The Lisa Show

When someone you love questions or walks away from their faith, it can feel deeply personal and deeply unsettling. Lisa sits down with Dr. Jared Halverson, a scholar of American religious history and faith loss, to talk about how to respond when faith crises show up in our families and friendships. Together, they explore why belief journeys look different for everyone, how to keep spiritual differences from becoming relationship fractures, and why the most Christlike response may start with tending to our own faith and not trying to fix someone else’s.

Even the strongest marriages hit slumps, and, no, it doesn’t always mean you’re doing it wrong. Lisa talks with clinical psychologist and marriage researcher Dr. Scott Braithwaite about why dips in marital satisfaction are normal and what actually helps couples move through them. With six practical, research-backed strategies, they explore how to break unhealthy patterns, communicate more effectively, and reconnect by focusing on the most important foundation of all: friendship.

Who are the people behind the headlines? Lisa sits down with political scientist and longtime friend Wendy Pearlman to talk about how personal relationships shape the way we understand conflict. Between reminiscing over “poptarts and politics” in Lincoln, Nebraska, and diving into Wendy’s life work--studying the experiences of Syrian refugees, Lisa and Wendy explore what it really means to see the people affected by political conflict and turmoil. Together, they reflect on blind spots, empathy, and why meaningful change often starts with simple, human acts like listening well, asking questions, and choosing kindness.

For more about Wendy and her books be sure to check out her website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/wendypearlman/

Lisa sits down with happiness researcher and author Michelle McCullough to explore the science of happiness. Michelle explains why happiness isn’t something we feel when hard things end, but something that helps us get through the hard things. Together they unpack what the research says about joy, the power of belief, and the simple, practical skills that can help us live happier lives right now.

Lisa sits down with actor Bart Johnson--you may recognize him as Coach Bolton from Disney's "High School Musical". Bart talks about the 20th anniversary of the film, the unexpected path that has led him to where he is, and the joy he finds coaching sports teams on and off the screen.