In this deeply moving episode of Strategies for Living Radio, hosts Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian welcome spiritual coach and bestselling author Vicki Menendez to share her extraordinary journey of grief, resilience, and transformation. After experiencing the unimaginable loss of all four of her children, Vicki channeled her pain into profound healing work, culminating in her powerful memoir, Crystal's Butterfly Effect: A Mother’s Journey from Loss to Transformation.

Together, they explore the power of spiritual perspective, pre-life agreements, and practices like breath work, radical forgiveness, and art therapy. Listeners will learn practical strategies for navigating grief, reclaiming hope, and connecting with loved ones beyond the veil.

Discover why Crystal's Butterfly Effect is touching hearts worldwide — and how healing can truly begin with honoring your own soul’s journey.

👉 Learn more at: MotherOfAllMemoirs.com

🎧 Also available on Audible with a 111-page interactive Living Journal!

Original Airdate: 7/11/2025

In this soul-stirring episode, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian welcome back beloved guest Father Nathan Castle, OP, author of And Toto Too: The Wizard of Oz as a Spiritual Adventure. Together, they explore how the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz mirrors our own spiritual journey, drawing on universal truths, the hero’s journey, and the search for home within.

Father Nathan also shares details about his upcoming interfaith Zoom retreat (August 9 & 16), offering participants around the globe a chance to rediscover their own path of spiritual awakening—guided by the yellow brick road, Dorothy’s courage, and Toto’s unwavering presence.

Perfect for seekers of all backgrounds, this episode blends faith, reflection, and uplifting conversation in true Strategies for Living fashion. Tune in for your daily dose of radio rehab—body, mind, and spirit.

🎙️ Listen now and walk your own yellow brick road toward inner peace and transformation.

Original Airdate: 7/10/2025

In this powerful episode recorded live at The Balanced Life Wellness Center, David and Lauren McMillian welcome Dr. Stacie Slabaugh for a deep dive into what it really means to be "fine" in a chronically stressed world. Discover how unresolved stress silently affects our nervous systems, immune function, sleep, and overall energy—even when we think we’re okay. Learn how biofield tuning, scalar energy, and nervous system literacy can help reset your body and spirit. If you're feeling burned out, fatigued, or stuck in survival mode, this is your wake-up call to reconnect with balance, coherence, and true wellness.

💫 Featuring:

• Signs your body is overwhelmed—before symptoms hit

• Why stress management isn't a luxury—it's survival

• Tools for nervous system regulation and energy alignment

• The hidden costs of ignoring your own wellness

📍 Recorded at: The Balanced Life Wellness Center, Shreveport, LA

🔗 Learn more or book a session: www.thebalancedlife.us

Original Airdate: 7/7/2025

Feeling overwhelmed by unexpected emotional reactions? You’re not alone. In this insightful episode of Strategies for Living Radio, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian dive deep into the world of psychological triggers—what they are, how they affect us, and most importantly, how we can transform them into tools for emotional growth and self-awareness.

Discover the difference between internal and external triggers, learn grounding techniques, and explore powerful strategies like mindfulness, energy management, and journaling to navigate emotional turbulence. Whether it’s traffic, a tough conversation, or an unexpected memory, David and Lauren show how every trigger can become a gateway to healing, self-mastery, and spiritual growth.

Perfect for anyone interested in mental health, emotional intelligence, and holistic living. Tune in and learn to stop reacting—and start responding with power, presence, and purpose.

Original Airdate: 7/3/2025

In this powerful episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillan, Lauren Leon McMillan, and Jay Murrell explore the timeless wisdom of Carl Jung and the psychological archetypes he warned us to watch out for. From the chronic victim to the morally superior manipulator, these unconscious roles often sabotage our relationships and personal growth.

Through insightful conversation and real-life examples, the team unpacks Jung's famous quote: "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Discover how these archetypes show up not only in others—but within ourselves—and learn how to break free from toxic dynamics like the Drama Triangle.

Whether you’re navigating difficult relationships, seeking emotional balance, or on a journey of self-awareness, this episode offers transformational strategies to reclaim your personal power and peace of mind.

Original airdate: 7/1/2025

In this powerful episode of Strategies for Living Radio, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian sit down with maestro, musician, and public media champion Kermit Poling, General Manager of Red River Radio. With public broadcasting funding under national scrutiny, Kermit opens up about what’s at stake—locally and beyond.

Discover the incredible reach of Red River Radio’s diverse programming, from classical music to health and spirituality, and how stations like KDAQ and KSCL serve as vital lifelines to rural communities, nursing homes, and those without internet access.

This inspiring conversation blends history, heartfelt stories, and a passionate call to action: to protect the educational, cultural, and healing power of non-commercial radio.

🎧 Topics Include:

• The future of NPR and CPB funding
• Red River Radio’s local impact across Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas
• Music, meaning, and “driveway moments” that change lives
• What you can do to support public broadcasting

✨ Tune in for a soulful reminder that radio is more than entertainment—it's connection, community, and culture.

🔗 Learn more at RedRiverRadio.org

Original airdate: 6/30/2025

In this lively and heartwarming episode of Strategies for Living Radio, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian broadcast live from the Robinson Film Center in downtown Shreveport to spotlight The Robbys, the beloved annual fundraiser blending cinematic magic, community spirit, and the joy of musicals. Executive Director Wendell Riley joins as today's Life Strategist to share behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable moments (including karaoke surprises!), and how the event supports film education, local youth, and cultural programming. From iconic movie themes to the soul-nourishing cuisine of Abby Singer’s Bistro, this episode is a celebration of creativity, connection, and giving back. Whether you're a movie buff, music lover, or believer in the power of community, this show will uplift and inspire.

🎧 Highlights include:

• Why The Robbys is Shreveport’s can't-miss event of the summer
• How Robinson Film Center brings film, food, and education together
• The magic of musicals and cinema through the shared experience and unity of film
• How to support RFC through tickets, sponsorship, membership, or simply showing up

📍Event Info: RobinsonFilmCenter.org

Original airdate: 6/25/2025

In this gripping and eye-opening episode of Strategies for Living Radio, hosts Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian welcome paramedic, author, and mental health advocate Joanna Sokol, author of A Real Emergency: Stories from the Ambulance. Joanna shares raw, heartfelt, and at times darkly humorous insights from a decade on the front lines as a 911 first responder.

From the adrenaline-fueled highs of emergency calls to the emotional toll of burnout, staffing shortages, and COVID-19, this conversation dives deep into the human side of EMT work. Joanna also reflects on the resilience, trauma, and spiritual lessons that emerge from life-and-death moments—and what she believes can be done to heal a broken emergency care system.

Listeners will walk away with a newfound respect for first responders and practical strategies for compassion, self-care, and systemic change.

Original Airdate: 6/24/2025