New Life LIVE
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New Life LIVE is America’s #1 Christian counseling call-in podcast. As a radio program that started in 1988, many people have received help. The hosts are counselors and psychologists answering callers questions about all areas of relationships, addiction and mental health, and how faith is impacted. Visit our website at newlife.com, or call us at 800-639-5433.
New Life LIVE: September 16, 2026
Yesterday at 8:45 PM
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Becky shares a couple of her favorite quotes, including one attributed to Plato: “Be kind because everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” We rarely know what anyone else is carrying, so we have to be careful not to judge. My elderly mother fell and broke her femur two years ago, but she still isn’t doing anything about it. I’m 58, but she treats me like a child and says she doesn’t want me to be alone. How do I handle this so I don’t sound so irritated? My brother and his wife did...New Life LIVE: September 15, 2026
Last Tuesday at 8:45 PM
Caller Questions & Discussion:
JJ discusses the difference between slips and relapses. For example, JJ has been working to change his diet but had a recent slip-up, not a relapse. In recovery, when people have a slip, they often think they’re starting back at zero. But it’s only a minor setback. I went to Every Man’s Battle and wanted to share that within the first hour, you experience a certain freedom. I help with lay counseling and have seen ministers tell women that it’s built into a guy’s DNA to need to have a sexual rel...New Life LIVE: September 14, 2026
Last Monday at 8:45 PM
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Becky shares the challenges of caring for her adult son with disabilities and the constant search for answers. Her pastor recently reminded her that God is with her. In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul reminds us that we have treasures in “clay jars” and may be “pressed…but not…crushed.” I called you about my blindness, and I wanted to let you know that my eyes and depression have been completely healed! I’m dating a woman whose son loves me, but he has a busy schedule. How can I let him know that I want to have a relationship...New Life LIVE: September 11, 2026
Last Friday at 8:45 PM
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jill explains why remembering 9/11 matters as we mark the 25th anniversary: we honor those who died and remember so we don’t repeat history. Throughout the Bible, God’s people created memorials to remember what God did during difficult times. Remembering a tragedy also honors that part of us that lived through it. My best friend of 40 years has stayed in a miserable marriage with an unfaithful husband for 10 years. They’re deeply in debt, and I’ve given them a large sum of money to help. Am I a terrible friend if I tell her...New Life LIVE: September 10, 2026
09/10/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jacqui discusses what to do when someone you know is suicidal. My 21-year-old nephew is an atheist, uses substances to drown his sorrows, and has put his hands on his mother more than once. We lost a sibling to suicide, so that might be why my sister is overprotective. The hosts discuss why betrayed women are reluctant to get help for themselves. How do I love and support my 22-year-old daughter without supporting the lesbian lifestyle? My daughter is in a lesbian relationship, and we are Christians who want to love and support her...New Life LIVE: September 9, 2026
09/09/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jim discusses how spiritual discipline helps us become better equipped to handle whatever comes our way. Using Jesus’ example in Luke 6:12, picture a wagon wheel with three parts: solitude, community, and mission. Should I wait for my daughter to make the first move so we can have a relationship? She’s 46, and we can’t seem to find peace between us. She resents that I left New York and her. We moved across the country to be close to my in-laws, but I’m having a hard time with my mother-in-law, who won’t even babys...New Life LIVE: September 8, 2026
09/08/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Chris discusses how much he loves old hymns. One line from the hymn “Come Thou Fount” that stands out to him is, “Tune my heart to sing Thy grace.” Tuning our hearts to “sing Thy grace” is a daily task. It’s been a year since my son has talked to me. He is gay, and he and his partner lost the home they were living in. He stopped talking to me after I told him I wouldn’t give him any money. He used to take drugs, but his partner has helped him stop. What should I do...New Life LIVE: September 7, 2026
09/07/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jill shares how waterskiing reminded her of the mind-body connection and the importance of staying active. Nothing stays the same, so keep moving forward! My sister, who is 11 years older, is racist, and she speaks ugly about strangers. I’m white and have 2 black grandkids, so this is especially hurtful. Should I stay or leave my marriage? I’ve been married for 47 years to a narcissist and wonder if God has called me to stay because my marriage is my ministry. After three years in a recovery group, I feel God calling me to lead...New Life LIVE: September 4, 2026
09/04/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Alice shares how more and more parents are seeing their children become disrespectful while still demanding screen time. She offers steps parents can take. My husband will take what I say and switch it to something unrelated, and he’ll relate the conversation to a song he’s heard. He did drugs in his 20s. Did the drugs affect him, and how do I respond to help him see his problem? Do I leave my church because everyone is 30 years younger and I can’t connect? I moved to California from Alaska. My daughter won’t...New Life LIVE: September 3, 2026
09/03/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Sheri explains why ambiguity can make us anxious and how a frightening choking incident reminded her that control is an illusion. All we have is right now. Taking life moment by moment can help us manage anxiety and uncertainty. When I read Proverbs 3:5-6, why do I have to trust anyone? It says to trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart. Am I using this verse to protect myself? God didn’t command us to trust in anyone but Him but to love others. I’ve been separated from my wife for over...New Life LIVE: September 2, 2026
09/02/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Alice asks, “Are you taking the proven steps you need to get better? If not, why not?” Don’t let fear, ignorance, or pride keep you from facing pain, pursuing healing, and taking God’s steps toward lasting change. How does a young man prepare for marriage and leave behind childish things in a world that is hostile to biblical maturity? I’m in my mid-20s and have struggled with pornography. My three sisters and I all experienced sexual abuse from our older brother growing up. Two of my sisters forgave him, but my youngest...New Life LIVE: September 1, 2026
09/01/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jim discusses how children are being exposed to pornography at younger ages, with some children encountering it as young as age 8. If a parent catches their child watching it, they need to be careful not to overreact and instead be a safe place for their kids. I’m concerned for my 8-year-old daughter’s safety as she lives with my wife, who said she doesn’t want to be a pastor’s wife and asked me to leave. My daughter is now lashing out at her grandmother. How do I handle this? I got pregnant...New Life LIVE: August 31, 2026
08/31/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Marc reflects on how his 21-year-old son’s ADHD made school a roller coaster, activating Marc’s stress system. When it comes to parenting, more is caught than taught; we need to soothe before we solve, to model emotional maturity. Where does ayahuasca come from, and is it addictive? My 35-year-old daughter wants to be a mom and find a husband; she traveled to Peru and took ayahuasca, and her brother died from drugs. How can people move forward after losing someone to suicide? I mentored a young man in foster care who would have been...New Life LIVE: August 28, 2026
08/28/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
JJ explains primary and secondary boundaries from the Every Man’s Battle Intensive, sharing how he set boundaries around which foods he allows in his home after changing his diet. What secondary “fences” or primary boundaries do you need to set? I’m separated after 34 years of marriage to a covert narcissistic husband, and my adult sons show narcissistic tendencies. Can you give me biblical advice on helping them while grieving the loss of my 22-year-old son to suicide? Any advice on how I can help my angry grandson? He’ll be 17 and wants to live with...New Life LIVE: August 27, 2026
08/27/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jill explains how being in a dissociative state can leave you feeling unsafe and vulnerable. While awareness can be painful, leaning into it can help us let go of old defenses that are no longer needed. My daughter is married to a controlling man who threatens her with divorce and doesn’t want to be intimate with her. He only sees their baby for half an hour a day. As a parent, what’s the best advice I can give her? My granddaughter got saved and asked me to baptize her; is it biblical for...New Life LIVE: August 26, 2026
08/26/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jim discusses the challenges of the sandwich generation—balancing parenting with caring for aging parents—and shares practical tips for managing emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual stress. Remember: self-care isn’t selfish. I’m 61 and have two older sisters. The middle sister is very toxic. As a Christian, how much should I put myself out there when she is very hard to deal with? She insults me from head to toe. My 91-year-old mom has people trying to hack her computer. I had a major financial loss from being hacked myself. I’m really struggling...New Life LIVE: August 25, 2026
08/25/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Chris explains how judging others can divide us, create an unsafe environment, and keep us from honestly examining our own struggles. Every Man’s Battle Intensive offers a safe, Christ-centered place where men can bring their hardest struggles into the light without fear of judgment. My schizophrenic grandson had a child with a bipolar, abusive woman. How can I help? How can I find the right psychiatrist and help my daughter while respecting HIPAA? She is 35 years old, lives in another state, has two sons, recently got a DUI, and may be struggling with mental he...New Life LIVE: August 24, 2026
08/24/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Marc explains that sometimes one partner in a married couple takes sex off the table because they’re resentful and angry. But when sex is withheld, that feels like an abandonment. Sex is not for one person to suppress but for both to address. How do I deal with finding vulgar texts on my disabled girlfriend’s phone from a pastor? I help her with daily tasks. At first, she didn’t tell me the truth, but she now says the pastor forced her to have sex. My son just told me I couldn’t come int...New Life LIVE: August 21, 2026
08/21/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
JJ shares about the story of Joseph, which he often teaches at the end of the Every Man’s Battle Intensive. Despite jealousy, lies, abuse, slavery, false accusations, imprisonment, and famine, Joseph could say, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). I’m struggling with acceptance because shame comes over me. I’d like to move forward. How do you overcome that? I was always told I was a good kid and was a listener, but I never applied it to myself. After hearing my neighbors’ dogs bark for 4 months straight, I...New Life LIVE: August 20, 2026
08/20/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Alice discusses four ways to deal with anxiety and explains how using something cold on the face activates the mammalian dive reflex—an automatic bodily response that may help regulate the body and reduce anxiety symptoms. I’m 51, and my mom is moving in with me and my two teens. How can I set healthy boundaries with my mom? Every time I have to confront her about anything, she cries. How does childhood sexual abuse affect adults? A relative of mine struggles with the effects of childhood trauma and has addictions. She has attempted suic...New Life LIVE: August 19, 2026
08/19/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Alison Cook, psychologist, podcaster, and attachment-style expert, discusses her newest book The Secure Soul and how she wove experiences from childhood into adulthood. She asks the question: What does it mean to connect with yourself, especially the younger version of yourself? What is fueling feelings of insecurity? Where is God in times of trials? What is your definition of the word soul, and how do we know that we need to tend to our soul? I’m struggling at work and feeling lonely. I left work today just for the afternoon because it’s a tox...New Life LIVE: August 18, 2026
08/18/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Chris discusses scarcity vs. abundance and how feeling unloved in our relationships can make us believe we are unworthy or not valuable. Through gratitude, we can refocus our hearts on God’s goodness and learn to relax into His love today. I’m in my sixth marriage and have been married for seven years. My 73-year-old husband rarely talks to me all day, calls my grandkids vulgar names, and walks away from me. We’re seeing a marriage counselor. Do I stay or go? My husband won’t remove his boots before he comes into the hous...New Life LIVE: August 17, 2026
08/17/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
How can you reduce your “buts”? Marc explains why but can feel like a dismissal or subtraction in conversation, while and can feel like an addition. Learn how pausing before you say but can help you communicate in a way that makes others feel valued and heard. I really want to get healed from people-pleasing. My mom used to tell me not to make enemies. I have a friend who made a racist comment that I want to walk away from but don’t know how. How do I get over it? My wife was diagno...New Life LIVE: August 14, 2026
08/14/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jill discusses scrupulosity, a form of religious or moral OCD that can cause intense guilt, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts about faith and morality. People may obsess over questions like whether they have blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Therapy and medication can help manage religious OCD and anxiety. Our pastor’s 27-year-old son used to be in church leadership, but he is now in prison for explicit child materials. A little girl in the church told her parents that he had abused her, but the pastor denied it. Should I report it? The church doesn’t know...New Life LIVE: August 13, 2026
08/13/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Sheri discusses how she likes to “noodle” after a conversation by trying to figure out what happened. She shares that we often push down our feelings, but we must give feelings space to be included in the room. I heard a show last week about a man whose sister-in-law had gone through treatment for alcoholism, but his wife was still angry. Having been affected by alcoholism, I wondered why you didn’t mention that his wife may also need support from a counselor. My husband has separated from me and leased an apartment. He says h...New Life LIVE: August 12, 2026
08/12/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jacqui reflects on a therapy program’s 40th anniversary at the school where she works and the importance of taking responsibility for our healing, as (James 2:17) states: “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” What is an intervention? When is the right time to do an intervention with my alcoholic daughter? Are there any precautions to take? In 2013, I went to Every Man’s Battle and ended up with an awesome friend. I used to make sex an idol, but it’s been a joy now that I don’t turn to porn...New Life LIVE: August 11, 2026
08/11/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Pastor and author Max Lucado joins us to discuss his newest book and explains how the story of Elijah demonstrates the power of prayer. Elijah was human, just as we are, and God wants us to bring our concerns to Him. We should always choose prayer rather than despair. What does it mean to wrestle in prayer? I recently read one of Max Lucado’s devotionals, and it made me think how God had Jesus come to Earth as a human being so we would know He wants a family. I’m in my mid-60s, a...New Life LIVE: August 10, 2026
08/10/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Alice discusses how screens and AI chatbots can draw children into unsafe situations, including harmful relationships and even suicide. Parents and grandparents can help by setting healthy screen boundaries and staying connected with children online and offline. I retired in April after 47 years of marriage and 35 years as a truck driver. I feel like I have a new life and new opportunities, but my wife still controls our finances, keeps the house cluttered, and won’t listen to my ideas. I’m alive, but I’m not living. I’m 31 weeks pregnant, single, and recently...New Life LIVE: August 7, 2026
08/07/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jill shares how her husband was recently ill and how she had to do a lot of work she normally wouldn’t have to do. Each morning, she chooses gratitude. Our feelings, actions, and thoughts don’t always align in relationships, but we can choose to do the right thing through mutual serving and submission. I live in Canada, and I have an 11-year-old son. I lightly slapped my son and once pushed him out of the way, and my ex called 911. Now I’m under supervised visits. How do I keep from becoming bitter...New Life LIVE: August 6, 2026
08/06/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Alice discusses how Christians can respond with grace and compassion toward those who experience same-sex attraction. If you have a family member who struggles with same-sex attraction, offer a listening ear and create space for honest, faith-filled conversations. How do I get over my ex-husband? We divorced in 2020, and he now has a live-in girlfriend, but I don’t know how to move on. We have a son together, and my son doesn’t talk to me. I’ve recently seen a major personality change in my daughter, who’s in college and almost 19. We found...New Life LIVE: August 5, 2026
08/05/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jacqui shares that many men carry overwhelming anxiety when they feel responsible for everyone and everything, which can lead to micromanaging. Micromanaging isn’t always about control–it can be anxiety disguised as leadership. I listened to Dr. Jacqui share on July 24 about having a friend who is sensitive to perfume. I wanted to let her know about NAET, a drug-free method that helped me and my family with allergies and sensitivities. My sister-in-law is an alcoholic who has been to four treatment centers. She is now 90 days sober. My wife is still very angr...New Life LIVE: August 4, 2026
08/04/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Is technology bringing your family closer together or further apart? Dr. Jim shares digital wellness tips and biblical principles for healthier family relationships. My girlfriend’s son was murdered by his friend. Later, my son started dating the daughter of the murderer, but he eventually broke up with her. How do we deal with this? I’m a pastor and was asked to perform a same-sex commitment ceremony. When I read that “love covers a multitude of sins” but then read that same-sex relationships are a sin, I’m conflicted. How do I deal with my mixed e...New Life LIVE: August 3, 2026
08/03/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Marc shares that depending on one’s attachment style, each person may respond differently to change. Growth always requires a risk. If you’re stuck in a relational cycle of doom, where will you be a year from now? Should I stay in a 36-year marriage when my husband keeps giving his family members money without discussing it with me? Yesterday, I discovered that he’s continued to do it. What should I do if I still get bullied by my ex-husband who divorced me 20 years ago? My 44-year-old daughter spent time in a behavioral health...New Life LIVE: July 31, 2026
07/31/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jill discusses parental PTSD and how a hijacked nervous system can lead to catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, and rumination. If you struggle with parental PTSD, ask yourself: When did I first feel this way before becoming a parent? I sold my home and invested in building a new home with my fiancé, but he didn’t contribute financially, and the home was destroyed by a hurricane. Now he’s unsure about marriage and wants a prenup. What should I do? I’ve been married for 43 years. My husband is emotionally avoidant, and two years ago he told me...New Life LIVE: July 30, 2026
07/30/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Marc shares how to respond when you feel frustrated. Instead of just expressing frustration, identify what you’re really feeling. Discover the emotional need beneath your frustration and what you need to resolve it. My sister and I are in our 80s and 90s. I’m in counseling, but where do I start to begin healing the broken relationship with my sister? Her ex-husband is dying. I was recently diagnosed with autism at 79 years old. Could autism be contributing to the emotional and psychological challenges I’ve been working through in counseling? I’ve been committe...New Life LIVE: July 29, 2026
07/29/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Becky discusses an article circulating online that asks: Are therapists to blame for family estrangement? About one-third of families believe a therapist influenced the decision. However, most therapists do not encourage family estrangement. Our 24-year-old son is home from college and thinks he can do whatever he wants. We’re trying to set healthy boundaries, but he’s abusing Adderall and dropped out of college even though he only had two classes left to earn his degree. My 36-year-old daughter is taking medication for depression and was advised by her clinic to distance herself from me...New Life LIVE: July 28, 2026
07/28/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jim shares that while speaking last week, he reflected on the Los Angeles fires last year. His brother lost his home. In difficult times, he reminds us that one of the best ways to persevere is to deepen our spiritual roots and stay grounded in faith. My daughter found her 14-year-old son’s journal and discovered he wants to change his gender. What can she do? Is my husband right to forbid me from visiting my children or having them come “home” to visit? My husband doesn’t want me to have anything to do with...New Life LIVE: July 27, 2026
07/27/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Alice shares a recent moment when she felt disrespected by one of her children. Instead of reacting, she used the Comfort Circle to create space for connection and understanding. If you’re struggling with a child who’s disobeying you, use gentle curiosity. I was walking with my friend and noticed she seemed very paranoid. She is involved in ministry, has a son, and believes she is experiencing spiritual warfare, but she won’t seek professional help. How can I support her? Why do I still feel so alone, depressed, and sad? I’ve had coun...New Life LIVE: July 24, 2026
07/24/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Alice shares that she came from a family that did not meet her emotional needs. So with her spouse and children, she tells them that she needs to hear them say they love her. Whenever the people I’m in a relationship with did three things I didn’t like, I’d ghost them. So it was three strikes, and they were out. But God spoke to me about how I’d feel if I was on the receiving end. I bought a home, but my neighbors are using Ouija boards and are hostile. If it ha...New Life LIVE: July 23, 2026
07/23/2026
Caller Questions & Discussion:
Dr. Jill shares about a recent baby shower, where guests were asked to give advice to the mom-to-be. Children learn from their primary caregivers. As parents remain calm and create a safe environment, children learn how to self-regulate. I heard the story that when I was just 18 months old, when my sibling was born, I was sent to live with my grandparents for a few weeks. Is this something I should be concerned about if I have no memory of it? I’ve been married to a man who has had 15 affairs or more. I’m in...