The Dr. Dodd Podcast

Dr. Dodd states that, “This episode is provided, intended to give hope to those who have suffered marital division, unfaithfulness, and heartache. I want to introduce to you a couple that I have known, intimately well over the last 1 ½+ years…Chad and Ashley. They are here to share, to have a conversation about, their journey of real marital pain and ultimately God's faithfulness in their healing.”

Hey…this is Dr. Dodd and I welcome you to the Dr. Dodd Podcast. In this episode, the parents of Josh Neuman will share the story of the tragic loss of their 22-year-old son, February 2022. Please allow me to introduce to you Chris and Kristin Neuman. They share who Josh was, the accident, their journey of grieving, and the “Josh Neuman Foundation.

“Listen…I'm all about supporting each other! But when does it become unhealthy? When is it too much?” In this episode, Dr. Dodd talks about the important difference between a healthy support and an unhealthy emotional crutch.

It's one of the most common and challenging, emotional topics we encounter as mental health professionals. In some theological circles, it is often described as wrong and sinful…no matter the circumstances. This podcast is an effort by Dr. Dodd, to shed some light on the matter of being angry, it's impact on the individual, how it can affect relationships, as well as potentially… your walk with God.

Dr. Dodd states that, “One of the most common point or cause for conflict/arguments in relationships is, quite simply, when one spouse doesn't feel like their needs are important to their spouse. They complain that they don't feel any real connection to/with their spouse. Too often, it seems that we take better care of our homes, our cars, etc. than we do the needs of our spouse or our marriage.” In this episode, Dr. Dodd shares the importance of prioritizing your marriage, your spouse (including in a blended family), the reasons why it often doesn't occur, and suggestions and how to make it a reality.

A gentleman recently asked, “Dr. Dodd…at what point does personal responsibility kick in?” Another individual stated, “It seems that no one wants to answer to anyone…we are so quick to blame everything or everyone else.” In talking to still another individual on this very subject, he said… “If I allow myself to be accountable, that's going to put me in a very vulnerable position. Why should I do that? I'm very private.” In this episode, Dr. Dodd discusses the idea of being accountable…to ourselves (i.e., holding ourselves accountable), accountable to others, and ultimately accountable to God. The importance of being accountable and how to live successfully, as a result. He states, “Accountability is about living in integrity. Your thoughts, words, and actions are consistent with one another and in alignment.”

Several recent studies have shown that almost half of Americans are lonely. Ironically, while we are more connected through social media, etc., we are experiencing loneliness at higher degrees. Feeling lonely is a normal, human experience. We've all experienced the situation of feeling alone/lonely, when you're by yourself or even in a room full of people. Feeling very disconnected from everyone or feeling like no one understands you. Join Dr. Dodd as he provides several possible factors that contribute to feeling alone and lonely, as well some very practical suggestions on how to address them.

“Hey…what's the problem? You have a guilty conscience?” “You know what you did…your conscience bothering you?” “You know what your problem is…you have no conscience at all! Nothing seems to bother you!” “I don't know what the big deal is…my conscience is clear!” In this episode, Dr. Dodd talks about a subject that has been written about, studied, and discussed for most of recorded history is…the human conscience. From the perspective of religions, various philosophers, social scientists, and psychologists, it has been defined and described in a multitude of different ways. He states that “the conscience gives us the ability to evaluate our own thoughts and desires, to discern what is right or wrong, and to distinguish between what is good and what is best. When we talk about the conscience, we are often referring to reflection about ourselves as moral persons and about our moral conduct. It is one of the ways God speaks to us.”

Waiting at a cash register, in a traffic jam, at the doctor's office, at the DMV, at the bus station/train station/airport. We wait and wait. And as we wait…there are often the expectations of immediate results, immediate gratification, and what Dr. Dodd calls a “drive-thru” mindset and attitude. This is often accompanied by a sense of entitlement…that we are entitled to be served first, to get an immediate response, to get the results…right now. Frustration, boredom, anxiety, and anger… too often occur, when an individual is told…wait. In this episode, Dr. Dodd helps the listener discover the truth of “good things happen to those who wait.” He provides helpful suggestions on how to wait successfully, as well as several of the triggers/causes for becoming impatient. Of course, he looks at what God's Word has to say, about waiting patiently.

While there are multiple types of identities (e.g., cultural, professional, ethnic and national, religious, gender, etc.) … in this episode Dr. Dodd talks about personal identity. He states, “It's the concept you develop about yourself, that evolves over the course of your life. It consists of self-definitions…in terms of your unique and idiosyncratic characteristics. Your abilities, likes and dislikes, your personality traits, and what motivates you, can contribute to your unique identity as a person.” So why is this question, “Who Am I” …so important?? It's critical in helping us make life choices. Knowing what comes from within us, from within ourselves, versus what comes from everyone else. It is vital in helping us live life authentically.

Often, we hear the words, “being in a healthy relationship.” We use the phrase as if everyone has, or should have, a good understanding as to what that means! Most are left to try and figure it out by what they saw growing up…what they want to have in their relationships and what they don't want to have. I know that I have used those words often, in many of my podcasts. So, what does it really mean to be in a healthy relationship? In this episode Dr. Dodd provides the listener with practical information about what a healthy or unhealthy relationship looks like. Join him, if you find yourself in unhealthy relationships, as he gives several suggestions on how to work toward making them healthy! The Dr. Dodd podcast is brought to you in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd

“Dr. Dodd…it just feels like my wife keeps me at arms-length, all the time. We're not connected at all. It's like she's mad at me but won't tell me why. I ask…and she just says, “I'm fine,” or simply walks away. But to be honest about it, it feels like she treats almost everybody… the same way. She won't let anyone “in” real close.” Dr. Dodd shares, “that story has been repeated in my office so many times. It's incredibly sad when that type of relationship is happening. It's painful for both individuals involved!” Join Dr. Dodd as he discusses the very common issue of emotional walls/barriers in relationships... what they are, where they come from, why do we have them, and what can be done about them. The Dr. Dodd podcast is brought to you in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd

The dictionary defines stress as “physical, mental or emotional strain or tension.” It's clear that everyone can suffer from stress, while facing challenges that can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children. How we handle it (stress) really does vary from one individual to another. Sometimes stress (defined as eustress) can help you focus and get the task accomplished. But when stress (better identified as distress) is frequent and intense, it can create significant strain on your body and make it very difficult to function. Join Dr. Dodd as he provides insight and suggestions on how to cope with stress! The Dr. Dodd podcast is brought to you in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd

The world we live in is so impulsive! We will say whatever comes to mind. Take a dare. Make a decision. Get “an attitude” and then maybe, think about the consequences later. As has often been said…we act first and then think later! Listen, it is true that all of us have said or done something that we wish we hadn't. But many struggle with the fact that they are often impulsive, maybe several times a day. Acting that way, can lead to problems and regret! Join Dr. Dodd as he defines impulsivity, describes many more of the symptoms and consequences, as well as possible treatment options. He states, “Simply put, acting impulsively is typically when you act quickly, with little to no thought of the consequences. There's nothing on your mind beyond that exact moment.” The Dr. Dodd podcast is brought to you in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd

It has been said that one of the most common relationship issues, that individuals face, is that of trust. Everything from, the basic form of trust to relational, emotional, physical, spiritual, and self-trust. Dr. Dodd emphasizes that trust is the single most important ingredient in every relationship. “It, trust, is the act or firm belief in an individual…based on truth, reliability, and honesty. It's having the ability to believe in the good intentions and will of another person… to meet our expectations. Trust creates an environment that feels safe, comfortable, and secure.” When your trust is broken, to any real/significant degree at all, your sense of security and safety is broken. Join Dr. Dodd as he provides several suggestions/principles on how to Rebuild Trust. The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd

The commitment to love, honor, and cherish are words very familiar to most of us. Too often they are simply words of a ceremony. The meaning, weight, and importance of those words are often overlooked. They are actual promises/vows that spouses make to each other, for a lifetime. We say them in front of our family, friends, the preacher, each other, and God. Yet…do we really “get” the meaning of those words and apply them to our daily lives…living them out in our marriage? In this podcast, Dr. Dodd looks at each of them… to inform, to encourage, and to give practical suggestions on how to accomplish loving, honoring, and cherishing your spouse. The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd

In this episode, Dr. Dodd “walks around” the subject of emotional immaturity. He provides guidance, help, and practical suggestions on how to change from being immature or how to navigate a relationship with the emotionally immature. He states, “The emotionally immature individual will find it hard to effectively convey or process their emotions… often appearing/presenting as being very selfish, self-centered, or distant. They often get defensive and will resort to blaming anyone/everyone but themselves…due to them rarely thinking that anything is their fault. They lack many of the emotional and social skills…leading to difficulty in relating to other adults. Their reactions are more what you might expect to see from a child…than out of an adult. The emotionally immature tend to overdramatize situations. They usually focus just on themselves. Being emotionally immature brings absolute havoc into relationships, homes, and communities.” The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd

Conflict is just a part of life. It really is a normal part of any healthy relationship. There's simply no way that two people, are going to agree on everything! Yet…so many individuals fear conflict, they try to avoid it. Then there are others, that appear to walk through life “just looking for trouble.” We live in a very conflictual time. If you don't know how to manage, or often find yourself mismanaging conflict… you've likely discovered that it can cause great harm (e.g., trust compromised, communication suffers, distance sets in, etc.) in a relationship. Dr. Dodd states that, “It is my desire to help you learn, or be reminded of, that conflict managed in a healthy way (i.e., sensibly, efficiently, solution seeking, mutually respectful, and a scripturally sound manner) can provide real opportunity to strengthen the relationship between individuals. The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd

Join Dr. Dodd as he looks at being defiant and oppositional, versus obedient… from both a scriptural and psychological perspective. He points out that being oppositional is “often demonstrated by getting easily annoyed, demands its own way, has feelings of resentment or anger, frequent arguments with others, deliberately annoying others, blames others for their own mistakes, and is spiteful.” He states that, “obedience is a form of social influence that involves performing an action under the orders of an authority figure.” Finally, Dr. Dodd discusses the dilemma of being defiant with God or submitting (being obedient) to His authority over our lives. The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd

Dr. Dodd states: “I often hear the importance of being honest. I completely get it and agree! We all want to be around people that we can count on, people that are dependable, consistent, trustworthy, real, and of course…honest. But the idea of being honest with ourselves, somehow gets overlooked… really, not even thought about. The idea of doing the hard work of looking deep within ourselves and asking the hard questions regarding our dependability, trustworthiness, etc., somehow gets neglected.” In this episode, Dr. Dodd talks about the criticalness of being “gut level” honest with yourself. We've all been taught from a very early age that “honesty is the best policy.” That we should be, in all our dealings whether big or small…be honest. It's vital to be honest with others…but it's critical to be honest with yourself. The Dr. Dodd podcast is sponsored in part by Dwell Bible App. Save 30% off Dwell for Life at DwellApp.io/DrDodd

One of the most difficult and least talked about subjects today is, how to “parent” your child… who is now an adult. What a balancing act. What a challenge. The hard reality is today's young adult lives in a very different world. And the “spill over” of all this on to the family, particularly parents, cannot be overstated. Join Dr. Dodd as he provides some suggestions/guidelines on how to parent your child, who is now an adult.

A common question is, “Can you ever truly achieve emotional healing?” A very similar question is, “Can people really change?” Dr. Dodd states that, “I tell you that it is absolutely possible. It is my desire, to define what that healing “looks like and entails,” as well as provide some practical suggestions on how to achieve and maintain it. Again, to heal emotionally is always possible. With time (it's going to whatever time it takes), a genuine “want to,” the willingness to seek help, and God…it is very possible.”

We often talk about balance…keeping the right amount of air in the tires of our car, the balance needed to roller/ice skate, or the balance required to simply go up and down the stairs. But what about finding/having balance in our lives? Join Dr. Dodd, as he invites the listener to consider balance in all the different aspects of our life…everything (to name a few) from relationships, our work life, health and fitness, finance, our social life, emotional well-being, and of course…our spiritual life. He states that… “balance leads to a positive outlook, it focuses on good habits, it helps to lower stress. Being “out-of-balance” can shortchange what is important to us and diminish our overall quality of life.”

Dr. Dodd shares, "I have come to believe, that most men I know, would strive/work toward being a spiritual leader… but simply have no idea what that even means. They've never had a scripturally sound and emotionally healthy model, to teach or mentor them. Also, men may struggle with feeling very inadequate (spiritually, emotionally, mentally) to lead. There is often the fear of being not good enough, of being transparent, accountable, and vulnerable." So, being a spiritual leader…what does that even mean? In this episode, Dr. Dodd sheds light on what he has come to believe it means, to spiritually lead... as well as, what it doesn't.

In this episode, Dr. Dodd invites the listener to begin experiencing joy despite the trials, stress, and circumstances of life. He spends time distinguishing between Happiness and Joy, stating that joy is attributed to something that is very consistent and internal. Happiness is usually triggered externally…it is something that happens to us. Join Dr. Dodd as he provides several suggestions on how to have this joy despite your circumstances.

Dr. Dodd states, “By far, the most common types of fear that I encounter in clients are the fear of failing, of being inadequate, rejected, and abandoned.” Join him as he describes some of the possible causes, typical symptoms, or consequences, as well as treatment options. There is hope and help for all those who suffer with any one, or all, of these fears!

It's true that we can all experience anxiety. A certain degree of feeling anxious can even motivate us to prepare more diligently and practice more intently. However, there are so many who suffer with intense fear and distress, becoming overwhelmed and often unable to perform everyday activities…leading to the diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. In this episode, Dr. Dodd speaks especially to those individuals who find themselves daily, struggling with the condition of an anxiety disorder. He offers direction, information, and practical strategies on how navigate through this very common struggle in our society.

Any life, every life…is a life of change. It's an inevitable part of life. That doesn't always mean that dealing with the change is always easy. It requires a level, a degree of adjustments. Even good changes, that you're excited about, can be stress-inducing. Change can disrupt your routine. The associated stress can bring feelings of being overwhelmed. But finding ways to accept, cope, work through, learn from them, can make these transitions smoother, less troubling or stressful. Having coping strategies can help you become more resilient to stress and make it easier to adapt to the changes in your life. Join Dr. Dodd as he gives several very practical suggestions/tips on how to cope with change.

Being a good listener is one of the most important skills you can have. It is key to all effective communication. If you are a good listener, you will find that people will be drawn to you. They will want to be around you. The simple act of paying attention and listening to someone else, tells them that are interesting and worthwhile. It tells other people that you care about what is happening to them, how they think, and how they feel. Join Dr. Dodd as he shares his thoughts on being an active and empathic listener, open minded, and with awareness.

The spoken word, being a strong verbal communicator, is a critical skill for everyone to learn. It is incredibly valuable in both your personal and professional life. There are many different verbal communication skills and abilities. Everything from the obvious, e.g., speaking clearly, confidentially, concisely to being an effective listener. In this episode, Dr. Dodd provides some basic principles/thoughts pertaining to the spoken side of communication. He states, “It is beyond critical that individuals involved in any meaningful relationship…speak. It's especially true within families, marriages, or any other close relationship. To share your thoughts, needs, desires, etc. are imperative. If you don't, then others in your life are put in a position of guessing what you are thinking…of having to assume.”

Join Dr. Dodd as he discusses the increasingly prevalent, damaging, hurtful, and trust breaking behavior…the emotional affair. He provides several of the warning signs, the negative consequences associated with the behavior, and what to do if you're involved in it. Dr. Dodd states that, “With technology enabling the proverbial round-the-clock, hidden, communication…it has never been easier to fall into the trap of moving from “just friends” to “more than friends.”” He further states, “that while there are those who believe that an emotional affair is harmless, since there is not a sexual component to the relationship, most marriage and relationship experts view it as being unfaithful.” Emotional affairs often serve as a gateway to sexual infidelity. They take place when an individual invests more of their emotional energy outside of their marriage. They receive emotional support and companionship from the “other” person…not their spouse.

Every relationship has varying degrees, or levels of expectations. And contrary to popular opinion/belief, expectations are not always a bad thing or as the adage says, “expectations lead to disappointments.” In this episode Dr. Dodd helps the listener understand, establish, and work through Relationship Expectations. “It is my desire to share with you some of the more common hurdles associated with those expectations, such as realistic vs. unrealistic expectations, and what to do when those expectations are not met.”

Calling all you dads, dads-to-be, stepdads, grandads, male guardians, father figures, etc.…please listen up! Join Dr. Dodd as he discusses the critical role of being dad! Numerous studies continue to support the belief that the pivotal role of a father figure, can significantly influence the life…the well-being of a child. He describes what he believes a healthy dad/child relationship looks like and the critical importance of it.

In this podcast, Dr. Dodd shares that “over the last several weeks, I've received a lot of questions pertaining to the issue of depression.” He further states that, “I hope to answer many of those questions in a way that is both helpful and practical to the listener, including taking a quick look at the four more common types of depression versus a day or two of feeling “down” or sad.

“I am scared to death of what's coming!” “There is so much uncertainty in my life!” “I hate change!” “Can I do something to help me be able to walk in faith?” “The idea of surrendering to God's will, makes sense to me… but I'm afraid of what He may want me to change.” “If I let God be God in my life, then how will that play out? Can I trust Him?” Join Dr. Dodd as he addresses the fear of the unknown, some of possible causes, and practical tips on “what to do about it.”

Everyone can have moments of feeling worried about what could go wrong, of being irritable, maybe have feelings of sadness, or have trouble sleeping. But when these feelings become so persistent (lasting for more than just a day or so) that they begin to interfere with your ability to work, to maintain relationships, to think clearly, or even handle everyday activities…you may be struggling with a more significant mood disorder. In this episode, Dr. Dodd especially “wants to speak to men” about depression and/or anxiety.

In this episode, Dr. Dodd has a conversation with a previous guest, Lincoln Lawing. Lincoln, as someone who struggles with the disorder, shares some of the challenges and tips to succeed, he has learned over the last several years. Dr. Dodd states “that the listener will find hope, practical suggestions, and lessons learned by allowing Lincoln to share his journey with you.” Don't miss this!

"The idea that every day starts to feel the same, that you have very little motivation to do anything, or “I'm just trying to get through yet another day,” when life feels unfulfilling, yet…. I'm scared to make any real change because “I don't like change and I don't want to deal with all the unknown.” In this episode Dr. Dodd declares that, while we all can go through times of feeling like we're in a rut, “You absolutely can do something about this!” He shares with the listener several tips/suggestions on how to become “unstuck.” Whether it's mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual “stuckness!”

In this episode, Dr. Dodd speaks to all those who are struggling with some type of regret(s). It's the persistent temptation to look back and reflect on things you wish or believe you could have done differently. Many find that regret has robbed them of any joy in their life, leading to feelings of having no power. Often, this is due to regret leading to shame, sadness, heavy remorse, anxiety, and maybe even depression. Dr. Dodd shares that, “In this podcast, it is my hope and prayer, to help you discover/learn some useful and practical tools, that will assist you in the working through of regret and the guilt often associated with it.”

Dr. Dodd states, “Every day I work with couples and individuals who are having to make some very critical decisions (e.g., regarding their marriage, what to do with their addiction, do I allow myself to trust, etc.).” I recently told an individual, “you are where you are because of your choices and decisions.” Too often people want to shift blame and responsibility. It's always someone else's fault. “If only they had done something different, I wouldn't be in the mess I'm in! It's their fault, I'm not responsible.” Listen, you and I are where we are…because of our thinking, which then dictates our choices and decisions. Again, our lives are shaped/fashioned by our choices and decisions. In this episode, Dr. Dodd “walks-around” several critical decisions that we all (potentially) make every day.

In this episode, Dr. Dodd “walk's around” the subject of being true to yourself, of being authentic, being real. In other words, being your authentic self. It's about being who you really are…deep within you. It means that what you say in life is in alignment with your actions. It's about living life that is genuine, real, consistent with how you define you…no matter your circumstances or audience. Having your thoughts, your words, actions, attitudes, beliefs…line up with each other. He cautions that when this is not the case, it's easy to slip into “people-pleasing” mode, or the “Imposter Syndrome” which usually involves the wearing of psychological masks, when we do and say things based on our circumstances (i.e., what others expect of us).

In the world we live in, men often feel that they need to present as self-reliant, fearless, stoic, and have all the answers. Imagine, just for moment, being a young boy who is crying over a painful injury…or being afraid…and then being told to “man up.” A man recently shared, “This world seems to tell us that men should be stoic, aloof, and a lone wolf. But I have found, to be there…is a dangerous spot to put myself. I need people around me, especially other men who can hold me accountable…in a non-judgmental way.” Join Dr. Dodd, as he addresses the myth (or completely wrong conclusion) that men are unfeeling, void of emotions.