Corie Weathers is a licensed counselor who has spent two decades sitting with people in the middle of hard things. Marriages under strain. Families carrying more than anyone outside the house can see. This podcast is that same conversation, opened up. Corie talks with guests, and sometimes straight to you, about marriage and connection, parenting through change, faith, mental health, and the culture we are all trying to live in right now. You get clinical insight without the clinical distance,…
Almost thirty years ago, a small but mighty professor at Gardner-Webb University taught a generation of students how to search their hearts, hear God's voice, and spot the difference between faith and its counterfeits. Her classes were so transformative that students warned each other: "Take a Cullinan class, but be prepared to change your major." In this episode, Corie sits down with Dr. Alice…
(Watch this interview instead on Youtube: https://youtu.be/qbuAB-_cPEE?si=s16WkXuBCwv9TG-x ) Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Kau'ilokoikaika Franklin Guard — known to those who loved him as Nick — is the 2026 TUP Virtual Memorial Mile honoree. Nick died on June 20th, 2022 after struggling with the mental and physical impacts of his military service. He was a soldier, a husband, a father, and a friend…
What happens when stress doesn’t just affect individuals—but entire communities? In this episode of Restored, I sit down with sociologist Dr. Seth Abrutyn, whose research explores how collective stress, cultural trauma, and social pain shape mental health, belonging, and the survival of communities over time. Drawing from his book Life Under Pressure and his work on collective and cultural trauma,…
What if the discomfort we’re trying to escape is actually trying to teach us? In this solo episode of Restored, Corie Weathers explores cognitive dissonance—the inner tension we feel when our beliefs, values, and lived experiences no longer align. Rather than rushing to certainty or easy answers, this episode invites listeners to slow down and learn how to listen to inner conflict as a source of…
What does healing actually require — in a marriage, in a community, or in a culture stretched thin by conflict? We’re living in a time when tension feels everywhere — in our homes, online, within institutions, and across the nation. The emotional strain we feel collectively often mirrors what happens inside relationships: disconnection, mistrust, stuck narratives, and the fear that things may…
What happens when a community is stretched past its limits? Military spouses live in a unique tension: deeply tied to the institution, yet often left without a voice in its decisions. Their wellness reflects not just individual resilience, but the health of the entire military community. In this episode of Restored, Corie Weathers speaks with Evie King, president of InDependent, about…
In this episode of Restored, Corie Weathers speaks with author and filmmaker Victoria Kelly, and producer/director Beatrice "B" Becette, the creators of the documentary Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories of World War II. Their journey began when Karin Tanabe and Victoria discovered that their families were connected by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — one as an American medic sent into…
What do you do when two things you love pull you in opposite directions? In this episode of Restored, Corie Weathers sits down with Joe Byerly , a retired Army lieutenant colonel and founder of From the Green Notebook , and Clint Boling , a former NFL player for the Cincinnati Bengals. Both men faced defining crossroads in their careers — moments where they could push for one more tour, one more…
What does it take to feel whole again — especially after conflict? In a world where conflict feels inescapable — at home, in our culture, and across the globe — Restored invites you to pause and ask: how do we work through it in a way that leads to peace? Hosted by Corie Weathers, author of Military Culture Shift, Restored explores the hard, human work of peace. Each episode weaves together…
We are continuing our theme of living in the Messy Middle by looking at what it means to hold on to the things that matter while also letting go. Sometimes, we must let go of the things that don't matter (distractions), but often this lifestyle asks us to let go of things or people that do. In this episode, I bring author and friend Lindsay Swoboda on the podcast to share what she learned from…
Listen in for an honest update on my counseling practice, a shift in how I'm showing up for clients, and a powerful message about the stories we tell ourselves. We will explore how internal narratives—those we silently repeat—can either dig graves in our lives or cultivate gardens. Drawing from real-life examples and relationship dynamics, we will discuss how to recognize when assumptions and…
This episode explores the balance between communicating too much or too little in relationships. Learn how conflict, over-communication, and silence all play a role in marriage and leadership. Plus, Corie answers a listener’s question about how to recognize when you’re on the wrong path—whether in leadership, personal growth, or relationships—and how to pivot back toward wisdom. Topics Covered: ✔️…
In this episode, Corie discusses how relationships—and even life—are rarely black and white. You’ll hear how our tendency to lean into extremes, whether viewing things as catastrophic or overly ideal, can hinder healthy growth. With practical advice on shame spirals, conflict resolution, and embracing emotional humility, this episode will help you stay grounded in truth without dismissing the…
Let's explore the complex balance between individual wellness and shared responsibilities in relationships through my powerful metaphor: the duplex. Whether you're a military couple navigating deployment challenges, an empty-nester reorienting your relationship, or simply seeking insight into healthier boundaries, this episode unpacks the delicate dance of honoring yourself while investing in…
Let's talk about the most common question I get: "What does a healthy relationship look like?" In Season 9, we are going to unpack some of the most popular "Corie-isms" used in my coaching and counseling sessions, including today's topic: "The Messy Middle." I'll share the importance of balancing boundaries and grace in your relationship, drawing from examples I've seen as a clinician, a military…
In our first episode, we explored the idea of the hero’s journey and what it means to feel the “call to adventure” in your own life. Today, we’re going to take it a step further. We’ll talk about how to recognize if your call to adventure is coming from a place of genuine purpose—or if you might be tempted to start an adventure for reasons that could actually take you off course. Connect with Me:…
Welcome to the first episode of Season 9 where we discuss the season theme: The Hero's Journey. In this episode, we dive into the idea of “The Call to Adventure”—that first, often unexpected moment when we feel pulled toward change or transformation. Inspired by Joseph Campbell’s concept of the hero’s journey, this episode explores how embracing the call to adventure can set us on a powerful path…
Lifegiver Podcast will be back soon! This is a bonus faith-based episode- a recording of my talk for the Protestant military spouse's group at Fort Cavazos, TX. If your circumstances or relationships are not going the way you hoped, if you are wondering where God is and why some prayers are not answered in the time or way you wish- this episode is for you. To listen to the Military Culture Shift…
The Military Culture Shift Limited Series Leadership Podcast launches Feb 15, 2024! Interviews with experts and leaders, (many of them mentioned in the book) will bring the book to life in a multi-sensory way, and breathe life into your home and leadership, and especially validate your story. Episodes will start on Feb 15th and roll out weekly so make sure you are subscribed so you don’t miss them…
Listen now to the Season 8 Finale of what it means to "Be Well". Right now the culture is struggling with a mental health crisis where we are confusing mental illness with mental health and mental wellness. What is the difference? And what is the next step towards you being truly well... Let's figure it out together. Pre-order Military Culture Shift (All pre-orders are autographed!) Subscribe to…
After hearing concerns on social media of Matt and I practicing yoga and prayerful meditation, I knew it was time to invite my dear friend Amber Mattingly, DMin to the podcast to share her story. This is a faith-based episode that addresses the biggest fears and questions around these practices. Amber began yoga when her son was newly diagnosed with autism. She was overwhelmed, frightened for his…
The military lifestyle's stress is hard enough on marriage, but what happens when you add a medical diagnosis? A child in need of extra care? In this episode, we explore Aaron and Monica Harding's story of finding help for their son, themselves, and their marriage. The Harding's son Jackson (17) was diagnosed with SynGAP in 2015, at age 10. Today, with children aged 24, 21 and 17, his wife,…
My new book Military Culture Shift is now available for pre-order and will launch November 14th! Order Here Subscribe to the Military Culture Shift Podcast NOW! In this episode, I talk about the power of choosing hard things and the character development that comes from the process. We are so used to only choosing activities that we will feel successful at. After a while, we are siloed into a…
Listen in for how a strengths-based approach changes the way we view our relationships, work, and even our perception of ourselves. After over a decade of helping individuals, leaders, and couples discover what their talents are, it has been incredible to watch marriages heal from miscommunication, differences, and betrayal, helping individuals heal through loss, and find joy in doing what they…
Matt joins me for an episode where we discuss what it takes to achieve "voluntary followership"- in other words, what does it take to lead in a way that people actually want to follow? We also cover the following: How do you find the time to invest in those around you when your life and job are already too busy? What does it look like to invest in the next generation, especially if they have…
This interview was inspired by an article that Lt. Col. (Rev.) Paul McCullough wrote. Check it out here: https://www.ausa.org/articles/accomplish-mission-love Lt. Col. (Rev.) Paul McCullough, U.S. Army retired, is president of the Association of the U.S. Army’s Penn & Franklin-Greater Philadelphia Chapter and an Army Reserve Ambassador from Pennsylvania. He served 20 years in the Army, retiring in…
Peter Docker served for 25 years as a Royal Air Force senior officer and has seen service across the globe as a Force Commander during combat flying operations. His career has spanned from professional pilot, teaching postgraduates at the UK’s Defence College, to flying the British prime minister around the world. He has also led multibillion-dollar international procurement projects and served as…
Why is it so hard to apologize? These two words, "I'm Sorry", seem to throw off children and adults every time, catapulting people into further conflict. In this episode, we wrap up the marriage and intimacy series and introduce the leadership series by going back to the basics of conflict resolution and the dreaded apology. We will cover: 1) The common responses of defensiveness that come up when…
Dannah Gresh is a best-selling author and sought-after speaker. In her latest book, Happily Even After , Dannah is a friend who walks beside you as she demonstrates how to forgive, live with joy, and hold your head high while Jesus Christ redeems the broken places of your marriage after suffering from things like pornography, addiction, or even an affair. Dannah has sold over 2 million books and…
Dr. Mike is back to talk about his new book Secrets of Sex & Marriage that he co-wrote with marriage research expert Shaunti Feldhan. Dr. Michael Sytsma is a licensed professional counselor, certified sex therapist, ordained minister, professor, and national speaker. With a pastoral heart, a gift in teaching, and a passion for helping couples grow in marriage, Dr. Systma uses his skills to teach…
Shaunti Feldhan joins Lifegiver to talk about her new book Secrets of Sex & Marriage that she co-wrote with intimacy expert Dr. Mike Sytsma. Shaunti Feldhahn is a bestselling author, social researcher, speaker, and podcaster. A graduate of Harvard University and a former Wall Street analyst, Shaunti now uses her analytical skill to uncover those little things that can make big differences in lives…
On the Season 8 opener, we are talking all about how to recognize if we are managing our relationships to our own personal detriment. You may think you are helping, but what if you are only hurting yourself by walking on eggshells and not being fully honest or congruent with yourself? We’re diving in quickly on this season opener! Mentioned in this episode: Squared Away We exist to make work…
Season 7 might be over, but we are bringing back the Top 10 most listened-to episodes in Lifegiver Podcast History! Matt joins me again for another episode where we talk about the impact of Family Readiness on marriage. For decades, the military has told families that their support makes the mission successful. Unfortunately, families are getting tired and are wondering at what cost. In this…
Season 7 might be over, but we are bringing back the Top 10 most listened-to episodes in Lifegiver Podcast History! We often hear from couples that the service lifestyle has made my spouse "cold, calculated, and harsh." While this may be a nature versus nurture debate, the service lifestyle can definitely train a person to see the world differently. In this episode, Corie and Matt talk about how…
Betrayal is, unfortunately, more common than you think- especially in the service culture. In this episode, I share with you the strategy I use to help couples work through affair recovery. There are three phases and couples will certainly stall if not fail to recover their marriage if they miss important steps throughout the phases. Two people, if are both willing to work hard, can rebuild their…
Season 7 might be over, but we are bringing back the Top 10 most listened-to episodes in Lifegiver Podcast History! Listen in to my premiere interview with actor, Emmy nominated director, and producer Sarah Drew as she talks about life after Grey's Anatomy , marriage, and her newest movie Indivisible that hits theaters Oct 26th. Indivisible is based on real life Army Chaplain Couple Darren &…
Season 7 might be over, but we are bringing back the Top 10 most listened-to episodes in Lifegiver Podcast History! I received feedback that some of you would like faith-based content AND hearing from Matt- so this episode is the both of us giving a talk at our old stomping grounds where we first met- Gardner-Webb University. The sound on this one is a bit different because it was recorded in a…
Season 7 might be over, but we are bringing back the Top 10 most listened-to episodes in Lifegiver Podcast History! Dr. Les Parrot joins me for an episode that is all about how couples can use a tool like the Better Love Assessment to get a healthy snapshot or check up on their marriage. Dr. Parrott is a globally sought-after marriage psychologist along with his wife, Leslie Parrott also a…
Season 7 might be over, but we are bringing back the Top 10 most listened-to episodes in Lifegiver Podcast History! Episode 2, Season 4 What happens when a veteran, a military spouse, and a first responder spouse sit down and talk about life together? I often get asked, do we really have that much in common? Why would I have a podcast where I address the needs of both military and first…
Season 7 might be over, but we are bringing back the Top 10 most listened-to episodes in Lifegiver Podcast History! Listen in to the Season 4 FINALE with a big question that likely everyone has asked... "Who is really in Charge?" Is it man? Is it God? When does God get in involved? Why doesn't he? Perhaps you are waiting on orders to your next assignment (like we are) and wondering if the people…
Season 7 might be over, but we are bringing back the Top 10 most listened-to episodes in Lifegiver Podcast History! In this episode, we are talking about the importance of Timing and Tact with our emotions and words. Whether you are in conflict with you spouse, in a leadership position, or even a public advocate. Especially military spouses feel at times like their voice is limited and that any…
Season 7 might be over, but we are bringing back the Top 10 most listened-to episodes in Lifegiver Podcast History! In this episode from Season 4, I'll talk about the results of a spouse survey I created that went viral. Almost 750 spouses told me how they are REALLY doing and it turns out... We have lots to talk about. I wasn't surprised that we are struggling as a community. Many of you aren't…
Leaving this lifestyle can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. For many couples, crossing the finish line can bring conflict as you and your spouse bring different expectations to the transition . In this episode, Corie sits down with Jeff & Lori Hawkins who share how they navigated major decisions about where to live, what to value, and what to do next. Listen as they pass down wisdom they…
Community. We’ve all been hurt by it, longed for it, and struggled in it. In a world that touts itself as connected more than ever, how do we reconcile the ache within us for physical presence and the need to be seen? Sit down and lean in as Corie walks Sarah through a very candid conversation about the need and the pain of community. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to help breathe MARGIN into…
In 2017 Ken Grubbs was shot on duty responding to a call at an apartment complex. In this episode, Sarah sits down with Ken and Wende Grubbs as they share their journey of walking through a situation many hope to never face. Listen in and be encouraged by the perspective they found along the way and how one of the most difficult incidents in their life would also end up being the catalyst for…
In this episode, Corie sits down with Special Ops couple Mark and Caroline as they share their journey through the hardships and pain unique to a service marriage. Listen in as they recount how they were able to hold each other's experiences while also working through their own personal struggles. Be inspired as they tell of the deep joy and intimacy that only suffering can produce and find…
What defines a hard choice? While the hard choices in our life may seem subjective to others, the decisions we make reflect what we value. Corie and Sarah explore the process of weighing the costs of the hard choices in our life including the difficulties of the service lifestyle. Song credits: "By Your Side" written by Justin Prins Corie's Go To for Hard Choices: Giant Whiteboard We are taking a…
How do we get to a place where we are living on purpose, for a purpose? Corie sits down with her aunt and mentor, June, to discuss the journey of learning to accept things for what they are, become better for it, and help someone else through it. Listen in as they expound on what it means to realize that you simply cannot manage situations and others into place. Books recommended by June: "It's…
Corie and Sarah sit down and discuss the differences between over reaction, under reaction and the importance of being proactive. Join the conversation as they seek to answer the question, how do we become less reactive in such a reactive lifestyle and world? Sign up for our monthly newsletter to help breathe MARGIN into your life. For more content and resources visit www.life-giver.org We want to…
Previous Podcast Episodes mentioned: 3-61Roundtable Addiction and Marriage Part 1 Addiction and Marriage Part 2 We are taking a break from social media, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find us! Sign up for our monthly newsletter to help breathe MARGIN into your life. For more content and resources visit www.life-giver.org In this two part episode, Corie sits down with good friend and fellow 3-61…