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 struggles or victories you’re facing.

Corie also opens up about her own experiences, including early marital challenges with Matt and how learning to externalize struggles rather than internalize shame became a game-changer.

Whether you’re struggling with personal self-worth or navigating conflict with your partner, this episode offers real, actionable insights for bringing balance to your emotional and relational life.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why black-and-white thinking can sabotage your relationships
• How to recognize the difference between guilt (healthy) and shame (destructive)
• Practical steps for pulling yourself out of a shame spiral
• How to acknowledge both progress and problems in your relationship
• The role of humility and why it’s essential for growth
• How our past experiences shape emotional reactions to conflict

All links: https://linktr.ee/corieweathers Work with Corie: www.corieweathers.com 1-on-1 Coaching/Counseling: https://lifegiver.as.me/CorieWeathers Join me on Substack: http://SUBSTACK.COM/@CORIELPC Record Your Question/Message! https://www.speakpipe.com/CorieWeathers Music: nature / nurture by Kaitlyn Raitz

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 those you love.

We'll talk about:

• The importance of healthy boundaries in marriage.
• How relationships can enrich—or derail—our personal growth.
• The difference between passive avoidance and assertive communication in conflict.
• Why articulating your needs and values can lead to stronger connections.

Whether you're figuring out how to communicate your needs effectively or trying to rebuild intimacy after conflict, this episode offers insights to help you navigate the messy middle of relationships with grace, honesty, and intentionality.

Call to Action: What does your duplex look like? Take a moment to reflect on the state of your personal and shared spaces. Share your story or thoughts by leaving a message or sending me message.

All links: https://linktr.ee/corieweathers Work with Corie: www.corieweathers.com 1-on-1 Coaching/Counseling: https://lifegiver.as.me/CorieWeathers Join me on Substack: http://SUBSTACK.COM/@CORIELPC Record Your Question/Message! https://www.speakpipe.com/CorieWeathers Music: nature / nurture by Kaitlyn Raitz

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 spouse, and a parent.

• Why relationships are inherently messy and how that messiness fosters growth.
• The concept of the "messy middle" as a space where healthy relationships thrive.
• How to navigate extremes in relationships by setting boundaries and offering grace.
• Practical examples, including parenting differences and managing conflict in marriage.
• Encouragement to embrace the ebb and flow of life’s challenges while staying grounded in your core values.

I'll also update you on my recent hiatus and why I'm pivoting the direction of Season 9.

All links: https://linktr.ee/corieweathers Work with Corie: www.corieweathers.com 1-on-1 Coaching/Counseling: https://lifegiver.as.me/CorieWeathers Join me on Substack: http://SUBSTACK.COM/@CORIELPC Record Your Question/Message! https://www.speakpipe.com/CorieWeathers Music: nature / nurture by Kaitlyn Raitz

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: Stay tuned for more episodes as we explore the stages of the hero’s journey and apply them to real-life growth and leadership. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show, and share it with someone who might need a nudge toward their own adventure!

All links: https://linktr.ee/corieweathers

Work with Corie: www.corieweathers.com

1-on-1 Coaching/Counseling: https://lifegiver.as.me/CorieWeathers

Join me on Substack: http://SUBSTACK.COM/@CORIELPC

Record Your Question/Message! https://www.speakpipe.com/CorieWeathers

Music: nature / nurture by Kaitlyn Raitz

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 of personal growth. From understanding what "the call" feels like to recognizing it in our own lives, we’ll cover how to start moving forward even when fear and doubt get in the way. Get ready to start your journey by exploring what it means to accept the call and take the first steps toward a life of purpose, fulfillment, and growth.

Key Questions to Reflect On:

• What “call to adventure” have you felt in your own life? Was it an invitation to explore a new career path, a personal transformation, or a difficult decision?
• Who or what has acted as a mentor or guide in your life when you were faced with new challenges?
• Have you ever felt resistance to change? What held you back, and how did you respond?

Everyone faces a call to adventure, whether it’s a career opportunity, a chance to grow personally, or a new direction in life. Embracing the call can lead to profound transformation. When we acknowledge the fear and uncertainty, we make space for courage to step in, leading us toward a more fulfilling path.

Connect with Me: Stay tuned for more episodes as we explore the stages of the hero’s journey and apply them to real-life growth and leadership. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show, and share it with someone who might need a nudge toward their own adventure!

All links: https://linktr.ee/corieweathers

Work with Corie: www.corieweathers.com

1-on-1 Coaching/Counseling: https://lifegiver.as.me/CorieWeathers

Join me on Substack: http://SUBSTACK.COM/@CORIELPC

Record Your Question/Message! https://www.speakpipe.com/CorieWeathers

Music: nature / nurture by Kaitlyn Raitz

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 Podcast that is underway: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/military-culture-shift-podcast/id1704769860

Ending Credits song: "Closer Than You Know"

https://music.apple.com/us/album/closer-than-you-know/1440827181?i=1440828073

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 and have picked up the book if you haven’t.

(Order the book from Amazon here)

Also, I’m encouraging you ahead of time to listen all the way to the end of each episode for powerful songs written and performed by veterans, military spouses, and even Gen Z military teens. I’ve so enjoyed lifting up our community and I hope you will feel lifted as well.

Order your copy of Military Culture Shift here.

Listen to Corie's Lifegiver Podcast here

Find out more about how you can work with and contact Corie here.

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 the Military Culture Shift Podcast

Sign up for my monthly newsletter here!

For more content and resources visit www.life-giver.org

We want to hear from you - It helps us serve you better! Send us an email at podcast@corieweathers.com

Want to work with Corie? Check out https://www.corieweathers.com/ for more info.

Song Credits: "You and Me" Tamas Kolozsvari