Coffee with CAPS

College can feel like one long test of whether your faith is really yours — or just something you inherited. In this episode, Sam and Aaron sit down with guest counselor Brittany Sawrey-Coulson to talk about what it means to stop striving and start trusting God. They wrestle with questions like: Does God actually like me? What happens when life doesn’t turn out the way I prayed it would? And why trust might be the hardest (but most freeing) choice you can make. Together they explore the idea of “the cave” — a place of trust that feels uncertain, sometimes scary, but ultimately leads to deeper freedom and joy.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!@lustudentcounseling

Ever feel like there’s a countdown on your relationship once senior year hits?In this episode, Sam and Aaron talk honestly about the whole “ring by spring” culture — where it comes from, why it feels so intense, and how it can quietly shape your decisions. They get into the pressure from family and friends, the temptation to rush something just to not be alone, and the fear that graduation means your window is closing.More than anything, this conversation is about slowing down. Asking better questions. Paying attention to values, emotional readiness, and wise counsel instead of a deadline. Whether you’re in a serious relationship or single and tired of the comments, this one’s for you.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

How do you forgive yourself? And why is it sometimes harder to accept God’s forgiveness than to believe it’s true for everyone else?In this follow-up conversation, Sam and Dr. Jichan Kim dig into the difference between self-compassion and self-forgiveness, and why many Christians quietly struggle with shame long after they’ve repented. They talk about guilt that leads to growth versus guilt that keeps you stuck, the tension between justice and mercy, and how holding onto self-condemnation can actually keep us from fully receiving grace. If you’ve ever felt defined by something you’ve done, this episode invites you to think differently about repentance, responsibility, and what it really means to live forgiven.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Can you forgive someone who hurt you — and does that mean you have to stay? In this episode of Coffee with CAPS, Sam and Dr. Jichan Kim unpack what forgiveness really is (and what it isn’t) in college relationships. They talk about the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, how to know if someone is truly changing, and why forgiveness is more about shaping your own heart than excusing someone else’s behavior. If you’re navigating hurt, mixed advice from friends, or questions about what moving forward should look like, this conversation offers practical insight grounded in both psychology and faith.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Dating on campus can start to feel like a battle instead of a connection. In this episode of Coffee with CAPS, Sam reflects on why men and women often approach dating with suspicion, how social media fuels that divide, and where expectations quietly become unrealistic. The conversation explores what healthy standards actually look like, how to talk about values without turning dating into a checklist, and why starting with curiosity and goodwill changes everything. A grounded, thoughtful listen for students who want healthier, more hopeful relationships.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Ever wonder if you’re setting “too many” boundaries — or not enough? Sam and Aaron are joined by CAPS counselor Emily Elrod to unpack what healthy boundaries really look like in dating and relationships. They talk about values, communication, compromise, and how to handle moments when things don’t go as planned. Emily also shares insight on relationship pressure, emotional awareness, and why understanding yourself first makes all the difference. A great listen for anyone trying to grow in confidence and connection.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

What does healthy masculinity actually look like? In this episode of Coffee with CAPS, Sam sits down with CAPS counselor Marshall Shank to talk about dating, boundaries, emotional growth, and showing up well in relationships. They unpack toxic vs. healthy masculinity, fear of rejection, “situationships,” and why doing hard things is part of becoming who you’re meant to be. If you’ve ever felt confused about relationships or unsure how to grow as a person, this one’s for you. Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Sam and Aaron kick off Season 4 by talking about what it’s really like to come back to campus for the spring semester. From normal back-to-school anxiety and shifting friendships to breakups, boundaries, and finding your people again, they unpack why transitions are hard and how to handle them with a little more grace. The conversation also touches on faith, anxiety, and what it looks like to trust God without shaming yourself for feeling stressed. A grounded start to the semester for anyone feeling the pressure of being back.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

In this episode, Sam and Aaron sit down to talk about something a lot of students run into around Thanksgiving and Christmas break: meeting your boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s family for the first time. They unpack what actually helps when you’re walking into someone else’s traditions, expectations, and family dynamics — how to make a good impression without being fake, what to talk about (and what might be better to skip), and how to handle everything from awkward moments to mismatched values.They also talk about boundaries, preparing each other before the trip home, and why being open, warm, and respectful goes a long way — whether you're chatty, quiet, confident, or nervous. If you’re heading into the holidays with a significant other, this one might make the whole thing feel a little less intimidating.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

In this follow-up chat with Trish McCoy Kessler from Empower Counseling, Sam and Aaron dig into how social media shapes the way we see our bodies — and each other. From “fitspo” influencers and #WhatIEatInADay videos to filtered “real me” selfies, the conversation gets honest about what’s healthy, what’s not, and how comparison creeps in without us noticing. They also touch on cultural takes on body image, why food and exercise rules can quietly take over your life, and how to tell when “discipline” turns into obsession. It’s a thoughtful talk about body image, health, and learning to separate real connection from the highlight reel.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Sam and Aaron sit down with Trish McCoy Kessler, founder of Empower Counseling, to talk about how body image can shape confidence, dating, and the way we see ourselves in relationships. From social media pressures to how early messages about our bodies stick with us, they unpack what “normal” really means (spoiler: there isn’t one). Trish shares real insights from her counseling work, what healing can look like, and why gratitude and self-compassion matter more than perfection.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

In this follow-up episode, Sam and Aaron sit back down with counselor Dustin Beaty to talk through the other side of sexual addiction — what it’s like for the betrayed partner. They unpack the mess of emotions that come with betrayal: shame, confusion, and the deep question of “what now?” Dustin shares honest insights on what healing can look like, why it’s not your job to “fix” someone else, and how to rebuild (or not) after trust is broken. It’s a real, grounded conversation about pain, hope, and figuring out your next steps.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

In this episode, Sam and Aaron sit down with fellow counselor Dustin Beaty to have an honest, compassionate conversation about sexual addiction — specifically from the perspective of the addict. They unpack what addiction really is, why shame keeps people stuck, and how openness and support can break the cycle. Dustin shares insights from his work with college students and couples, talking about what recovery can actually look like and where hope fits into the process. It’s a candid, thoughtful chat that normalizes a tough topic and invites listeners to think, reflect, and maybe take a first step toward healing.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Sam and Aaron pick up where they left off, diving into the last of the “Four Horsemen” that can wreck relationships — contempt. They talk about how it shows up, why it’s so toxic, and what to do when small annoyances start turning into resentment. From learning to cool down when emotions spike to figuring out what real validation sounds like, the conversation offers an honest look at emotional awareness, communication, and learning to repair instead of retreat.Whether you’re dating, married, or just trying to be a better friend, this one’s full of practical insight — and a little grace for when you don’t get it right the first time.

Conflict happens — even in the closest relationships. In this episode, Sam and Aaron dive into why fights happen, how to handle them without blowing up, and how those awkward conversations can actually bring you closer. They break down common pitfalls — criticism, defensiveness, the silent treatment — and show how even small “ruptures” can lead to trust and growth. Whether you’re dating, living with roommates, or just trying to navigate tension better, this episode is packed with honest, relatable advice for turning “ugh” moments into real connection.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Why do we chase love — or run from it — the way we do? In this episode, Sam and Aaron unpack how our attachment styles shape relationships, from anxious and avoidant dynamics to what a “secure base” really means. They dive into why certain pairings are so common and how those patterns often play out in real life. You’ll hear tips on spotting unhelpful cycles, ways to grow toward security, and how small changes can make a big difference in how we connect. Whether you’re dating, healing, or just curious about yourself, this one’s full of insights to help you build deeper, more balanced relationships.#coffeewithcaps #lucaps #libertyuniversity #mentalhealthpodcast

What if who you are — your personality, passions, and even the random twists in your story — isn’t an accident? In this episode, Sam and Aaron wrap up the series with counselor Brittany Sawrey-Coulson to talk about purpose, identity, and why it’s okay not to have life figured out yet.Brittany shares her own unexpected career turns and how tough seasons can actually point us toward who we’re meant to be. It’s an honest, real convo about growing, changing, and learning to trust that you’re designed for something bigger — even if you’re still figuring out what that is.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Ever feel like the voice in your head is constantly whispering, “you’re not enough”? In this episode, Sam and Aaron sit down again with counselor Brittany Sawrey-Coulson to talk about how shame creeps into our lives — shaping how we see ourselves, our relationships, and even our faith — and how it can quietly keep us stuck. They unpack the difference between guilt (which can push us toward growth) and shame (which pulls us into hiding), how growing up in certain home or church environments can plant those “not enough” messages deep inside, and how learning to believe what’s actually true about who we are can open the door to real healing.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Ever catch yourself spiraling with “what ifs” in a relationship? In this episode, Sam and Aaron sit down with counselor Stephen Ciucci to talk about what happens when normal worries tip over into obsessive thinking — sometimes even into something called “relationship OCD.” They dig into how overthinking can steal the joy out of dating, what it’s like both for the person experiencing it and their partner, and how to start shifting your perspective.Join us every Tuesday for fresh discussions on mental health, relationships, academic life, and more. Grab your coffee, tune in, and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover next!

Ever heard the phrase “don’t settle” when it comes to dating? In this episode, Sam and Aaron flip that idea on its head and talk about why settling — in the right way — might actually be the healthiest move for your relationships. From dealing with FOMO and “situationships” to figuring out values, commitment, and what it really means to choose someone long-term, they unpack the messy parts of dating culture with plenty of honesty and a few personal stories. If you’ve ever wondered what “God’s best” really looks like in a relationship, this one’s for you. Tune in for a new episode each Tuesday!