity to “start from here.”

This conversation is not just about literature—it’s about healing, resilience, and finding meaning in our personal stories. Perfect for anyone seeking strategies to navigate life’s challenges with grace, courage, and compassion.

Original Airdate: 8/26/2025

🔑 Suggested Keywords:

Paula Saunders, Starting From Here, The Distance Home, Strategies for Living Radio, David McMillian, Lauren Leon McMillian, Toni Morrison, coming of age, family resilience, self-forgiveness, empathy, healing, emotional honesty, women’s empowerment, spirituality, resilience in relationships, writing process, personal growth podcast, holistic living, mental health podcast

In this episode of Strategies for Living Radio, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the Our Father prayer in its original Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke. Drawing on the work of Neil Douglas-Klotz and the wisdom of ancient translations, they uncover how subtle shifts in meaning—such as “ripe” versus “unripe” fruit—transform familiar passages into powerful life lessons about growth, timing, and spiritual cultivation.

Join us as we reflect on how translation differences shape our understanding of scripture, spirituality, and daily living. This conversation blends psychology, faith, and practical wisdom—encouraging us to see prayer not as rigid doctrine, but as a living guide for healthy, mindful, and Spirit-centered living.

Original airdate: 8/22/2025