Life Through a New Lens: Where Reason, Faith, and Spiritual Experience Meet

Life Through a New Lens: Where Reason, Faith, and Spiritual Experience Meet

What happens when a lifelong skeptic begins asking different questions? This week on Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome author Gary Meisner to discuss his powerful new book, Life Through a New Lens: Finding God Where Reason and Faith Meet. Once a committed agnostic with a passion for science and mathematics, Gary shares the unexpected experiences that transformed his worldview and led him on a decades-long spiritual journey. Together, they explore the relationship between reason and faith, the search for meaning, spiritual awakening, the Sermon on the Mount, divine encounters, the Golden Ratio, and how life can change when we become open to a deeper reality. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, seeker, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into purpose, spirituality, and personal transformation. Original Airdate: 6/23/2026

The Voice of a Community: Radio, Relationships, and a Remarkable Life

Today on Strategies for Living, David and Lauren welcome broadcasting icon and Louisiana Hall of Fame radio legend "Lovable" Larry Ryan for a heartfelt conversation about radio, leadership, community, and a life spent serving others. Larry shares stories from more than six decades behind the microphone, the history of Shreveport-Bossier broadcasting, lessons learned from building successful radio stations, and the relationships that made it all worthwhile. From local radio history and Mardi Gras traditions to reflections on retirement, purpose, and the importance of loving where you live, this is a memorable conversation with one of the most influential voices ever to grace the airwaves. Original airdate: 6/19/2026

Epic Parenting: Why Children Need Both Love and Limits

What do children really need to thrive? In this episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian welcome life strategist Larry Valmore to discuss the foundations of emotionally healthy parenting. Drawing from his Epic Parenting framework, Larry explains why children crave structure, discipline, and clear boundaries just as much as they need love and affection. Learn the difference between discipline and punishment, why calm leadership helps children feel safe, and how parents can raise emotionally intelligent, resilient, and confident kids. Whether you're parenting a toddler, a teenager, or healing your own inner child, this conversation offers practical tools for creating stronger families and healthier relationships. Find out more at www.epicchildren.com [http://www.epicchildren.com] Original Airdate: 6/18/2026

It Can Be Both: Holding Opposing Feelings Without Losing Yourself

In this thought-provoking episode of Strategies for Living, David and Lauren McMillian explore one of life's most important emotional truths: many feelings can exist at the same time. You can be tired and still keep going. You can feel lonely and still enjoy your own company. You can experience fear and still move forward with courage. Through personal stories, psychological insights, and practical wisdom, they discuss emotional complexity, self-worth, resilience, uncertainty, authenticity, and the power of embracing both-and thinking instead of either-or thinking. Discover how holding seemingly opposite emotions can lead to greater peace, growth, and emotional freedom. Original Airdate: 6/17/2026

The Essenes Then and Now: Ancient Wisdom, Healing, and the Evolution of Consciousness

Join David and Lauren McMillian, Gary Tiemann, and special guest Patrick Walsh for a fascinating exploration of the Essenes—an ancient spiritual community often associated with healing, meditation, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Drawing from the work of Edgar Cayce, reincarnation research, and historical discoveries such as Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, this conversation examines the Essenes' teachings on holistic healing, consciousness, prayer, meditation, and what their legacy may mean for humanity today. A thought-provoking discussion on spirituality, personal growth, and the evolution of human awareness. Original Airdate: 6/16/2026