The Positive Talk Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the 4 C's that make or break relationships: Chemistry, Compatibility, Character, and Competence. You'll learn what each one really means, how they show up in everyday interactions, and why it's okay if not every relationship has all four but essential to know which ones are missing.Whether you're evaluating a friendship, dating relationship, marriage, or work connection, this conversation will help you gain clarity, set boundaries, and make decisions rooted in both wisdom and self-respect.

Let's be honest conflict can feel scary. Whether it's with a partner, a friend, a co-worker, or even within ourselves, most of us would rather avoid the awkward conversation and just keep the peace.But what if that's not real peace?     In this week's episode of the Positive Talk Podcast, Chuck and Julie take us into one of the most universally challenging topics:CONFLICT: Why We Avoid It & How to Face It.Together, they explore:Why some of us shut down in the face of disagreementHow conflict avoidance may be costing us more than we realizeA biblical view of confrontation, connection, and forgivenessPractical steps to handle conflict with calm, clarity, and courageHow forgiveness frees you, not just the other personIf you've ever walked away from a hard conversation and thought, “There has to be a better way…” this episode is for you.

Emotional overload often leads to reactions we don't recognize in ourselves moments where we snap, shut down, or act in ways we regret. But those reactions aren't random. They're signals. In this week's episode of the Positive Talk Podcast, Chuck Allen and Julie Homrich uncover what's really happening when we “lose it” and how to stay grounded when life feels like too much.

Ever found yourself avoiding a task not out of laziness, but because it just feels too overwhelming? You're not alone.In this week's episode of the Positive Talk Podcast, we unpack the 5 core reasons behind procrastination: perfectionism, fear of failure, lack of motivation, overwhelm, and self-doubt and offer real, practical ways to overcome them.From the psychology of motivation to the power of a growth mindset, Chuck and Julie share both personal insights and faith-based encouragement to help you take the first step toward progress.Tune in now and start trading delay for momentum—your future self will thank you.

Have you ever felt stuck, knowing you need to make a change but struggling to follow through? Or watched a loved one resist transformation, even when it's clearly for the best?In this week's episode of the Positive Talk Podcast, we're breaking down the three biggest barriers to change:Lack of desireAvoiding the discomfort of transformationFeeling stuck without agencyWe'll explore the psychology behind why we resist change and more importantly how to overcome it. Using biblical wisdom, real-life examples, and practical strategies, we'll help you move from hesitation to action.Let's stop resisting and start growing one small step at a time.

Friendships and relationships aren't just nice to have. They shape the quality of our lives. But in our hyper-connected world, many of us feel more isolated than ever.In this episode of Positive Talk Podcast, we dive deep into what makes adult relationships truly fulfilling. From friendships and romantic partnerships to workplace and community connections, we uncover the science, spirit, and strategy behind meaningful relationships.What are the six types of friendships?How can boundaries strengthen—not weaken—relationships?Join Chuck Allen and Julie Homrich for a conversation that will transform the way you connect with others.

Life gets busy, priorities shift, and suddenly, friendships feel more complicated than ever. The effortless connections of childhood give way to packed schedules, changing life stages, and the challenge of maintaining meaningful relationships. In this episode, Chuck Allen and Julie Homrich unpack the realities of adult friendships—why they change, how to nurture them, and when to let go.From The Let Them Theory to the Friendship Audit, they'll give you practical tools to navigate the evolving landscape of connection. Whether you're feeling lonely, struggling to make new friends, or wondering how to invest in the relationships that truly matter, this conversation will help you reframe your approach and build friendships that fit your season of life.Tune in for real talk, actionable insights, and a fresh perspective on adult friendships!

Struggling to say "NO" without guilt?  What if "NO" was a complete answer—without excuses, regret, or guilt?

Have you ever wondered how to say NO without the guilty feelings that follow? What about the concept of NO being a complete sentence? Join Julie and Chuck on this week's Positive Talk Podcast to discuss "how to say NO without guilt or regret.

Most of us must prepare ourselves for the inevitable family dispute or turmoil that appears at every Holiday gathering. Whether this is your expectation or your reality, join Chuck and Julie for the Christmas edition of the Positive Talk Podcast: Holiday Family Tension.

In this special episode, join Julie and Chuck as they unpack how to survive this ugly political season and maintain healthy relationships!

The relational challenges of blending families can be significant stressors. Join Chuck and Julie for this week's episode as they tackle the psychology and faith elements of blending families.

Looking to boost your mental wellbeing? Discover the power of psychological flexibility, all wrapped up in one small word. Tune in as Chuck and Julie explore this transformative concept in the latest episode of the Positive Talk Podcast.

In this episode of the Positive Talk Podcast, host Chuck Allen delves into the universal human experience of fearing the unknown. Drawing from personal anecdotes and insights, Chuck explores practical strategies to help listeners transform their anxiety about uncertainty into excitement for new possibilities.

What makes a relationship “messy?” Simply put, it is when the challenges outweigh the ease, when misunderstandings pile up faster than your laundry, and when you constantly walk on eggshells. Join Chuck Allen for this brief but powerful conversation on this week's Positive Talk Podcast.

We all need to wrestle with when to stay or when to go. Knowing when to stick it out or cut and run is essential to living in peace, whether it is a relationship, career move, or habit. Join Chuck and Julie for this week's episode of the Positive Talk Podcast: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Both pastor and therapist hear this question regularly, "How can I know God's will?" Shortly after that, the next question is, "But how can I know it is from God?" Julie and Chuck offer a fresh take from both a psychological and biblical perspective on this week's Positive Talk Podcast.

We all need to become emotionally safe people, and we all need emotionally safe people in our lives. In a world of uncertainty and challenges, being emotionally safe is more important than ever. This episode will explore powerful strategies for becoming emotionally safe and nurturing our emotional resilience. Join Chuck and Julie on this week's episode of the Positive Talk Podcast.

We've probably all experienced an unhealthy, unsafe work environment. How do we work out of that environment and create a better workplace experience for our body, mind, and spirit? Join Julie and Chuck for this week's POSITIVE TALK PODCAST.

On this very special and sensitive edition of the Positive Talk Podcast, join Chuck and Julie as they talk openly about coping and dealing with suicide and its devastating effects on our culture. THIS IS A HIGHLY SENSITIVE EPISODE. Please be advised to consider whether you should listen to this episode prayerfully.

We all have hurt. But why does healing hurt? Healing isn't always easy, and quick fixes rarely lead to significant healing. Join Julie and Chuck on this week's episode of the Positive Talk Podcast.

We are bombarded with decisions every single day. Can anybody help me determine what to do now? Or, better stated, what to do next? Join Julie and Chuck for this helpful episode of the Positive Talk Podcast.

Heal so you can hear what's being said without the filter of your wound. We all have filters; when we see them, we can recognize where we've engaged in a faulty belief system. Heal without distorted beliefs!

Ever struggled with anxiety around the holidays? Maybe it's finances, relationships, or even family? Well, we have as well. Welcome to episode 13 of season 5 as Julie and Chuck unpack some practical ways to lessen the anxieties of the holidays on this week's Positive Talk Podcast.

On this week's Positive Talk Podcast, we are merging faith and psychology in a really practical way as we discuss what happens when we feel anxiety about our faith. There is actually a word, SCRUPULOSITY, for when we feel this uneasy sense of guilt or anxiety about the quality of our religious beliefs.

Last week, Julie and Chuck discussed Gaslighting, and this week, in part two, they will discuss what to do if you are being gaslighted. It starts with ten phrases that help you identify gaslighting and the appropriate responses to avoid being gaslighted.

 “You're crazy”. “It didn't happen that way,” “You're too sensitive.”  and “Oh stop, you're okay.” These are all phrases that are used when an individual is seeking to gain power and control over another person through an act we call “gaslighting.” Are you involved in a relationship where you are being gaslighted? Join Julie and Chuck for an interesting discussion on this week's Positive Talk Podcast.

You look in the mirror and think, "I Never Thought This Would Be Me." Now, what do I do? Join Mandi and Chuck for a practical conversation about happiness, expectations, disappointment, and where we think we "should be."

Expectations and the hangovers they can create. That can happen when our expectations, created and assumed, run wild. Join Chuck and his guest host, Mandi Allison, for how to manage our expectations on this week's episode of the Positive Talk Podcast.

Is an online relationship cheating? What if I hide my online relationships? Do you think I should be concerned about my partner's online relationship? Join this week's discussion as Chuck and Julie unpack some helpful advice on the Positive Talk Podcast.

We all face it! How do my life and family interact with technology and build healthy relationships? Join Chuck and Julie for this helpful conversation.

Parenting in the digital age isn't for the faint of heart. How can we help our kids develop healthy screen habits through screen literacy? Join Julie and Chuck as they offer a few practical tools for parents looking to find the right balance with screen literacy.  In this week's episode, you will discover helpful and practical ways to manage screen time, screen tools, and screen help. What you will not find in this week's episode is shutting down technology, avoiding the fact that screens are “a real thing,” and shaming how technology can assist in parenting. Every parent can benefit from this candid conversation in screen literacy. Thanks for joining the Positive Talk Podcast!

We all have some unhealthy relationships in our lives. How do we identify them, and what do we do about them? Julie and Chuck offer a few helpful tools to help us work through the challenge of unhealthy relationships on the Positive Talk Podcast.

Without knowing it, we often choose relationships that are unhealthy, and too often we choose those relationships based on our past, our hurts, our habits, etc. When we recognize those relationships are unhealthy or toxic, we need a little help in working our way through them. Join Julie and Chuck as they help us all navigate our way through challenging relationships on the Positive Talk Podcast.

Red Flags in Relationships: Relationships can be complex. However, learning to identify relationship red flags from the start can mitigate a lot of suffering in the long run. Join Chuck and Julie this week on the Positive Talk Podcast as they simplify the process of identifying red flags in your relationships. Mixing therapeutic guidance and spiritual discernment, you can learn to engage in authentic, reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationships that help you grow into the best version of yourself.

Relationships can be complex.  However, identifying relationship red flags can mitigate much suffering in the long run. Join Chuck and Julie on the Positive Talk Podcast this week as they simplify identifying red flags in your relationships.

Psychologists, pastors, and leadership experts tell us that the quality of our lives depends, in no small part, on the quality of our relationships. And yet, the actual substance of what makes a good relationship remains a mystery to many of us.  Join Chuck and Julie as we kick off Season 5 of the Positive Talk Podcast, unpacking what happens in our body, mind, and spirit during a relationship.  If you've ever wondered where emotions, attachment, and love begin, join us as we explore the DNA of Relationships.

The World Health Organization defines burnout as feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance, or feelings of negativism or cynicism and reduced efficiency. This means that if you're exhausted, feel disconnected from the people and things that matter most to you, have difficulty cultivating a hopeful mindset, and aren't operating at your best, you could be experiencing burnout. The name mirrors what happens when a flame goes out—you feel like you've lost your spark- you're burnt out.  Join Julie and Chuck for this essential and entertaining conversation on the Positive Talk Podcast.

They are unavoidable. They are frustrating. They can be terrible. But they do not have to define you; you do not have to engage in all of them. Join Julie and Chuck as they discuss arguing without "losing it." This week's Positive Talk Podcast is a super-practical look at a subject we all deal with - ARGUMENTS!

Join therapist and co-host Julie Homrich on this week's Positive Talk Podcast as she unpacks a revolutionary way to help parent your children through S.P.A.C.E. S.P.A.C.E., which stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, is a new treatment method proposing a change to this model. The S.P.A.C.E. program is designed to help children feel less anxious, but the parents and caregivers participate in treatment sessions — not the kid. This is a constructive conversation for parents struggling with anxious kids. Join Julie for this important episode.

Are you feeling buried under an avalanche of tasks, responsibilities, and commitments? Do you wake up every morning with a sense of dread and anxiety about managing everything on your plate? Overwhelm can be crippling and exhausting, but it's not a life sentence. In this week's Positive Talk Podcast, Julie and Chuck explore practical strategies for working out of overwhelm and regaining control over your time, energy, and focus. Whether you're a busy professional juggling multiple projects or a stay-at-home parent trying to keep up with household chores, these tips will help you regain the reins and feel more empowered in your daily life. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea), and let's get started!

What do we do when we seem to remain "offended?" The “mental ingredients” of offense we'd have to take into account in today's episode include, 1.) The triggering event 2.) Our perception of that event (we used the term “The story I am telling myself is…”) and then, 3.) Our ability or inability to move through the anger, so it doesn't fester into resentment. How exactly do we do that? We're going to discuss that today. Join Chuck and Julie for this helpful conversation on the Positive Talk Podcast.

Why are we so offended by everything? It seems like every day; there is someone or something that we are offended by. Whether it's a political candidate, a commercial, or even a Facebook status, we can't seem to help but be offended by something. This week's Positive Talk Podcast will examine what makes us so offended. From examining our biases to understanding words' power and how they can affect us. But more importantly, how can we live UNOFFENDABLE.

It's a far too frequent challenge; when do I cross the line from being supportive, to becoming an enabler? There are some signs that we can use to help ourselves be supportive without becoming an enabler. Whether is it in the context of addictions, marriage, workplace, friends or even ourselves! Join Julie and Chuck for this fascinating conversation as they merge faith and psychology on the Positive Talk Podcast.

Maybe the word FUNDAMENTALISM triggers something in you, whether good or bad. In this week's episode of the POSITIVE TALK PODCAST, Julie and Chuck discuss the dangers of fundamentalism in faith, especially how it impacts our brain and emotional health. Regardless of how you initially receive the word fundamentalism, this is an important and fascinating topic that affects many of us. Between Julie, a psych-therapist, and Chuck, a pastor, this is a fascinating conversation, so join in.

It is one thing to change, another to want to change, and yet another to actuate change. We were created to change, even when it is painful. In this week's Positive Talk Podcast, Julie and Chuck unpack five practical steps toward meaningful change. Don't miss this week's Positive Talk Podcast.

Mirror, Mirror, Hoe Influence Shapes Us WHAT WE BECOME - Our brains were created to reflect what we focus on and who we spend time with. This is why some people say, “Want to see who you'll become in 5 years?” Look at the five people you spend the most time with. JOIN JULIE & CHUCK FOR THE FASCINATING EPISODE OF THE POSITIVE TALK PODCAST.

Ever wonder how change truly happens in your life? The science of sanctification is a tangible action in our physical body. Mind, body, and soul all play a role in strengthening and changing our lives from the inside out. You can change significantly as you co-create a new you in cooperation with your Creator. Join Chuck and Julie for this fascinating conversation - The Science of Sanctification on the Positive Talk Podcast.

Discovering peace and maintaining a soul at peace is a significant task. We can experience peace in our physical bodies. It's not just a "feeling." We must know where peace resides in our body, soul, and mind to do that. You can discover peace and build your "peace muscles." Join Julie and Chuck for season four of the Positive Talk Podcast.

Whether it is a relationship, a job, a career, or a life, we all need to know how to finish well. One thing we can all grow into is the difference between completion and ending. Join Julie, a therapist, and Chuck, a pastor as they merge faith and psychology each week on the Positive Talk Podcast. This week's conversation is so good! Join the conversation in this season's final episode and find all of season 1, 2, and 3 on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple.

So - what do you do when you don't know what to do? The answer isn't the same for everyone, but you can decide via many different paths. Working through indecision can be a challenging experience, especially if you're facing a big life change. You can find a way to get unstuck, consider your decision, and take action with a calm, peace-filled mind. Join Julie and Chuck as they unpack the steps to move forward in a positive fashion when you don't what to do on this week's Positive Talk Podcast.