When Tragedy Hits Close to Home | Emma McAdam

When violence strikes close to home, the grief feels different. It can feel heavier, more personal, and harder to shake. Lisa sits down with Emma McAdam, licensed therapist and founder of "Therapy in a Nutshell," to talk about how to cope with collective trauma in a 24/7 news cycle. Together they explore emotional resilience, intentional media consumption, and why healing ourselves first is the most powerful way to help our communities heal. Be sure to check out Therapy in a Nutshell: https://therapyinanutshell.com/

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.

Lisa sits down with author and humanitarian leader, Sharon Eubank, for a conversation about simple, meaningful ways to serve the people right in front of us. From discussing the heart behind JustServe.org to the quiet power of everyday volunteers, Sharon shares why the most impactful help doesn’t always come from big systems but from noticing, caring, and showing up. This episode is a reminder that the most powerful place to make a difference is exactly where you are.

Lisa sits down with Joseph Grenny, bestselling author of "Crucial Conversations," co-founder of Crucial Learning, and the visionary behind life-changing social programs like The Other Side Academy and The Other Side Village. Together they explore why breaking habits is a matter of skill--not will--and why real growth starts by evaluating the six sources of influence in our lives. Joseph Grenny was co-founder and president of California Computer Corporation. In 1990 he co-founded VitalSmarts, which today is one of the most respected corporate training and organizational development companies in the world, with clients representing 300 of the Fortune 500 companies and over 10,000 trainers across the world. Named the 2008 Business of the Year by The Association of Learning Providers, VitalSmarts has also been ranked four times by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. Products resulting from Joseph’s research have been used to train over two million people worldwide. Joseph is co-author of seven books, including four immediate New York Times bestsellers–Crucial Conversations, Crucial Accountability, Influencer, and Change Anything. Over six million of Joseph’s books have been sold – and are standard texts in major universities across the world. In 2007, Joseph and his co-authors were named Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year for their work in founding and leading VitalSmarts. Joseph is the Chairman of the Board as well as a co-founder of Unitus Labs, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that manages the strategic direction and initiatives to achieve the Unitus mission of reducing global poverty through economic self-empowerment. The Unitus group of companies has deployed over $1 billion globally to battle poverty and to enable grass-roots entrepreneurship in developing countries and has reached over 20 million poor around the globe. In 2015, Joseph and his wife, Celia, joined a remarkable team to establish the first campus of The Other Side Academy (TOSA) with the goal of creating an opportunit

To watch the full performance and interview, head over to The Lisa Show YouTube channel. Lisa sits down with incredible vocal trio GENTRI to talk about the experiences that have shaped their music and their favorite Christmas memories and traditions. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the group or are hearing GENTRI for the first time, this episode offers an intimate look at the artists behind the music—plus live renditions of Christmas songs that capture the spirit of the season. Be sure to check out more of GENTRI at their website: https://gentrimusic.com/

Christmas isn’t just a season; it's a chance to show up for each other in meaningful ways. In this special "Light the World" episode, Lisa brings the whole Lisa Show team into the studio to share the small acts of kindness that have changed everything for them. These stories remind us that the heart of Christmas is found in service—both the kind we offer and the kind we receive. Whether you’re wrapping gifts, baking, traveling, or just taking a breath in the middle of the holiday rush, join us for a cozy, heartfelt conversation that brings us back to why this season matters. Merry Christmas, and let's light the world together!