PODCASTS

Tag: #realanswers

Real Answers – Remarriage, after a spouse’s death – 4/17/24

Real Answers – Remarriage, after a spouse’s death – 4/17/24

The “Real Answers” podcast from Family Life

Christian counselor Christopher Anderson offers insights for a unique group: those whose spouse has died. There is new research on how often those people get remarried. It happens more often later in life, and he says some of the most fruitful second marriages occur when both partners have lost their spouses.

If a widow or widower does feel a sense that a new marriage might be in their future, Anderson raises three key points:

  • Wait until you have properly processed the grief from the loss of your original spouse
  • Get advice from a pastor, counselor or Godly friend who knows you and your unique situation
  • Have a “non-negotiable list” on your values, background and goals

Anderson says those who do not feel a calling to get remarried don’t need to feel any pressure or need to go that direction. They will do well to get socially and religiously connected for other areas of their lives.

“Real Answers” tackles the tough topics facing Christians and Christian families. Christopher Anderson is an experienced licensed professional counselor in private practice in the Twin Tiers. This feature is among our Wednesday News Features on the air, online, and on the podcast. 

Sarah Harnisch is your host.

Real Answers – Making Friends – 3/20/24

Real Answers – Making Friends – 3/20/24

“Real Answers” about: making friends

In an age of social media, online connections, and political divisiveness, it can be hard to find a good friend. The same challenge is also true of being a good friend.

Our “Real Answers” commentator Christopher Anderson offers perspectives and advice on why adult friendship are so valuable, as well as steps to maintain friendships.

 

Christopher Anderson is a licensed professional counselor who works with clients through his private practice in the Southern Tier region of New York.  “Real Answers” is one of our Wednesday News Features on Family Life. It airs during the Noon Report on air and online, and a podcast version is available 24/7/365 (or 366) from the Family Life website.

3/20/24

 

Real Answers – How to Fight, Right – 2/21/24

Real Answers – How to Fight, Right – 2/21/24

Real Answers – How to Fight, Right – 2/21/24

New research discusses factors that lead to divorce. How people fight is an important dynamic.

Christian counselor Christopher Anderson joins Family Life’s Sarah Harnish to talk about how to fight in our relationships. He is not (obviously) encouraging spouses to seek out arguments, but to be able to handle disagreements well.

Attentive listening matters, he says. So does awareness on when to take a timeout to allow emotions to settle, so that the people involved can avoid increasing the tensions when differences arise. Anderson also suggests another good practice: writing out questions and responses ahead of time, when a problem needs solved.

 

 

“Real Answers” is a Wednesday Family Life news feature which helps Christians tackle the tough topics in our everyday lives. Check out our archives for more advice and encouragement — on relationships, parenting, work place issues, faith dilemmas and more, seeking a Biblical perspective on how to cope with and thrive in life.

Real Answers – Overcoming Feelings of Loneliness – 1/17/24

Real Answers – Overcoming Feelings of Loneliness – 1/17/24

The “Real Answers” feature on Family Life tackles the tough topics facing Christians.

In this edition, Christian counselor Christopher Anderson talks about how loneliness happens, and how to address those dilemmas.

There are answers like simply reaching out to connect with other people. That does mean that a person will develop ways to “push through” perceived fears or social anxieties. The more often someone initiates those interactions, the easier and more comfortable that process becomes.

To have a daily reminder visible helps — be that a bedside Bible, a devotional book, or something like a poster or some symbol.  Anderson says a mindset of worship and connection with the Lord woven into our daily practices helps to focus us more positively, whatever our circumstances may be.

Real Answers – Setting your boundaries – 01/03/24

Real Answers – Setting your boundaries – 01/03/24

Real Answers” on Family Life

Our “Real Answers” feature brings you practical ways to handle the tough topics which face Christians and their families.

Christian Counselor Christopher Anderson talks with Family Life’s Sarah Harnisch about setting personal boundaries for the new year. Even if the activities on your calendar are good and worthwhile, Anderson says it becomes easy to become overscheduled. That, in turn, add stress to your own life, and can add turbulance within your household.

 

Real Answers” is one of our Wednesday news features during the Family Life Noon Report, on air and online. You can also hear Anderson’s analysis and recommendations in some of our other newscasts on the air and online.

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Real Answers – Less stress & More grace for December – 12/13/23

Real Answers – Less stress & More grace for December – 12/13/23

Real Answers” on Family Life

Our “Real Answers” feature brings you practical ways to stay Balanced amid the Busyness of December.

For so many of us, this month gets overfilled with tasks, but Christian Counselor Christopher Anderson has real-world steps to keep yourself, your children and your marriage grace-filled and Christ-centered this month. How can you stay on schedule, stay within your budget, and stay playful within your family?

“Real Answers” is one of our Wednesday news features during the Family Life Noon Report, on air and online. You can also hear Anderson’s analysis and recommendations in some of our other newscasts and on our “News Podcasts” page.

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Real Answers – How singles can find the “right one” – 11/22/23

Real Answers – How singles can find the “right one” – 11/22/23

Real Answers” tackles the tough topics which Christians face in their lives.

On this edition,a focus on singles — certainly those who are younger, but applicable to any age.

Licensed professional counselor Christopher Anderson talks about how to find “The Right One” as a life mate, if you have an eventual call to be married. He talks about how before you get to know the other person, you become better able to know your dating or relationship partners if you first begin with a deep understanding of yourself. Only then do you have a foundation on which to build a long-lasting relationship. He also suggests good mentoring with a long-married Christian couple, and double-dating with people who share your faith and worldview.

Anderson also explores research on how many unmarried couples live together, outside of a marriage commitment. That number has grown exponentially across the past two generations, but (perhaps surprisingly) those percentages are not as high as some Christian might expect, looking at the society around us. You also will hear how cohabitation actually reduces the likelihood that a relationship — or a marriage, if you eventually decide to wed — which succeed long term.

Real Answers AT WORK – Christopher Anderson – 11/08/23

Real Answers AT WORK – Christopher Anderson – 11/08/23

Real Answers” looks at the latest research on factors which employees say shape their level of job satisfaction.

Licensed mental health counselor Christopher Anderson says at-work contentment is impacted less by pay and benefits — and more by how well co-workers get along and respect each other.

Also in this conversation:

  • Why it matters
  • Three cautions about dynamics that can hamper at-work connections
  • How to keep good work/life balance
  • Are you taking your allotted vacations and time off?  Those matter — to you, to your loved ones, and to the quality of your work.
  • A story about how it helps you and your household — if you don’t wait until the weekends to schedule some kind of personal, couple, family, social, or fun event.

Real Answers” is one of our Wednesday news features.

Get a Christian counselor’s advice and perspectives on the Tough Topics faced by Christians and their families.

 

 

Real Answers – Seeking Happiness vs. Finding Joy – 09/27/23

Real Answers – Seeking Happiness vs. Finding Joy – 09/27/23

Real Answers” on Family Life tackles the tough topics facing individuals, couples and families. Licensed Professional Counselor Christopher Anderson joined us this week to talk about the distinctions between happiness and joy.

He says when our goal is to “be happy, hopefully” we base our attitude in reaction to circumstances around us.

The better choice is to focus on Joy, which is best developed in relationship to Jesus Christ.

Anderson notes the benefits of this distinction — his own counseling clientele, as well as the Biblical stories of Joseph and Paul, both of whom found contentment whether they were in crisis mode, a challenging season, or surrounded by happy blessings.

His recommendation is for people to avoid entrapment in self-consciousness about longing for more joy. There is value in talking with a pastor, mentor from a church, a counselor or trusted friend who can help you openly and honestly find joy, amid all things.

 

Real Answers – Parents ARE their children’s primary educator – 09/13/23

Real Answers – Parents ARE their children’s primary educator – 09/13/23

As another school year begins, parents cannot just “hand off” the education of their children to schools and teachers.

So says professional counselor Christopher Anderson, who offers practical advice on “Real Answers“, the Family Life news feature which addresses big issues facing Christians and Christian families.Anderson emphasizes that parents are their children’s primary educator, especially on faith training and values awareness. In this conversation:

  • Developing confidence, when a parent is uncertain whether they are “up to the job”
  • Christopher Anderson’s take on parental roles, amid changing social and cultural standards
  • Why many are switching to home schooling, and considerations if you might be pondering that
  • The vital role of parents and families for students who are in public schools
  • How to guide teens in ethical behavior, even if a parent faltered on sinful behavior when they were growing up

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