Listen in for an honest update on my counseling practice, a shift in how I'm showing up for clients, and a powerful message about the stories we tell ourselves.
We will explore how internal narratives—those we silently repeat—can either dig graves in our lives or cultivate gardens. Drawing from real-life examples and relationship dynamics, we will discuss how to recognize when assumptions and inner dialogues shape mental health, marriage, and parenting, for better or worse.
You'll hear:
How negative self-talk and assumptions sabotage relationships
The metaphor of “stories as shovels” and how to choose narratives that bring life
How to spot when you’re guarding your heart versus leaning into truth and connection
How faith and radical acceptance offer a grounded path forward in hard seasons
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or just stuck in old thought patterns—this episode will meet you where you are and invite you to plant something new.
🌱 This week’s challenge: Notice the stories you're telling yourself—are you digging a garden or a grave?
Read Why I am Closing my Counseling Practice
All links: https://linktr.ee/corieweathers
Work with Corie: www.corieweathers.com
1-on-1 Coaching: 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
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59:24
E6 Can You Communicate Too Much?
This episode explores the balance between communicating too much or too little in relationships. Learn how conflict, over-communication, and silence all play a role in marriage and leadership. Plus, Corie answers a listener’s question about how to recognize when you’re on the wrong path—whether in leadership, personal growth, or relationships—and how to pivot back toward wisdom.
Topics Covered:
✔️ Why this season has been inconsistent—and why that’s okay
✔️ The power of pausing before speaking in a noisy world
✔️ DBT’s “wise mind” approach to decision-making
✔️ How over-communication can be destructive in relationships
✔️ A listener’s question: What if I realize I’m on the wrong path?
✔️ Practical strategies for balancing communication in marriage
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
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1:00:56
It's Not As Good (or Bad) As You Think
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
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47:53
The Duplex: Balancing Individual and Marriage Wellness
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
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59:14
Healthy Relationships Exist in the Messy Middle
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
If you allow it, the military career will take more than it gives. It can challenge the strongest military marriage and seduce military leaders into believing their career is more important than WHO they become. The Lifegiver podcast began as a way to encourage, inspire, and bring hope to leaders and military couples when they feel burned out and they’ve lost their way. For almost 20 years, I have served the military and veteran population as a counselor, speaker, author, and subject matter expert on military culture. Lifegiver offers discussions and interviews on personal and leadership development and ways to breathe life into your military marriage and home. Real stories, expert interviews, and honest conversation.