The Corie Weathers Podcast

After 9 seasons and hundreds of conversations, the Lifegiver Podcast is coming to a close. But this isn’t the end of the story — it’s a pivot. In this final episode, Corie Weathers reflects on the journey of Lifegiver — the stories the incredible community that has grown along the way. She shares why it’s time to turn the page, what she’s learned about transitions, and how sometimes the bravest thing we can do is pivot into a new season. And with that pivot comes a new beginning: the launch of Restored: Stories of Conflict, Healing, and Peace. Restored will take everything you loved about Lifegiver — honest stories, authentic conversations, and lessons for military families — and expand it into bigger circles. From soldiers and spouses to athletes, conflict mediators, and cultural voices, these new episodes will explore how we work through conflict and discover peace, both in our personal lives and in our world. This is not a goodbye — it’s a continuation. Thank you for walking with Corie and the Lifegiver journey. We hope you’ll join us for what comes next.

We are continuing our theme of living in the Messy Middle by looking at what it means to hold on to the things that matter while also letting go. Sometimes, we must let go of the things that don't matter (distractions), but often this lifestyle asks us to let go of things or people that do. In this episode, I bring author and friend Lindsay Swoboda on the podcast to share what she learned from writing her new memoir "Holding on and Letting Go: A Life in Motion". Not only is her storytelling amazing and lyrical (I don't know how else to describe it), but her experiences are ones you will definitely relate to. Now that she and her husband Ryan are transitioning into retirement, she shares what it means to let go of this life she has known for decades. Don't miss this episode I describe as the big hug you didn't know you needed.  Order Holding On and Letting Go, by Lindsay Swoboda Follow Lindsay: @lindsay.swo 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

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

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

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  

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    

After hearing concerns on social media of Matt and I practicing yoga and prayerful meditation, I knew it was time to invite my dear friend Amber Mattingly, DMin to the podcast to share her story. This is a faith-based episode that addresses the biggest fears and questions around these practices. Amber began yoga when her son was newly diagnosed with autism. She was overwhelmed, frightened for his future, worried about her marriage, and frustrated at life. At the height of this experience, she stopped sleeping for a whole year. She was not the youthful mom coming to yoga to learn handstands and complicated poses. Instead, she was the young mom barely able to make it through the day who ended up spending most of the time crying on her mat. For her, yoga is a tool that reconnected her with her true self, strengthened connection with something greater than myself, and built relationships based on humility, compassion & radical amazement! Amber met Pema while pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree in Compassion based Leadership and they wondered what might happen if people from different faith traditions shared a prayer/meditation practice. Would they grow spiritually together while deepening their connection to their own faith tradition? This curiosity lead them to develop a study that included Buddhist and Christian practitioners. What we found were some hidden treasures! Find out more about Amber: https://ambermattinglylivefree.com/ Read Amber and Pema's book: A Leap of (inter)Faith  

The military lifestyle's stress is hard enough on marriage, but what happens when you add a medical diagnosis? A child in need of extra care?  In this episode, we explore Aaron and Monica Harding's story of finding help for their son, themselves, and their marriage.   The Harding's son Jackson (17) was diagnosed with SynGAP in 2015, at age 10. Today, with children aged 24, 21 and 17, his wife, Monica, is now just learning how to take time away. And, according to Aaron, “that’s only because we started family therapy ~2 years ago.” Children living with SynGAP live with symptoms that include: autism / intellectual disabilities / sleep issues / behavior issues / seizures (sometimes a hundred a day) / delayed fine motor and language skills. Today, there is no cure, only medications that treat individual symptoms. Each case is different and brings its own unique challenges. For families like the Sandersons and the Hardings, those challenges are even more acute as they navigate the complexities of military life. 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  

My new book Military Culture Shift is now available for pre-order and will launch November 14th! Order Here Subscribe to the Military Culture Shift Podcast NOW! In this episode, I talk about the power of choosing hard things and the character development that comes from the process. We are so used to only choosing activities that we will feel successful at. After a while, we are siloed into a lifestyle and career where we believe the lie that we have to be successful at whatever we put our mind to. Instead, think about what brings you joy, or what used to bring you joy, and consider valuing yourself enough to go back to it and give it a chance.  At 44, I picked up the cello after loving the sound of it my whole life. I had no idea just how much I was going to have to face some things in my life that have long needed to be addressed. Listen in as we talk about how to choose what your "hard thing" will be, what sabotages us from trying, how to develop the grit to persevere through discouragement and obstacles, and how it translates to our personal wellness and leadership in and out of the home.  Mentioned in this episode: Angela Duckworth: Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance and her TedTalk.  Sign up for our 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

Listen in for how a strengths-based approach changes the way we view our relationships, work, and even our perception of ourselves. After over a decade of helping individuals, leaders, and couples discover what their talents are, it has been incredible to watch marriages heal from miscommunication, differences, and betrayal, helping individuals heal through loss, and find joy in doing what they are exceptionally talented at. Whether you are a leader looking for a new tool that increases communication and productivity or looking to change the patterns of communication in your home, the strengths approach helps you work with what you already do well and use that to address what you aren't good at. It also sets you free from being all things to all people, and lets you just be you. Here are a few links mentioned in the episode: Gallup Strengthsfinder Assessment (Top 5 or Full 34) The Standout Assessment by Marcus Buckingham Strengths-based Coaching with Corie Weathers 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

Matt joins me for an episode where we discuss what it takes to achieve "voluntary followership"- in other words, what does it take to lead in a way that people actually want to follow?  We also cover the following: How do you find the time to invest in those around you when your life and job are already too busy? What does it look like to invest in the next generation, especially if they have differing values from you? How can your decisions today impact the entire organization? Sign up for our 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

This interview was inspired by an article that Lt. Col. (Rev.) Paul McCullough wrote. Check it out here: https://www.ausa.org/articles/accomplish-mission-love Lt. Col. (Rev.) Paul McCullough, U.S. Army retired, is president of the Association of the U.S. Army’s Penn & Franklin-Greater Philadelphia Chapter and an Army Reserve Ambassador from Pennsylvania. He served 20 years in the Army, retiring in 2018 as deputy director for supplier operations, Defense Logistics Agency. He deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005, and in 2017 as commander of the DLA Support Team-Kuwait. He holds a doctorate in business administration from Walden University. Find out more about the NEW Military Bible Challenge App by visiting: https://www.revdrpaul.com/ You can also download the app: Apple or Android Sign up for our 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

Peter Docker served for 25 years as a Royal Air Force senior officer and has seen service across the globe as a Force Commander during combat flying operations. His career has spanned from professional pilot, teaching postgraduates at the UK’s Defence College, to flying the British prime minister around the world. He has also led multibillion-dollar international procurement projects and served as a crisis manager and former international negotiator for the UK government. As a trained leadership consultant and executive coach, Peter has worked across 92 countries with clients like Google, Four Seasons Hotels, Accenture, American Express, ASOS, EY, NBC Universal and over 100 more. Peter Docker, co-author of Find Your Why and formerly a founding Igniter at Simon Sinek Inc., is passionate about enabling people to unlock their natural talents and teaches leadership that is focused on commitment and human connection. His latest book, Leading from the Jumpseat, delivers the message that leadership is about lifting people up and giving them the space they need so that, when the time is right, they can take the lead. Learn more about Peter by visiting his website, https://www.leadingfromthejumpseat.com/ Sign up for our 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

Why is it so hard to apologize? These two words, "I'm Sorry", seem to throw off children and adults every time, catapulting people into further conflict. In this episode, we wrap up the marriage and intimacy series and introduce the leadership series by going back to the basics of conflict resolution and the dreaded apology.  We will cover: 1) The common responses of defensiveness that come up when we ask another person to change or address our hurt. 2) Whether intentions matter. 3). How to accept imperfection in ourselves and others while still asking for change, and  3) The critical importance and goal of learning how to repair conflict faster. Mentioned in this episode: Intent vs. Impact Gottman's Four Horseman Sign up for our 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

Dannah Gresh is a best-selling author and sought-after speaker. In her latest book, Happily Even After, Dannah is a friend who walks beside you as she demonstrates how to forgive, live with joy, and hold your head high while Jesus Christ redeems the broken places of your marriage after suffering from things like pornography, addiction, or even an affair.  Dannah has sold over 2 million books and reaches women and girls in more than 100 countries. Her best-selling titles include And the Bride Wore White, Lies Young Women Believe co-authored with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and Lies Girls Believe. Dannah is the co-host of Revive Our Hearts, a daily podcast for women, and the founder of True Girl, which provides mom+daughter connection tools including the True Girl podcast. Learn more about Dannah by visiting her website, https://dannahgresh.com/ Looking for more episodes on Affair Recovery?  Here are additional conversations, including more with Dr. Mike. Looking for more episodes on marriage enrichment?  Check out this page for more. Sign up for our 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, "Invisible Beauty" by Aakash Gandhi