What’s your earliest memory—and why does it matter? In this episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David and Lauren Leon McMillian sit down with psychologist and author Dr. Charlotte Chun to explore her new book Earliest Memories. Together, they dive into the psychology of memory, the science behind “sticky” emotions and sensations, and the surprising universality of childhood recollections across cultures. From funny turtle tales to profound family stories, discover how revisiting your first memories can reconnect you with your identity, spark healing, and bring families closer through storytelling.

Find Charlotte and her book at www.earliestmemoriesbook.com

Original airdate: 9/4/2025

What if happiness isn’t luck, but an art you can practice every day? In this episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the “Art of Happiness” and share eight simple habits that people who truly love their lives practice daily. From gratitude journaling and meaningful relationships to simplicity, mindfulness, growth mindset, kindness, healthy boundaries, and finding purpose, discover how small choices can create lasting joy and fulfillment. Tune in and learn practical strategies to bring more peace, connection, and happiness into your life today.

Original airdate: 9/3/2025

In this episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillian and psychotherapist Lauren Leon McMillian explore how to break free from emotional overwhelm with the RESET method—a simple, science-backed 5-step framework: Recognize, Exhale, See clearly, Embrace, and Take action.

Together they dive into the neuroscience behind emotional hijacking, the role of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, and why mindfulness, breathwork, and self-compassion are essential tools for resilience. Whether you’re battling stress, anxiety, or repeating negative thought loops, you’ll discover practical strategies to calm your nervous system, regain clarity, and return to values-based living.

If you’ve ever wished for a reset button in life—this conversation shows you how to press it.

Original airdate: 9/2/2025

Step behind the scenes at one of Shreveport’s most vibrant cultural landmarks—the Robinson Film Center. In this inspiring episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David and Lauren Leon McMillian sit down with Executive Director Wendell Riley to explore how RFC is more than just a theater—it's a hub for film education, community engagement, and nonprofit collaboration.

Discover how Abby Singer’s Bistro became a dining destination, how film festivals like Out North La and Louisiana Film Prize are reshaping our local arts scene, and how RFC is innovating team-building through film-based leadership training and corporate retreats. From Food Network chef battles to community karaoke with the mayor, this episode is a celebration of storytelling, culture, and connection through cinema.

🎬 Don’t miss this engaging conversation about movies, memory, and the power of place!

Original airdate: 8/29/2025

In this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren dive into the wisdom of “7 Notes to Self We Should All Read Every Day.” Through stories of second chances, lessons from grief, and practical mindset shifts, they explore how small daily reminders can spark resilience, inner peace, and growth. From embracing change to valuing genuine relationships, these notes to self act as powerful affirmations that help us thrive—not just survive—in life’s ups and downs. Tune in for inspiration, encouragement, and strategies you can use today to create a more meaningful tomorrow.

Original airdate: 8/28/2025

What if the wisdom of the world’s bestselling psychology and self-help books could be distilled into just 20 practical rules? In this episode of Strategies for Living, David, Lauren, and Jay unpack insights from classics like The Body Keeps the Score, Emotional Agility, Atlas of the Heart, Atomic Habits, The Happiness Trap, and more. Together they explore how these timeless lessons reveal the truth about trauma, emotions, relationships, boundaries, and self-compassion. Learn why your brain isn’t designed to make you happy, how secure relationships can rewire your mind, why curiosity heals more than judgment, and why you’re not broken—you’re becoming. Perfect for anyone on the journey of personal growth, emotional healing, or building a healthier mindset.

Original airdate: 8/27/2025

🔑 Keywords for Podcast Platforms

psychology books, self-help books, personal growth, emotional intelligence, trauma healing, self-compassion, mental health, secure relationships, boundaries, emotional regulation, anxiety, self-awareness, healing journey, strategies for living, David McMillian, Lauren Leon, Jay Murrell

In this inspiring episode of Strategies for Living Radio, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian welcome acclaimed novelist Paula Saunders, author of The Distance Home and her brand-new release Starting From Here.

Saunders opens up about her writing journey under the mentorship of Toni Morrison, the struggles and resilience woven into her family-centered coming-of-age stories, and the universal need for self-forgiveness, empathy, and spiritual growth. Together, we explore how past wounds shape us, why emotional honesty matters, and how every transition in life is an opportunity to “start from here.”

This conversation is not just about literature—it’s about healing, resilience, and finding meaning in our personal stories. Perfect for anyone seeking strategies to navigate life’s challenges with grace, courage, and compassion.

Original Airdate: 8/26/2025

🔑 Suggested Keywords:

Paula Saunders, Starting From Here, The Distance Home, Strategies for Living Radio, David McMillian, Lauren Leon McMillian, Toni Morrison, coming of age, family resilience, self-forgiveness, empathy, healing, emotional honesty, women’s empowerment, spirituality, resilience in relationships, writing process, personal growth podcast, holistic living, mental health podcast

In this episode of Strategies for Living Radio, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian explore the Our Father prayer in its original Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke. Drawing on the work of Neil Douglas-Klotz and the wisdom of ancient translations, they uncover how subtle shifts in meaning—such as “ripe” versus “unripe” fruit—transform familiar passages into powerful life lessons about growth, timing, and spiritual cultivation.

Join us as we reflect on how translation differences shape our understanding of scripture, spirituality, and daily living. This conversation blends psychology, faith, and practical wisdom—encouraging us to see prayer not as rigid doctrine, but as a living guide for healthy, mindful, and Spirit-centered living.

Original airdate: 8/22/2025