Real Love with Lonnie and Kara

Loving your spouse may come naturally—but liking them every day? That can take work. In this final episode of the season, we dive into the often overlooked dynamic of friendship in marriage. From finding common ground to navigating daily irritations, we explore why emotional connection, shared fun, and mutual respect are just as crucial as romantic love. Whether you’re dating, newly married or decades in, you’ll walk away with practical insights and real talk about what it means to truly enjoy the person you chose to do life with.

In this episode, we explore how laughter, playfulness, and shared adventures can strengthen a marriage. We’ll discuss why having fun together is essential for emotional connection, how to rediscover joy in everyday life, and practical ideas couples can use to bring more lightheartedness into their relationship. Whether you’re newlyweds or celebrating decades together, tune in for tips, real stories, and a reminder that marriage should be filled with friendship and fun.

Today we take a trip back down memory lane where it all started in Spring of 1995 on the campus at the University of Oklahoma. This is our genesis story of humble beginnings.

As parents we count it a joy and honor to raise little ones that potentially could be the future leaders and business people in the world. It's cute and fun watching them murmur their first word or take their first steps, But what about when they are all grown up and the things you thought were cute and cuddly are now frustrating and costly. In today's episode we discuss the ups and downs of parenting adult children.

In today's conversation we dive into the taboo conversation that most Christian couples don't like to have before marriage: SEX! Contrary to popular belief, sex was created by God to be enjoyed in marriage. Join us as we dive deep into this hot topic.

In today's episode we are talking about reflecting on our past and dealing with childhood trauma, past wounds and the baggage that we all bring into relationships that many of us fail to address prior to marriage.

Our 24 year old daughter Maiya joins us this week to give the next generation's perspective on love, dating and relationships.

Creating healthy boundaries is important for any kind of relationship but in today's episode we discuss the importance of healthy boundaries in marriage.

In this episode Lonnie and Kara continue the discussion about finances and money matters but also from the perspective of discovering your God-given gifts and talents to help generate income for your family.

In this new episode, Lonnie and Kara have a transparent discussion about their past dilemmas with money and finances and how money is one of the leading causes of divorce in marriage.

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday season, I think its necessary to give a reminder of the benefits of a grateful heart. It is easy to get discouraged when we think about what we don't have or what we've lost but in this episode we are sharing ways to have a heart of thanksgiving and reflect on all the things we can be grateful for during this time of year. 

Where the head goes, the body follows. One of the biggest obstacles we face in life is not what goes on around us, its what goes on in us. In this episode Lonnie Barker discusses the necessity of renewing our mind in order to break free from mediocrity and stagnation. We must constantly renew our minds and take control of our thought-life so that we can live effectively. 

It’s estimated that 16.2 million adults in the United States, or 6.7 percent of American adults, have had at least one major depressive episode in a given year. Depression is the leading cause of drug abuse and suicide in America. In this podcast episode, Lonnie addresses the key causes of depression and offers insight on overcoming depression and anxiety while offering some encouraging words to encourage you to look forward to your future with hope and expectancy. 

"Never tell a winner what they can't do because they will find a way to prove you wrong." In this week's podcast we are keeping the momentum going in our discussion about the Winning Season. Too many times we lose sight of what it takes to be a winner and live a victorious lifestyle. Lonnie discusses three key characteristics of a true winner and how to declare this season as your winning season. 

In this week's episode we are talking about having a champion mindset. We all have the potential to be great in this life but many of us never reach our full potential because we give up too soon or quit before we reach our destination. If you're on the fence about starting the business, embarking on a new venture or taking on a new mindset, this episode is specifically for you. It's time to start winning again. 

Self-improvement, self-actualization and self-preservation are all important in maintaining a positive self-esteem and improving your self-worth. YOU matter. YOU are valuable and YOU deserve the best for YOU. In this episode we discuss the importance of self-care and replenishing yourself emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It's difficult to pour into others while your cup is full. Join me as we discuss a much-needed topic on self-care.

In our very first podcast we dive into a self-reflective question asking the listener, "Where Are You?" Oftentimes we get so caught up in the hectic everyday hustle of life that we lose sight of where we are or where we are going. Lonnie Barker dives right in to this difficult but direct inquiry and offers encouragement and advice on how to get back on track.