The Amor Factor Podcast

Why Touch Reaches Your Heart: A Matter of Relationships

In this episode of The Amor Factor, Rebeca explores the calming power of touch, both human touch and the simple act of connecting with nature. We break down what science reveals about how gentle contact soothes the nervous system, lowers stress, and supports emotional well‑being, and we look at how Scripture has pointed us toward these truths all along. From the way your skin senses the world to the peace found in green pastures and still waters, this episode offers practical, heart-centered ways to feel more grounded, creative, and connected, and to care for yourself. This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed. Abraira, V. E., & Ginty, D. D. (2013). The sensory neurons of touch. Neuron, 79(4), 618–639. Kim, J., Choi, Y., & Park, S. (2023). Effects of tactile stimulation using an assortment of natural elements on the psychophysiological responses of adults. Horticulturae, 9(5), 555. McGlone, F., Wessberg, J., & Olausson, H. (2014). Discriminative and affective touch: Sensing and feeling. Neuron, 82(4), 737–755. Packheiser, J., Hartmann, H., Fredriksen, A., Gazzola, V., Keysers, C., & Michon, H. (2024). A systematic review and combined analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions. Nature Human Behaviour. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01841-8 Schirmer, A., Meier, L., & Vuilleumier, P. (2020). Affective touch and emotional well‑being: A review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 555058. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.555058 (doi.org in Bing) Psalm 23:2–3. Holy Bible (Public Domain).   The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Turning Paper into Possibilities: A Matter of Relationships

In this episode of The Amor Factor, Rebeca explores how something as simple as folding a piece of paper can bring calm, spark creativity, and support emotional well‑being. Drawing from recent research on dexterity, focus, and anxiety, she shares how gentle movements, shapes, and imagination work together to keep both the mind and body engaged. Blended with Scripture and heartfelt encouragement, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, pick up a sheet of paper, and rediscover a sense of peace through the simple, meaningful act of creating something personal.    This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.   BMC Geriatrics (2024). Study on mental activity, dexterity, and aging.  Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Craft Activities to Improve Fine Motor Skills (2025). Cognitive Intervention Through the Use of Origami (2025). Mudre, L. (2022). The Use of Origami for Anxiety. Albertus Magnus College. The Holy Bible — Ecclesiastes 9:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:11.   The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Color Your World with Joy: A Matter of Relationships

In this episode of The Amor Factor, Rebeca explores how something as simple as coloring can calm the mind, strengthen focus, and spark joy. Drawing from recent research on anxiety, attention, and memory, she shares how colors, shapes, and creativity work together to support well‑being. Blended with Scripture and gentle encouragement, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, pick up a colored pencil, and rediscover peace through the work of their hands.   This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.   Mueller, P. A., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking. Psychological Science. Kim, S. et al. (2022). The Effects of Coloring Therapy on Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Frontiers in Psychology (2024). Coloring Complex Shapes and Anxiety Reduction. Zentall, S. S., & Kruczek, T. (1988). The Attraction of Color for Active Attention‑Problem Children. Exceptional Children. Diachenko, O. et al. (2022). Color Education: A Study on Methods of Influence on Memory. PMC9674548. The Holy Bible   The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Why You Should Doodle Away Into Your Creativity: A Matter of Relationships

In this episode of the AMOR (A Matter Of Relationships) Factor, Rebeca explores the surprising creative and mental power of doodling. Blending neuroscience, psychology, and a touch of faith, she shows how simple shapes can boost attention, memory, relaxation, and creative confidence. Whether or not you believe you can draw, this gentle practice reconnects your mind, your hands, and your imagination.   This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.   Andrade, J. (2010). What Does Doodling Do? Study demonstrating improved attention and memory in participants who doodled during a monitoring task. Harvard Health Publishing (2016). Article summarizing research on how doodling supports thinking, focus, and memory. Coward, J. (2022). Doodling as Self‑Expression (Dominican University of California). Study showing increased creative self‑efficacy through doodling. Zeki, S. (1999, 2001). Foundational work in neuroaesthetics exploring how the brain processes art and creativity. The Holy Bible, Isaiah 64:8   The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Why Nurture Your Right to Write: A Matter of Relationships

In this episode of The AMOR Factor, Rebeca explores how handwriting engages the brain in ways typing cannot, boosting memory, creativity, and focus. From neuroscience studies to David’s Psalms, in this episode, we discuss how writing serves as both a mental workout and an avenue to inspire hope and purpose.   This podcast includes brief quotes from publicly available sources for commentary and educational purposes. All content is used under fair use and properly attributed.   Askvik, E., van der Weel, F., & van der Meer, A. (2024). Frontiers in Psychology: Handwriting vs. typing and brain connectivity. Marano, M., et al. (2025). Life Journal: The Neuroscience Behind Writing. Smith, W.W. (1986). Creativity and Handwriting: A Study of the Relationship Between Handwriting and Creativity in Fifth-Grade Children. University of Massachusetts, Doctor of Education dissertation. The Holy Bible, Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:10.   The information in this program represents the opinion of the host or guest and should not be interpreted as medical advice.