Strategies for Living

Strategies for Living

by David C. McMillian, Ph.D. and Lauren Leon McMillian, M.S.

Mental Health Spirituality

Season 33

Epic Parenting: Why Children Need Both Love and Limits

What do children really need to thrive? In this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome life strategist Larry Valmore to discuss the foundations of emotionally healthy parenting. Drawing from his Epic Parenting framework, Larry explains why children crave structure, discipline, and clear boundaries just as much as they need love and affection. Learn the difference between discipline and punishment, why calm leadership helps children feel safe, and how parents can raise emotionally intelligent, resilient, and confident kids. Whether you're parenting a toddler, a teenager, or healing your own inner child, this conversation offers practical tools for creating stronger families and healthier relationships. Find out more at www.epicchildren.com Original Airdate: 6/18/2026

It Can Be Both: Holding Opposing Feelings Without Losing Yourself

In this thought-provoking episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian explore one of life's most important emotional truths: many feelings can exist at the same time. You can be tired and still keep going. You can feel lonely and still enjoy your own company. You can experience fear and still move forward with courage. Through personal stories, psychological insights, and practical wisdom, they discuss emotional complexity, self-worth, resilience, uncertainty, authenticity, and the power of embracing both-and thinking instead of either-or thinking. Discover how holding seemingly opposite emotions can lead to greater peace, growth, and emotional freedom. Original Airdate: 6/17/2026

The Essenes Then and Now: Ancient Wisdom, Healing, and the Evolution of Consciousness

Join David and Lauren McMillian, Gary Tiemann, and special guest Patrick Walsh for a fascinating exploration of the Essenes—an ancient spiritual community often associated with healing, meditation, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Drawing from the work of Edgar Cayce, reincarnation research, and historical discoveries such as Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, this conversation examines the Essenes' teachings on holistic healing, consciousness, prayer, meditation, and what their legacy may mean for humanity today. A thought-provoking discussion on spirituality, personal growth, and the evolution of human awareness. Original Airdate: 6/16/2026

Spiritual Hygiene, Part 2: Protecting Your Energy, Attention, and Soul

In Part 2 of our Spiritual Hygiene series, David and Lauren McMillian continue exploring the daily practices that protect your energy, strengthen self-trust, and support spiritual well-being. Learn why what you consume affects your soul, how your morning routine shapes your day, why fear and haste often lead us astray, and how honoring your deeper commitments can create greater peace and clarity. Discover practical strategies for releasing what no longer serves you and ending each day with intention rather than distraction. If you're seeking emotional balance, spiritual growth, mindfulness, and a healthier relationship with yourself, this episode offers powerful tools for everyday life. Original Airdate: 6/11/2026

Spiritual Hygiene: Protecting Your Energy, Honoring Your Inner Voice, and Caring for the Whole Self

What if self-care goes beyond diet, exercise, and mental health? In this thought-provoking episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian explore the often-overlooked practice of spiritual hygiene—the intentional care of your energy, attention, inner voice, and emotional well-being. Drawing from psychology, spirituality, personal growth, and everyday life, they discuss how honoring the connection between mind, body, and spirit can lead to greater peace, healthier boundaries, stronger intuition, and a deeper sense of purpose. Learn practical ways to protect your energy, cleanse your field of attention, stop seeking approval, and embody the love and wisdom already within you. If you've ever felt emotionally drained, overwhelmed by negativity, or disconnected from yourself, this conversation offers powerful insights for restoring balance and becoming a better steward of your life. Original Airdate: 6/10/2026

Sugar, Carbs, & Addiction: What If It's More Than Willpower?

Could your cravings be more than a lack of willpower? On this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian, Jay Murrell, and addiction recovery expert Dr. Jeff Sandoz explore the growing recognition of sugar and carbohydrate addiction and its impact on physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. Dr. Sandoz discusses Sugar & Carb Addicts Anonymous (SCAA), the science behind dopamine pathways and addictive behaviors, the surprising parallels between sugar addiction and substance addiction, and why so many people struggle to break free from cravings. The conversation also examines neurotransmitters, inflammation, chronic health conditions, and the role that awareness, sacrifice, and recovery play in creating lasting change. If you've ever wondered why certain foods seem impossible to resist, or why your health may be sending warning signals, this thought-provoking conversation offers insight, hope, and practical next steps. Topics include: sugar addiction, carb addiction, addiction recovery, neurotransmitters, dopamine, holistic mental health, 12-step recovery, weight loss, inflammation, chronic illness, quality of life, and behavioral change. Original Airdate: 6/9/2026

Healing Career Wounds: Workplace Trauma, Burnout & Finding Your Authentic Path with Mandy Tang

Career coach and holistic healer Mandy Tang joins David and Lauren to explore the hidden impact of workplace trauma, burnout, imposter syndrome, toxic leadership, and career dissatisfaction. Drawing from her new book, Heal Your Career Wounds, Mandy shares practical tools for recognizing career wounds, rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with purpose, and navigating an evolving job market. Discover how workplace challenges can become opportunities for personal growth, resilience, and creating a career aligned with your authentic self. Original Airdate: 6/5/2026

Zen Caregiving: How to Care for Others Without Losing Yourself

How do you care for someone you love without losing yourself in the process? In this powerful episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome educator, hospice caregiver, and author Roy Remer to discuss his new book, Zen Caregiving. Together, they explore mindfulness, grief, emotional resilience, compassion fatigue, self-care, and the deeper meaning of caregiving. Whether you're currently caring for a loved one, have been a caregiver in the past, or may become one in the future, this conversation offers practical tools and profound wisdom for navigating one of life's most meaningful roles. Original Airdate: 6/3/2026

Epic Parenting: Raising Resilient, Confident, and Emotionally Secure Children

In this episode of Strategies for Living, David, and Lauren McMillian welcome parenting coach and social worker Larry Valmore, creator of Epic Parenting and founder of Epic Children. Together, they explore practical parenting strategies that help children feel secure, develop emotional intelligence, and build resilience for life. Larry shares why discipline is not punishment, how consistency reduces childhood anxiety, the importance of structure and consequences, and his powerful "Rule of Three" approach to parenting. Discover how extraordinary parents can raise confident, capable, and emotionally healthy children prepared to navigate life's challenges. Find out more at www.epicchildren.com Original airdate: 6/2/2026

The Stories We Live By: How Storytelling Shapes Our Reality, Business, and Future with Gavin McMahon

In a world increasingly shaped by AI, what does it mean to be human? On this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian sit down with author and business strategist Gavin McMahon to explore the extraordinary power of storytelling. Discover how stories influence culture, leadership, business, personal growth, and even the way we see ourselves. Learn why the stories we tell—and the stories we believe—can shape our reality, drive change, and transform our lives. Inspired by Gavin's new book, Story Business: Why Stories Rule the World and How They Can Reinvent Your Business. Original Airdate: 6/1/2026

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