Advertise on podcast: Relational Skills in Real Life

Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) can take over our minds, influence our emotions, and shape the way we respond to the people and situations around us. But how do we recognize when an ANT is simply a thought that needs to be challenged—and when it may be pointing to a deeper root issue that needs attention? In this extended episode, we will identify different ANTs we may be struggling with and recognize how they can keep us stuck in unhealthy thought patterns.  Join Chris as he offers insight, encouragement, and practical tools to help you become more aware of your thoughts and work toward greater freedom, connection, and joy. 🔗 Visit www.amenclinics.com to learn more about Dr. Daniel Amen’s mission to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. 🔗 Learn more about Skill 4 - Create Appreciation: www.thrivetoday.org/skill4 🔗 Go through our Appreciation Habit Builder course at your own pace online: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/skill-4-appreciation-habit-builder 🔗 Practice classes - Our live practice classes often go through an exercise from the Appreciation Habit Builder! Take a look at the schedule: https://thrivetoday.org/practice-class/#classes Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

Knowing relational skills is one thing—having them become a natural part of who we are is another. Practice is what turns our knowledge into awareness and capacity, helping healthy relational habits become automatic rather than forced. That’s what we want with relational skills: to practice them until they become part of our character and naturally show up in our everyday lives and relationships. Ultimately, we want to love like Jesus. In this episode, our friends Eric and Amy join us to share how consistent practice of relational skills has brought meaningful transformation to their individual lives and their marriage. Their story is an encouraging reminder that lasting change doesn’t happen simply by knowing what to do—it grows as we practice new patterns again and again. 🔗 Our 5-day in-person Premier Training is offered twice a year. It is THE best in relational skills training. Check here for upcoming dates: https://thrivetoday.org/events 🔗 Explore our online membership for more practice opportunities: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/pages/thrivetoday-practice-people-membership Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

At a time when stories of moral failure and unhealthy leadership in churches and ministries seem all too common, how can we know whether the communities we’re part of are truly healthy and safe? In this episode, Chris tackles this difficult but important topic by exploring what happens when people in positions of authority are operating beyond their maturity or capacity. He shares warning signs to watch for, practical questions you can ask church or ministry leaders, and characteristics that point to a healthy culture. Whether you’re evaluating a church, ministry, small group, or other community, this conversation offers practical tools for recognizing leadership and environments where people can grow, connect, and thrive! 🔗 Book: Joy Starts Here 🔗 Online Theory Course: The Pain of Disappointment 🔗 Book: The Pandora Problem Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

This episode explores the power of storytelling as a tool for transformation. Stories engage the whole brain, helping us connect ideas, emotions, experiences, and relationships in meaningful ways. Storytelling is a powerful relational brain skill that can help us learn new skills, make sense of our experiences, and create new connections in our minds. When we tell and hear stories, we aren’t just sharing information—we’re creating pathways for understanding and change. 🔗 Our NEW online course on Storytelling will be out soon!  🔗 Join our weekly online group and go through the NEW course with others in a facilitated group!  September 16 - November 18, 20267-8:15pm EST / 4pm-5:15 PST (75 MINS)https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/skill-11-habit-builder-group-wednesday🔗 The 4 Habits of Joyful People book - 15 minute brain science hacks to a more connected and satisfying life: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-people/ Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

Part 2 of our series explores the brain’s “Verbal Logical Explainer” and how past pain can distort the way we see ourselves, others, and reality. Identity wounds and the lies we believe about ourselves can be some of the most toxic—and hardest to recognize on our own. In this episode, we explore how spiritual warfare can help us recognize and confront those lies, while turning to God and trusted people for support. We’ll begin learning practical skills to break free from false beliefs, return to joy, and live authentically as ourselves—no matter what life brings our way. 🔗 Check out the book Outsmarting Yourself by Dr Karl Lehman: https://humble-shack.myshopify.com/products/outsmarting-yourself 🔗 Explore our online Habit Builder course on Relational Circuits: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/skill-0-habit-builder 🔗 The Thrive Premier Theory Course 3 is more advanced but Dr Jim Wilder goes into detail on this topic: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/theory-3 Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

Have you ever wondered how your brain makes sense of your feelings and the world around you? Meet your Verbal Logical Explainer, aka: VLE.  In this episode, we unpack how this internal mechanism dictates your perception of life and relationships—and what happens when it gets hijacked by past pain. Learn how to spot the lies your VLE tells you when you're hurting, break free from negative mental patterns, and start walking down the path of awareness toward what God has for you. 🔗 Check out the book Outsmarting Yourself by Dr Karl Lehman: https://humble-shack.myshopify.com/products/outsmarting-yourself 🔗 Explore our online Habit Builder course on Relational Circuits: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/skill-0-habit-builder 🔗 The Thrive Premier Theory Course 3 is more advanced but Dr Jim Wilder goes into detail on this topic: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/theory-3 Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

Dismissing your emotions can have lasting consequences—but emotions are meant to be felt, understood, and shared. When we express what we're feeling in safe, supportive relationships, it becomes easier to calm our minds, regulate our emotions, and process our experiences. Emotions play a vital role in our growth, relationships, and overall well-being.  Tune in to discover whether you've been dismissing your emotions, how that may be impacting your life, and practical steps you can take to develop healthier emotional habits.You can begin learning to navigate your emotions in a healthy, life-giving way today. 🔗 Check out our Return to Joy (skill 11) courses: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/collections/skill-11 🔗 Explore our online membership for more access to online courses: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/pages/thrivetoday-practice-people-membership 🔗 Are you looking to live in a more relational way where you can be more present and connected to others? Practice relational skills in a supportive group setting for 1 hour and get a taste of practice by joining one of our upcoming classes: https://thrivetoday.org/practice-class Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

At THRIVEtoday, we describe relational skills as emotional intelligence put into practice through an attachment-based, Christ-centered framework. While emotional intelligence helps us understand emotions, relational skills help us stay connected—to God, to ourselves, and to others—especially in the midst of life's challenges. 🔗 Check out our online course, "Tools for Navigating Emotions": https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/navigating-emotions 🔗 Explore our online membership for more access to online courses: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/pages/thrivetoday-practice-people-membership 🔗 Are you looking to live in a more relational way where you can be more present and connected to others? Practice relational skills in a supportive group setting for 1 hour and get a taste of practice by joining one of our upcoming classes: https://thrivetoday.org/practice-class Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

Why can't learning relational skills be a one-and-done experience?  In this episode, we explore how God designed our brains to grow and change through repeated, meaningful relationships. Discover why lasting transformation happens through consistent, positive experiences rather than a single moment of insight. We'll also discuss practical ways to joyfully connect with others, build healthier relational patterns, and embrace the lifelong journey of growth to become more like the person God created you to be. 🔗 Are you looking to live in a more relational way where you can be more present and connected to others? Practice relational skills in a supportive group setting for 1 hour and get a taste of practice by joining one of our upcoming classes: https://thrivetoday.org/practice-class 🔗 Explore our online membership for more practice opportunities: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/pages/thrivetoday-practice-people-membership 🔗 Don't forget our FREE 40-min Premier Training Info Session offered throughout the year to help you learn more about Thrive Premier Training - THE best in relational skills training. Check here for upcoming dates: https://thrivetoday.org/events Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

Most marriages don’t drift apart because of a major crisis, but because they lose their daily rhythm of connection. In this episode, discover six practical ways relational skills help couples sustain joy, navigate conflict, and protect their marriage from emotional drifting. Tune in to discover how small, everyday interactions build lasting resilience, and stick around for a simple connection exercise you and your spouse can start practicing tonight. 🔗 The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled Marriages book: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-marriage 🔗 Our Marriage Course takes you and your spouse through The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled Marriages book over 6 sessions with videos from the authors and their wives: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/courses/marriage-for-couples 🔗 Download our free Emotions Wheel: https://thrivetoday.org/emotions 🔗 Explore our Habit Builder Courses: https://thrivetoday.thinkific.com/collections/skill-practice 🔗 See more marriage resources here: https://thrivetoday.org/marriage Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

We spend months planning a wedding, but how much time do we invest in preparing our brains for a lifetime of connection?  This episode explores how newlywed couples can build rock-solid emotional habits right from the start. You’ll discover why becoming a "repair expert" matters far more than avoiding conflict entirely, and how practicing joy when life is easy protects your bond when the train inevitably goes off the tracks. 🔗 The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled Marriages book: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-marriage 🔗 Download our free Emotions Wheel: https://thrivetoday.org/emotions 🔗 Join us for a live Practice Class: https://thrivetoday.org/practice-class 🔗 See more marriage resources here: https://thrivetoday.org/marriage Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

Some relationships feel natural, while others can be challenging. By learning to read the signals people communicate, we can better understand others, build meaningful connections, and offer the gift of being truly seen. Join us as we explore a practical path toward fulfilling the commandment to love our neighbors. 🔗 Learn more Thrive Premier Training: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

The evidence is clear: loneliness is on the rise, and the loss of meaningful social connection is taking a toll on both our mental and physical well-being. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Join us as we discuss how we can push back against this cultural trend and equip ourselves—and the next generation—with the skills needed for healthy, thriving relationships. At THRIVEtoday, we help people build emotional capacity, recover joy, and become skilled at reconciliation. We’re excited to share these transformative practices and inspire lasting change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. 🔗 Learn more Thrive Premier Training: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training 🔗 Explore our Habit Builder Courses: https://thrivetoday.org/skill-practice-courses Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

Summer can pass in a blur of activities, leaving little room for meaningful connection with the people who matter most. In this episode, Chris shares practical ways to slow down, savor the moments, strengthen relationships, and keep joy at the center of your summer. 🔗 Take the 28-Day Joy Challenge: https://4habits.org 🔗 Check out the 4 Habit book series: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-series 🔗 Learn more about Relational Skills: https://thrivetoday.org/relationalskills Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org

Have you ever wondered why reading a "how-to" book doesn't instantly make you an expert on that subject? Information alone doesn't equal transformation.  In this episode, we go on a deep dive into brain science to uncover the mechanics of how our brains actually change, develop skills, and build habits. Join us as we explore the neurological bridge between knowing what to do and actually doing it, giving you the practical keys to unlock lasting change and growth in your life. 🔗 Practice relational skills in a supportive group setting for 1 hour. Learn more about Practice Classes: https://thrivetoday.org/practice-class 🔗 Learn more Thrive Premier Training: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training Thank you for listening! Subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. www.thrivetoday.org