Mind and Faith Matters

Boundaries help relationships stay steady, honest, and sustainable. This episode explores how limits support emotional and spiritual well‑being, how early experiences shape the way you show up with others, and why certain patterns make boundaries feel complicated. You’ll hear simple examples of moments when limits become necessary, along with guidance from Scripture on responsibility, capacity, and healthy love. This is a gentle invitation to notice where boundaries feel difficult and to take small, meaningful steps toward clarity and connection.

In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, Dr. Cory Potter reads Psalm 37 (NASB) and offers a brief reflection on a personal struggle many of us face… trying to solve things on our own instead of waiting on the Lord. Before reading the passage, Cory shares a few thoughts on how easy it is to move ahead of God. Psalm 37 speaks invites us to trust, rest, and wait with patience. This episode is a quiet space to slow down, listen to Scripture, and reflect on what it means to place our confidence in God’s timing.

Stories pull us in without us even trying. A book, a movie, a conversation can suddenly bring us right in the middle of it mesmerized. In this episode, we talk about why that happens and why stories matter so much in our everyday lives. I share a few examples from books and movies that surprised me, made me laugh, or reminded me of people I love. We’ll look at what’s happening in our brains when a story grabs our attention, and why certain moments stay with us long after the story ends. We’ll also talk about the stories in Scripture and how imagining the scene can help us slow down and notice things we might have missed. By the end, you might start paying attention to the stories you enjoy and what they’re quietly showing you about what matters to you.

In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, we take a look at Psalm 119 and what happens when God’s Word becomes part of your daily life. If you’ve been feeling worn down, stuck, or unsure of what to do next, this conversation walks through how Scripture brings hope, comfort, and steady direction right in the middle of real life. Take a few minutes today and listen. You may be surprised by all that's in this one psalm in the Bible!

Grief touches every life, though many people struggle to understand what it is and how to process it. In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter explores the psychology of grief, the different forms loss can take, and how Scripture invites honest lament before God. Together we consider how grief reflects the depth of our love and how faith helps us carry it with honesty and hope.

Creativity is not reserved for artists or inventors. In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, Dr. Cory Potter explores the psychology of creativity and why your best ideas often appear during moments like walking, resting, or letting your mind wander. You will also learn practical habits that strengthen creativity and why identity plays an important role in unlocking the creative capacity God placed within you.

In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, Dr. Cory Potter sits down with Dr. Bob Fischer, a clinical pastoral psychologist, for a conversation about identity, mental health, and what it really means to live from who God says you are. They talk about how many of our core beliefs about ourselves were formed when we were very young, and how those beliefs still shape our thoughts, relationships, and emotions today. Dr. Fischer explains how Scripture can help renew our thinking and create healthier patterns in our lives. The conversation also challenges the idea that the Christian life is about constant self-improvement. What if growth is less about striving and more about learning to receive what God has already done? What if peace and joy are not something we earn, but something we step into? If you have ever struggled with who you are, how you fit, or how faith connects to emotional healing, this episode offers practical insight and real encouragement.

What is the purpose of the Christian life? In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, we explore the foundation beneath spiritual growth and mental health: God is shaping us into people who reflect the character of Jesus. Rather than reducing faith to religious practices or self-improvement, we look at Scripture’s consistent message that the Christian life is a daily relationship with God that transforms us from the inside out. Through passages like Romans 8, Galatians 5, and John 15, we examine how sanctification unfolds in ordinary life and how the fruit of the Spirit develops as we remain connected to Christ. We also explore the practical intersection of faith and mental health. Whether you are a committed Christian or simply curious about how faith relates to psychological well-being, this episode invites you to consider what God may be forming in you and how walking with Him shapes both your character and your mental health.

Join Dr. Cory Potter on Mind and Faith Matters for a Christmas episode that brings the nativity to life. Hear the story from Matthew and Luke, reflect on the emotions of Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds, and discover how God meets us in our own fears, pressures, and hopes. This episode includes Scripture, reflection, and prayer to help you find peace and encouragement this season.

In this Season One finale, Dr. Cory Potter looks back with gratitude on a meaningful year of conversations about faith, mental wellness, and the everyday moments that shape our lives. Cory reflects on listener connections, standout episodes, milestones across platforms, and God’s steady faithfulness through each part of the journey. This episode offers a warm recap of what we explored together and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who listened, shared, prayed, or reached out. As we prepare for Season Two, this conversation encourages you to recognize the growth that has taken place along the way.

In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, Dr. Cory Potter provides some amazing facts about the brain. He explores how the brain works and the top 5 ways to treat your brain well as part of caring for your whole well-being. Drawing from 3 John 1:2 and current research, Cory explains how the brain uses energy, how it rewires itself, why sleep matters, how emotions connect to the body, and how relationships strengthen mental health. Dr. Potter describes simple habits that support focus, mood, emotional balance, and resilience. This episode offers practical steps for healthier thinking and a clearer mind.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter explores what it means to be cautiously righteous. Many believers want to honor God but may not see their own blind spots, and even sincere efforts can drift from the heart of Jesus. Cory shares how Scripture, psychology, and prayerful reflection help us move beyond appearances, rule-keeping, or spiritual confidence built on outward habits. Through insights from Matthew 23, James 2, Micah 6:8, and the example of Christ in 1 Peter 2:21, this episode encourages listeners to pursue a life shaped by humility, love, accountability, and the fruit of the Spirit. With practical questions and gentle guidance, Dr. Potter invites you to examine your motives, align your heart with God’s character, and walk in a way that draws others toward Christ.

Many of us are comfortable giving help but hesitate to receive it. In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter explores why that happens, especially in Western culture where independence is prized. Drawing from psychology and Scripture, we look at how pride, perfectionism, and fear of burdening others can keep us from the support God designed us to experience. You’ll hear biblical examples of those who accepted help and see how learning to receive can deepen connection, grow humility, and strengthen your walk with Christ.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter talks with Elsa Martin, founder of Whole By Nutrition, as well as a certified advanced clinical weight-loss practitioner and hormone-balance specialist, in a powerful conversation on nutrition, mindset, faith, and healing. Elsa shares her powerful journey: from struggling with joint pain, inflammation, and feeling stuck in her body, to discovering the life-giving truth that healthier eating and lifestyle, support, and faith can work together for real wellness. She explains how proper nutrition supports hormone balance and reduces inflammation, and how faith and honesty play a vital role in lasting change. Together they explore how a renewed mindset, guided by truth and spiritual grounding, can bring real transformation to both body and soul.Find Elsa at www.wholebynutrition.comInstagram: @theelsamartinFacebook: Whole by Nutrition (https://www.facebook.com/wholebynutrition)

Even when self-doubt whispers “you’re not enough,” God calls you worthy. In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter offers faith-based and practical ways to renew confidence and see yourself through God’s eyes.

Feeling uncertainty, stress, or anxiety from life’s demands? In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter shares practical insights from modern psychology and biblical wisdom to help you stay grounded. Learn how staying connected to Christ can bring peace, clarity, and hope even in uncertain times.Visit www.mindandfaithmatters.com

Even in the busiest seasons, you can stay rooted in Jesus. Dr. Cory Potter shares insights from research and the Bible in John chapter 15 verses 1–8 to help you stay connected and thrive.

Disrespect can show up anywhere, whether at home, in the workplace, or in daily interactions. How we respond makes all the difference. In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter explores what Scripture teaches about guarding our hearts and responding with self-control. You will also hear practical tools from communication experts on how to set boundaries, stay composed, and address disrespect without fueling conflict. Learn how to use the “mirror and window” principle, apply biblical wisdom, and keep your standards clear when disrespect comes your way.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter talks about prayer as a lifeline in spiritual battles. With insights from John Piper, Tony Evans, and Priscilla Shirer, you’ll hear how prayer connects us to God’s strength and helps us stand firm. The episode also walks through ten practical areas of focused prayer with Scripture you can apply right now.

In this special episode, Dr. Cory Potter reflects on the call for Christians to approach others with gentleness and kindness, especially those who do not yet follow Christ. He explores how truth can sometimes feel offensive to nonbelievers, why harshness and rudeness never advance the gospel, and how Scripture calls us to love even our enemies. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer, asking God to cultivate gentleness and kindness as fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Prayer is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways we connect with God. In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter shares what the Bible teaches about prayer, why it matters, and how we can approach God as a loving Father who listens. You’ll hear about the Lord’s Prayer as a model, a helpful framework from Chris Hodges’ book Pray First, and encouragement for when prayer feels difficult or confusing. Whether you’re new to faith or looking to deepen your relationship with God, this episode will help you see prayer as an open conversation with the One who loves you most. Email: [email protected] Website: www.mindandfaithmatters.com

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) can feel like a relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and overwhelming compulsions, but faith reminds us that we are never alone in the struggle. In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, Dr. Cory Potter talks with Karen about her journey of living with OCD and following Christ through it all. Together they explore how faith and mental health intersect, what hope looks like in the middle of obsessive thoughts, and how God’s grace steadies us even when our minds feel restless.

Are you searching for answers about God, wondering who Jesus really is, or what it means to have a relationship with Him? In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, Dr. Cory Potter shares the simple but life-changing truth of the Gospel. You’ll hear why God created you, how sin separates us from Him, what Jesus accomplished on the cross and through His resurrection, and how you can respond to His invitation today. Whether you’ve been hurt by religion, feel distant from God, or are hearing this message for the first time, this episode offers hope, clarity, and a fresh start with Him. Resources found at https://www.mindandfaithmatters.com/gospel

This episode reflects on 2 Corinthians 12:9 and how God’s strength meets us in our weakness. We explore how life’s pressures can change our limits, why some believers expect the worst during hard times, and how Scripture reminds us that His grace is always enough.

While a guest on Navigating the Wilderness with Nicole Delaney, Dr. Cory Potter shares how God met him in unexpected ways during a long season of uncertainty, health struggles, and vocational shifts. He shares what he has learned about waiting well when the path forward isn’t very clear.

Why do we feel such a strong pull to be part of a group,, whether it’s being part of a fanbase, a gym crew, or a church family? In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter explores the psychology and spirituality of belonging. Learn how God designed us to connect, what happens when we feel disconnected, and how true belonging goes deeper than shared interests. With Scripture, neuroscience, and practical insights, this episode invites you to reflect on where you feel seen, known, and truly at home.

In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter explores how honesty and deception shape our emotional, spiritual, and relational health. Also, we look at how easy it is to slip into half-truths or quiet edits, because we want to avoid conflict, protect ourselves, or just keep things smooth. But over time, even those little tweaks can add up. They can make us feel distant, stressed, and disconnected from who we really are. This episode explores what lies do to our minds and relationships, how truth actually lightens the load, and why is a path toward peace, self-respect, and real connection with God and others.

Have you ever felt like something was off in your walk with God, but you didn’t know why? Maybe you stopped praying, lost interest in reading the Bible, or felt far from God without meaning to.In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter talks about what it means to drift away from God and how to find your way back. You’ll learn what the Bible says about drifting, how to notice the signs early, and how to ask honest questions to check in with yourself and others. We also talk about how to anchor your faith in Jesus again so you can feel steady and close to Him, even when life feels messy.Whether you feel strong in your walk with God or a little lost, this is a helpful episode to remind you that Jesus is always ready to welcome you back and keep you grounded.Companion Resource Guide

Special Guest, Dr. Joe Weaver, offers reflections, real talk, and humor in discussing parenthood, being a husband, balancing life, and considering mental health. He and the host, Dr. Cory Potter, also confess how manly they are on a 1000 point scale. This is a fun one that you'll want to hear!

This episode is for the guys who feel off but can’t explain why. For the ones who are always “holding it together,” even when it’s heavy. We're digging into how depression shows up differently in men, why many don’t recognize the signs, and what you can do to start feeling like yourself again.It is important to check out the companion resource guide to see a comprehensive list of depression symptoms.For the entire month of July, 100% of profits from our merch store will be donated to HeadsUpGuys.org, an incredible nonprofit helping men fight depression and take back their mental wellness.Check out their private, free self-check quiz and tools at HeadsUpGuys.org. No pressure. No shame. Just real support made for men.Shop tees, mugs, and hats that raise awareness and quietly open doors to honest conversations: mindandfaithmatters.com/storeFind an online Christian counselor/therapist

Are you tired or weary, even after sleeping? In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, Dr. Cory Potter talks about what real rest looks like. It's rest that helps your body, your mind, and your soul. You’ll learn what the Bible says about Sabbath, how resting helps your brain, and ways to feel close to God again through keeping a Sabbath. If you feel worn out or like life is too busy, this episode will help you slow down and feel whole.

Ever felt like you don’t belong in the room, even when you've worked hard to get there? You're not alone. In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, Dr. Cory Potter explores the deep-rooted experience of imposter syndrome through both neuroscience and Scripture. Discover how your brain handles insecurity, why self-doubt often shows up in moments of growth, and how faith can rewire those mental patterns. We’ll explore the role of the amygdala, the hippocampus, negative thought loops, and the power of tools like visualization, breathwork, and community. You’ll learn faith-integrated strategies to renew your mind, reclaim your identity, and step forward with confidence. Whether you're a small business owner, leader, or just wrestling with your own inner critic, this episode will remind you: you're not a fraud. You’re chosen, equipped, and growing. Topics include: How your brain processes insecurity Why imposter syndrome shows up when you succeed Scripture-based tools to rewire negative thought patterns The difference between conviction and toxic self-doubt Why worship and testimony heal identity

Dr. Cory Potter shares a few humbling (and hilarious) stories about Pop-Tarts, mismatched suits, falling in a turtle habitat, and how God often works through our imperfections. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to be perfect, just willing to show up as our flawed, imperfect selves. Be sure to mindandfaithmatters.com.

What is the good life according to the Bible? In this episode, Dr. Joe Weaver, a professor and experimental psychologist, interviews Dr. Cory Potter on the good life from a Christian viewpoint. Cory explores how Scripture connects the good life with the abundant life Jesus offers and the real joy found in God's presence. Hint: A good life is a life rooted in purpose, peace, and spiritual fullness, not possessions. If you’ve ever wondered how to experience a full, meaningful life in Christ, regardless of your circumstances, you'll want to check this episode out!

In this episode, we hear from a former church staff member who experienced spiritual abuse within her community. After stepping away, she began a difficult but meaningful journey of healing, finding lost hope, and evaluating trust. She shares how she began to find hope again, rebuild her mental wellness, and rediscover peace beyond spiritual trauma.

Spiritual abuse can leave deep and lasting wounds, wounds that impact not just our view of the church, but our understanding of God, trust, and even our own worth. In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, Dr. Cory Potter explores core concepts of healing from spiritual abuse with a trauma-informed, Christ-centered lens.Whether you're someone who has experienced manipulation, control, or harm in a faith setting, or you're walking alongside a loved one who has, this episode offers compassionate guidance, validation, and hope.We revisit key takeaways from our previous discussion on toxic leadership and expand the conversation with practical steps for rebuilding safety, reimagining spiritual life, and reconnecting with God outside of harmful systems. We also offer encouragement and wise counsel for friends, family members, and fellow Christians supporting those in the healing process.✨ Learn more, access resources, or share your story at mindandfaithmatters.com

What happens when leadership becomes harmful? In this episode, Dr. Cory Potter explores the patterns and impact of toxic leadership at work, within faith settings, and even at home. You’ll learn how to recognize unhealthy dynamics, why they often go unchecked, and what it looks like to lead, and heal, with clarity, courage, and compassion.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of toxic leadership, emotional manipulation, and harmful dynamics in faith, work, and family settings. Please listen with care, especially if you’ve experienced spiritual abuse, toxic relationships, or trauma.

In a world full of noise and striving, what does it really mean to “be still and know” that God is God? In Episode 8, Dr. Cory Potter explores Psalm 46:10, the Hebrew roots of stillness, and the deep connection between letting go and receiving God’s peace. With insights from Brother Lawrence and practical tools for quieting your mind, you’ll discover simple ways to practice God’s presence—right in the middle of real life.

In Episode 7, we explore what it really means to be still before God, and why it’s so hard for many of us. From fear of losing control to constant busyness or unresolved anxiety, we unpack the obstacles that keep us from resting in God's presence.

Can being appreciative and thankful really help your mind and spirit? In Episode 6 of Mind and Faith Matters, Dr. Cory Potter talks about how gratitude can improve your mental health and strengthen your faith. You’ll hear how being thankful helps your brain, what the Bible says about it, and how it can bring peace—even during hard times like grief. Dr. Potter also shares his own story of loss and how gratitude has helped him find comfort.If this encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe.

In Episode 5, we conclude our exploration of PURSUING YOUR DREAMS (Part 3) and address practical ways to "Shift Your Thinking & Take Action on Your Dreams." In this episode, I’m joined by Sue Potter, founder of Potter's Crafty Corner, for the continuation of my interview with her, as we dive into another five practical strategies to help us break free from hesitation and move forward with confidence. Subscribe for more faith & mental health encouragement!

In Episode 4, we explore the topic of PURSUING YOUR DREAMS (Part 2) and address practical ways to "Shift Your Thinking & Take Action on Your Dreams." So how do we move past fear, perfectionism, and self-doubt to actually take steps toward our dreams? In this episode, I’m joined by Sue Potter, founder of Potter's Crafty Corner, for the continuation of my interview with her, as we dive into five practical strategies to help us break free from hesitation and move forward with confidence. 🎙️ Join us for a faith-filled conversation on shifting your mindset and stepping boldly into the purpose God has for you! 🔔 Subscribe for more faith & mental health encouragement!

In Episode 3, we explore the topic of PURSUING YOUR DREAMS (Part 1): what it takes to step out in faith, overcome doubt and other thought barriers, and just begin to take action. Whether you're chasing a goal, launching a business, or just need some encouragement, this episode is for you! This week, I have an extra special guest, my amazing wife, Sue Potter!She’s not just my bride; she’s also the creative mind behind Potter’s Crafty Corner, her small business that specializes in handmade home & holiday decor, limited edition decor made with repurposed vintage and antique items, and unique gifts!

In this episode of Mind and Faith Matters, we dive into the concept of locus of control and how it shapes our thoughts, relationships, and the way we communicate. Are we relying too much on our own efforts, or are we giving up too much control to outside forces? And how do we find a healthy balance, especially as people of faith?We also explore how to communicate out of love, using biblical wisdom and practical strategies to improve our conversations and relationships. Plus, I’ll be sharing a special throwback to my college days when handwritten letters were my way of expressing love and staying connected.Tune in for encouragement, practical insights, and a renewed perspective on faith, mental health, and the power of our words.

In this podcast the host, Dr. Cory Potter, describes the origins of the Mind & Faith Matters podcast, his background and ways of approaching life, and what viewers can expect from upcoming episodes.