Coffee with CAPS

Afleveringen

• 
  How To Be Resilient And Stay Grounded When Life Hits Hard | Sam Landa, PhD 20.10.2026 47min

  What does it actually mean to be resilient? In this episode, Sam and Aaron talk about why pushing through and pretending everything’s fine isn’t always the healthiest way to cope. They explore how learning to recognize your emotions, letting people in, and leaning on your faith can help you navigate difficult seasons without burning yourself out. Because resilience isn’t about never struggling — it’s about learning how to find your way through it.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!
• 
  Am I Burned Out, Or Just Tired? 13.10.2026 28min

  Ever feel like you’re running on empty but still telling yourself you can push through? Sam and Aaron talk about burnout, what sets it apart from ordinary tiredness, and how constantly saying yes can leave us stretched too thin — even when we’re doing things we enjoy. They unpack the pressure to stay busy, the importance of knowing your limits, and why rest isn’t something you have to earn. Most importantly, they talk about recognizing the warning signs before exhaustion turns into full-on burnout, and finding healthier ways to make space for rest, relationships, and the things that actually matter.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!
• 
  Procrastination, Perfectionism, And The Shame Spiral 06.10.2026 28min

  Why do we put things off — even when we actually care about getting them done?Sam and Aaron talk about the connection between procrastination, perfectionism, fear, and shame, and why procrastination isn’t always about being lazy. They share some very real college examples, talk about getting past the “I don’t know what I’m doing” feeling, and offer some practical ways to break big tasks down, get started, and give yourself a little more grace along the way.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 Sexual Addiction Shapes Identity Formation | Dustin Beaty 29.09.2026 44min

  What happens when a sexual struggle starts to feel like it’s become part of who you are? Sam, Aaron, and CAPS counselor Dustin Beaty talk openly about compulsive sexual behaviors, shame, and the ways these struggles can affect how we see ourselves, our relationships, and our faith. They unpack what makes a behavior compulsive, why shame can keep the cycle going, and how real healing involves more than simply trying harder or avoiding triggers. Most importantly, they talk about what it can look like to move toward connection, support, and hope when you feel stuck.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!
• 
  Lonely In A Crowd: Navigating College Isolation 22.09.2026 41min

  Ever feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people? Sam and Aaron unpack why loneliness can be such a common part of college life, from leaving old friendships behind to feeling like you don’t quite fit into a new group. They talk about the stories we tell ourselves when we feel unwanted, the fear of rejection, and why sometimes getting out of your own head is the first step toward connection. Grab your coffee and listen in for some honest conversationand practical ways to start finding your people.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 Groups And Recovery Programs Are Necessary | Jonathan Ignacio & Louis Alvey 15.09.2026 52min

  What does recovery actually look like when you’re a college student?In this episode, Sam sits down with Louis Alvey and Jonathan Ignacio from Care & Support to talk about addiction, recovery, and why having a supportive community can make such a difference. They talk about the stigma that can make it hard to ask for help, what recovery can look like beyond substance use, and how students can find support without feeling like they have to hit “rock bottom” first.They also talk about Celebrate Recovery, peer support, counseling, and the different ways students can take that first step. Most importantly, the conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to struggle alone — and there’s no wrong door when it comes to getting support.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 To Expect In Counseling (And How To Get There) 08.09.2026 43min

  What actually happens when you go to counseling? Sam and Aaron talk through the process from the first session to the last — what counselors are really there to do, what you can expect to be asked, and why you don’t need to have everything figured out before you walk through the door. They also unpack some common misconceptions about counseling, including the idea that your problems aren’t “big enough” to deserve help, and talk about what it means to actually do the work between sessions. If you’ve ever been curious about counseling but weren’t sure what to expect, this episode is a place to start.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 Need To Be Vulnerable In Relationships? 01.09.2026 48min

  How do you let someone see the real you without handing them the keys to hurt you? Sam and Aaron talk about vulnerability — why it can feel so scary, how it helps relationships grow deeper, and why being vulnerable doesn’t mean telling everyone everything. They explore trust, boundaries, social media oversharing, and the slow process of learning who is safe enough to let past your armor.If you've ever wanted deeper relationships but weren't sure how much of yourself was safe to share, this conversation is 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!
• 
  LU Student Testimonial #3 | Working Through Grief 25.08.2026 22min

  What is it actually like to get counseling at CAPS?In this week’s episodes, three former clients share their experiences — from overcoming the hesitation to seek counseling, to working through relationships, body image, grief, faith, and difficult emotions. Their stories offer an honest look at what the counseling process can be like and how it helped them gain greater clarity, self-awareness, and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sit down with a counselor at CAPS, this episode gives you a chance to hear it from students who have been there themselves.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!
• 
  LU Student Testimonial #2 | Finding Body Confidence 25.08.2026 15min

  What is it actually like to get counseling at CAPS?In this week’s episodes, three former clients share their experiences — from overcoming the hesitation to seek counseling, to working through relationships, body image, grief, faith, and difficult emotions. Their stories offer an honest look at what the counseling process can be like and how it helped them gain greater clarity, self-awareness, and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sit down with a counselor at CAPS, this episode gives you a chance to hear it from students who have been there themselves.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!
• 
  LU Student Testimonial #1 | Overcoming Anxiety 25.08.2026 22min

  What is it actually like to get counseling at CAPS?In this week’s episodes, three former clients share their experiences — from overcoming the hesitation to seek counseling, to working through relationships, body image, grief, faith, and difficult emotions. Their stories offer an honest look at what the counseling process can be like and how it helped them gain greater clarity, self-awareness, and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sit down with a counselor at CAPS, this episode gives you a chance to hear it from students who have been there themselves.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!
• 
  The Myth of the Perfect Match 28.04.2026 36min

  What does it really mean to “settle” in a relationship — and is that actually a bad thing?In this episode, Sam and Aaron take on a word most people instinctively resist and use it to explore a bigger tension: choosing someone versus always wondering if there’s someone better out there. They unpack how that mindset can quietly erode even healthy relationships, especially when you’re stuck comparing instead of investing. They reframe commitment as something more active than just a feeling — it’s a repeated choice, especially when things aren’t easy. From early dating to long-term commitment, they talk about what it looks like to stay present, work through conflict, and build something meaningful instead of chasing the idea of a “better option.” It’s a thoughtful, slightly uncomfortable close to the season that pushes you to wrestle with what you actually want — and what it takes to choose someone for the long run.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!
• 
  Toxic vs. Healthy Relationships 21.04.2026 42min

  What actually makes a relationship toxic — and how can you tell the difference between normal conflict and something more harmful?In this episode, Sam and Aaron explore the patterns that define toxic relationships, including cycles of dishonesty, disrespect, and dismissiveness. They also examine why these dynamics can feel familiar and why they are often difficult to leave. They talk about common warning signs such as gaslighting and love bombing and give practical guidance on how to step away from unhealthy relationships and seek meaningful support.If you have questioned whether something in a relationship feels off, this episode gives a clear framework for understanding what may be happening beneath the surface.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!
• 
  Relationships Won't Fix Loneliness 14.04.2026 41min

  Sam and Aaron take a step back from all the usual relationship advice to talk about something a lot of students quietly wrestle with — loneliness. Not just being alone, but that deeper feeling of not being known or understood, even when you’re surrounded by people.They get into why a relationship (especially a romantic one) isn’t a guaranteed fix, how social media can make things worse without us realizing it, and what actually helps — real connection, not just proximity. Along the way, they share some honest back-and-forth, practical ways to build deeper friendships, and a reminder that connection is something you learn and practice over time.If you’ve ever thought, “I have people around me, so why do I still feel this way?” — 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 Trauma Impacts Relationships 07.04.2026 41min

  How does your past shape the way you show up in relationships today? Sam and Aaron take an honest look at how experiences of trauma — both big and small — can quietly influence your trust, communication, and even the kinds of people you’re drawn to. They unpack the impact of neglect, family conflict, and unmet emotional needs, exploring what it looks like to recognize your patterns, challenge them, and begin building healthier ways of relating — without pretending your story didn’t matter. It’s a grounded, hopeful reminder that while your past may affect you, it doesn’t have to define where your relationships are headed.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!
• 
  The Truth About Hookup Culture 31.03.2026 51min

  This episode takes an honest look at hookup culture — what it is, why it’s so appealing in college, and why it often leaves people feeling worse instead of better. Sam and Aaron unpack the tension between what culture normalizes and what we’re actually wired for, touching on the emotional, mental, and spiritual impact that casual sexual encounters can have.They don’t just critique it from a distance — they talk about the real reasons students get pulled in: the desire to feel wanted, known, and connected. Along the way, they explore how those desires are good but often chased in ways that end up hurting more than helping.If you’ve ever felt the disconnect between what everyone says is “normal” and what actually leaves you feeling whole, this conversation leans into that honestly — while also offering a path forward marked by grace, healing, and something deeper than temporary 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!
• 
  Becoming Who You Were Made to Be | Dr. Dondi Costin, President of Liberty University 24.03.2026 52min

  What does Michael Jordan have to do with mental health? In this 50th episode of Coffee with CAPS, Sam and Aaron sit down with Liberty University President Dr. Dondi Costin to explore that question — along with a few others that hit close to home for college students today. They talk about why this generation feels uniquely “anxious” and how social media has reshaped the way we think, compare, and cope. Moving beyond the old debate of psychology vs. Christianity, Dr. Costin offers a perspective where the two aren’t at odds, showing how research can actually point back to God’s design for human flourishing. It’s especially meaningful for anyone who’s felt the tension between their faith and their mental health. This episode takes an honest look at why we’re not meant to struggle in isolation and how aligning our mindset with our design can begin to shift things. Whether you’re navigating burnout or just trying to find your place, it’s a reminder that your journey toward wellness is part of a much bigger story — one shaped by believing, belonging, and becoming.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 Long Distance Actually Work? 17.03.2026 46min

  Thinking about doing long distance in college? In this episode, Sam and Aaron talk about the reality of long-distance relationships for college students. Why do so many couples try to make it work after going to different schools — and why do some relationships actually grow stronger while others fall apart? Drawing on research and counseling experience, they unpack the common challenges of distance, from loneliness and communication struggles to unrealistic expectations.If you’re dating someone far away — or considering it — this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the pros, the pitfalls, and the kinds of questions worth asking as you think about the future of your relationship.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!
• 
  The Good and Bad of Ring by Spring 10.03.2026 45min

  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!
• 
  Forgiving Yourself & God's Forgiveness | Dr. Jichan Kim 03.03.2026 34min

  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!