Relationships, Family & Emotional Health

Explore thoughtful conversations about relationships, parenting, family dynamics, communication, emotional connection, and the experiences that shape our closest bonds.

Learn how healthy boundaries, communication, trust, and emotional awareness can help individuals, couples, and families navigate challenges and build stronger, more supportive relationships.

PODCAST INTERVIEWS & CONVERSATIONS

Relationships, Family and Emotional Health Videos

Browse expert interviews and personal conversations about parenting, partnership, communication, conflict, emotional well-being, family relationships, and creating healthier connections.

Building Resilience Through Life's Hardest Moments | Advice from Michael Webb Part 2

Dr. Sanders continues his conversation with Michael Webb. They dive into their thoughts about death, dying, and the gift of preparation. Dr. Sanders draws on his own background delivering babies ...and providing hospice care as a rural family physician in Moab. He explores what it looks like when end-of-life care is handled with clarity, communication, and love, rather than fear.

Michael shares his own story of caring for his mother, Roberta, through her final months. He talks about the hard conversations around transfusions and DNR orders, and what it feels like to take on the work of stepping in as the primary decision-maker for someone. Their conversation covers all aspects of caring for someone at the end of their life, both the good and the bad. In the end, they conclude that it’s all beautiful, even when it’s hard.

Chapters
[Start] The Final Transfusion: Michael Webb dives into sharing his mother's end-of-life story, including the family decisions it entailed.
04:22 Getting Everyone on the Same Page: A discussion of why family alignment around a dying patient's wishes matters, and how to have family meetings about the patients.
10:22 Autonomy at the End of Life: The importance of preserving a dying person's sense of control and identity, even in small ways.
16:09 Caregiver Fatigue: Dr. Sanders discusses home health, nurse assessments, and the guilt many caregivers feel.
29:17 Reflections on Grief: How a well-supported death can shape the grieving process, and how hospice is a service for the whole family.

Links & Resources
https://voyageclinics.com/Show More

Building Resilience Through Life's Hardest Moments | Advice from Michael Webb Part 2

Dr. Sanders continues his conversation with Michael Webb. They dive ...

Building Better Teams and Relationships | Advice from Michael Webb Part 1

What does hiring the right employee have to do with our health? Hiring ...

Dr. John with Gary Peterson | Ownership, Accountability, and Unconditional Love

In this episode of the Voyage Clinics Podcast, Dr. John welcomes ...

In this episode of the Voyage Clinics Podcast, Dr. John welcomes longtime friend and mentor Gary Peterson, who is wrapping up a remarkable 38-year career at O.C. Tanner. Gary shares ...his journey from intern to senior leader and reflects on how the company transformed from a top-down, autocratic manufacturing culture into a people-centered, team-based organization. O.C. Tanner’s mission of employee recognition and meaningful connection became especially vital during COVID, when companies sought new ways to engage remote teams. Throughout the conversation, Gary emphasizes that recognition systems only work when they are built on genuine respect, trust, and a healthy organizational culture.
Gary dives deeply into leadership evolution, describing how empowering the people closest to the work led to dramatic improvements in quality, ownership, and morale. He recounts pivotal moments—including being coached to stop solving everyone else’s problems—that helped him recognize his own blind spots. By shifting managers from controllers to coaches and fostering regular human connection through simple practices like weekly one-on-one conversations, O.C. Tanner cultivated a workplace where employees felt confident, capable, and valued. The result was not just a stronger business, but people who carried that confidence into their families and communities.
The discussion broadens beyond business into family life, parenting, emotional intelligence, and neuroplasticity. Dr. John and Gary explore how the same principles—curiosity over judgment, vulnerability, self-reflection, and unconditional love—apply to marriages, raising teenagers, and personal growth. Gary shares practical self-evaluation tools, daily habits, and the profound impact of learning not to take offense, particularly in his marriage. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: every person we encounter has something to teach us, and when leaders create space for trust, forgiveness, and growth, individuals—and entire organizations—can truly become their best selves.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. John and Shaunna with Dr. Amanda | Martyrs and Saints: Rewriting Motherhood and Medicine

This episode of the Voyage Clinics Podcast opens with a powerful and ...

This episode of the Voyage Clinics Podcast opens with a powerful and intimate poem by Shaunna Sanders, “Martyrs and Saints,” which reframes motherhood away from exhaustion, self-denial, and moralized sacrifice. ...The poem challenges cultural and religious narratives that equate worthiness with sleeplessness, constant service, and self-erasure, offering instead a vision of womanhood rooted in rest, boundaries, self-awareness, and divine reflection. It serves as the emotional foundation for a broader conversation about motherhood, identity, and calling.
Dr. Amanda Primensberger joins Dr. John Sanders and Shaunna to explore the realities of navigating motherhood alongside demanding professional roles in medicine. They reflect on generational expectations of “doing it all,” the loss of self that can occur in both traditional and professional paths, and the pressure placed on women to sacrifice without limits. Dr. Primensberger shares personal stories from medical training and early motherhood that highlight the moral injury, burnout, and family strain caused by rigid healthcare systems that prioritize productivity over humanity.
The conversation culminates in Dr. Primensberger’s decision to leave traditional healthcare and build a Direct Primary Care practice aligned with her values. By choosing flexibility, transparency, and relational care, she reclaimed presence at home and meaning at work, while modeling courage and sacrifice for her children. The episode ultimately affirms that choosing boundaries, embracing seasons of life, and pursuing alignment over martyrdom can lead to deeper connection, better care, and a more sustainable, integrated life.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Under Pressure, Your Deepest Habits Take Over | Emotional Intelligence | Jason Peery

Voyage Clinics Podcast host Dr. John Sanders welcomes longtime friend ...

Voyage Clinics Podcast host Dr. John Sanders welcomes longtime friend and “pickleball bro” Jason Peery for a conversation about personal growth, coaching, and mental wellness. Jason introduces himself as a ...husband, father of six, grandfather of two, and someone with a strong passion for coaching, teaching, and supporting youth and families—especially in the mental health space. He shares that while he’s done a lot of business to pay the bills, his heart lies in helping young people grow through sports and mentoring.

The conversation touches on the value of human connection, vulnerability, and intentional living. Jason reflects on the cultural and generational barriers that often keep men from expressing their emotions and seeking support, and he emphasizes the power of simply being present and listening. He and Dr. Sanders explore how service, authenticity, and spiritual grounding contribute to a fulfilling life, especially for those navigating change or emotional difficulty. Jason also discusses his own efforts to keep growing and stay curious, even while supporting others.

Throughout the episode, both men underscore the importance of slowing down and making time for self-reflection, faith, and purpose. Jason encourages listeners to notice when they’re “operating from fear” and instead choose to lead with love and truth. Dr. Sanders ties these insights back to his clinical work, affirming how critical it is for people—especially men—to find spaces where they can speak openly and feel seen. The conversation closes with gratitude and a shared hope that listeners will be inspired to pause, connect, and live more fully.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

0:00 Introduction: Jason Peery and the Purpose of Coaching
0:48 Family, Business, Youth, and Mental Health
2:16 Winning Without Obsessing Over Winning
3:27 Why Presence Improves Performance
6:12 Sports as Emotional Training
8:21 How Inner Dialogue Shapes Our Emotions
10:42 Why Jason Became a Coach
12:41 Rebuilding a Broken Basketball Program
15:04 Under Pressure, Your Deepest Habits Rise
16:15 Take Blame, Give Credit
18:32 How Coaching Principles Apply to Family Life
19:48 What Great Coaches Do Differently
24:07 When Adults Spill Their Emotions Onto Young People
26:28 Developing Better People, Not Just Champions
29:27 Smartphones, Social Pressure, and Youth Mental Health
32:08 A Family’s Experience With Serious Mental Illness
34:41 What Struggling Children Need From Their Parents
37:45 Accepting That You Cannot Fix Everything
39:28 Why Parenting Teenagers Requires Letting Go
40:42 When Being a “Good Parent” Becomes About Ego
43:55 Healthy Attachment Requires Healthy Detachment
45:43 Why Teenagers Shut Down Around Their Parents
46:31 How to Help Your Teen Open Up
49:02 Mistakes, Shame, and Unconditional Worth
50:02 Healthy Detachment Still Requires Hard Conversations
51:04 Repairing After Parenting From Fear
52:34 Anger, Fear, and Emotional Self-Awareness
54:11 Letting Your Children See Your Imperfection
56:04 Holding Firm Boundaries Without Defensiveness
56:42 Closing ThoughtsShow More

Dr. John and Dani Enkey | The Sacred in the Struggle: Motherhood and Healing

In this heartfelt episode of the Voyage Clinics Podcast, Dr. John ...

In this heartfelt episode of the Voyage Clinics Podcast, Dr. John interviews Dani Enkey, a doula and mother of five, about her personal journey and professional work in the birth ...and postpartum space. Dani shares how her own transformation—from feeling lost in motherhood to reclaiming her identity—led her to support other women navigating similar paths. She describes the internalized belief systems that kept her from prioritizing her own needs and how mentorship and intentional self-discovery helped her regain her voice and confidence.

The conversation dives deep into the sacred nature of birth, highlighting the unique emotional, physical, and spiritual experiences women undergo during labor and postpartum. Dani explains the important role a doula can play in that journey—providing consistent support, comfort measures, and emotional anchoring that helps birthing women stay centered. She and Dr. John discuss the doula’s role in bridging communication gaps with medical staff, helping families feel empowered, and easing the unpredictable transitions of labor. Dani likens doulas to a nurturing presence that fills the "cracks" left in sterile clinical environments with warmth, care, and feminine energy.

The episode ends with a look at postpartum support and community building. Dani introduces her initiative, Wise Women Collective, which aims to provide wraparound care for women throughout fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum through coaching, education, and group support. She emphasizes the importance of connection and care in reducing maternal isolation and mental health struggles, advocating for a model of care that is proactive, gentle, and deeply human. Dr. John praises her vision and work, noting its alignment with the values of his practice.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. Sanders and Dr. Spangler part 2 | How to Care Just Enough

Dr. John Sanders welcomes back Dr. Diane Spangler in this second ...

Dr. John Sanders welcomes back Dr. Diane Spangler in this second episode with the psychologist and researcher. The conversation explores the biological, psychological, and behavioral foundations of anxiety, framing it ...as a preparatory system distinct from fear and anger. Dr. Spangler explains how anxiety, when moderate, enhances performance, but when excessive, becomes paralyzing. The discussion highlights the upside-down U-shaped curve of anxiety’s relationship to performance, and explores physiological distinctions between adrenal stress responses in fear versus anxiety.

Dr. Spangler introduces the concept of “worry time” — a structured approach that helps individuals differentiate between constructive and non-constructive worry. She explains how this practice allows people to recognize and validate worry without being consumed by it, providing a clear strategy to identify actionable steps or let go of repetitive rumination. Through vivid examples like earthquake preparedness during the early days of COVID-19, Dr. Spangler shows how this method can help shift a person’s relationship with anxiety by training the mind to pause, process, and plan instead of spinning in cycles of dread.

The conversation also delves into deeper emotional intelligence and identity issues related to chronic anxiety, such as over-responsibility, generational worry patterns, and empathy burnout. Dr. Sanders shares personal and parenting insights, exploring how core beliefs about responsibility and care often shape anxious thinking. Together, they underscore the importance of recognizing anxiety’s helpful roots while learning to set boundaries, recalibrate beliefs, and reframe experiences. Dr. Spangler concludes with an encouraging message: anxiety serves a purpose, but it shouldn’t control your life — and with the right tools, it doesn’t have to.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. John with Amanda and Kolton | Letting Go and Moving Forward

In this inspiring episode, Dr. John welcomes Amanda and Kolton ...

In this inspiring episode, Dr. John welcomes Amanda and Kolton Rackham, a couple who embarked on a life-changing journey of self-discovery by walking across the United States. The couple met ...during a personal development seminar, where they connected through their shared interest in growth and emotional awareness. Both came from complex family backgrounds and had already experienced personal trials, including job loss and disrupted plans. These challenges led them to question societal expectations and ultimately commit to a cross-country walk driven by intuition and trust in a higher power.

Their 15-month journey was marked by letting go—of material possessions, control, and traditional life paths. Along the way, they relied on faith and vision rather than rigid planning, finding that support and resources often appeared at exactly the right time. One of the most extraordinary moments was the birth of their baby at the home of a retired midwife, perfectly aligning with their hope for a natural delivery. Their story illustrates the power of surrender, presence, and choosing love and connection over fear and convention.

Dr. John reflects on how their story resonates with the challenges faced by many in the medical field who feel trapped in dogmatic systems. The conversation bridges the emotional and spiritual aspects of health, the importance of neuroplasticity, and the value of shedding limiting beliefs. Amanda and Kolton’s journey becomes a metaphor for finding one's path by letting go of outdated rules and trusting deeply in the process. Their insights serve as both a personal testimony and a universal reminder that growth begins when we choose vision over fear and authenticity over obligation.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. Sanders and Dr. Bartholomew | Parenting, Pediatrics, and Priorities

Dr. John welcomes pediatrician Dr. Jonathen Bartholomew to The Voyage ...

Dr. John welcomes pediatrician Dr. Jonathen Bartholomew to The Voyage Clinics Podcast, where they discuss his journey into medicine, his passion for pediatrics, and practical advice for parents. Dr. Bartholomew ...shares how his early exposure to emergency medical care, combined with his family's influence, led him toward the medical field. He recounts his residency in pediatrics, the challenges of balancing rigorous training with family life, and his eventual return to Utah to practice medicine in a community setting.

The conversation shifts to pediatric care, with Dr. Bartholomew providing insights on newborn wellness, the importance of early developmental screenings, and strategies for ensuring a healthy start in life. He highlights key red flags in infancy, such as lack of eye contact and weak muscle tone, and stresses the importance of early intervention for conditions like autism and developmental delays. He also discusses the significance of sleep, proper nutrition, and exercise for both children and parents, emphasizing practical parenting strategies to help parents create a supportive environment for their children.

The discussion concludes with a deep dive into the impact of screen time and modern technology on child development. Dr. Bartholomew and Dr. John discuss the dangers of excessive screen exposure, particularly during early childhood and adolescence, and advocate for physical activity and real-world engagement to counterbalance the negative effects. They suggest setting limits on screen time while encouraging outdoor play and structured activities. The episode ends with gratitude and encouragement for listeners to prioritize wellness and mindful parenting.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. John and Melissa Holmes | Motherhood, Medicine, and Finding Balance

In this episode of the Voyage Clinic's Podcast, host Dr. John Sanders ...

In this episode of the Voyage Clinic's Podcast, host Dr. John Sanders welcomes guest Melissa Holmes, a dedicated mother of three and the director of Roomb Humanitarian, an international service ...organization. Melissa shares her journey of balancing motherhood with meaningful work, reflecting on the personal struggles of rediscovering oneself after years devoted to raising children. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding fulfilling pursuits beyond parenting. Dr. Sanders highlights the common challenges many mothers face in their personal growth and the necessity of creating support systems to navigate these transitions.

The conversation then shifts to the healthcare concerns that many mothers encounter, particularly when caring for young children. Dr. Sanders and Melissa discuss common medical issues, including rashes, ear infections, and fevers, and when parents should seek medical attention. Melissa shares her personal experiences with Voyage Clinics, describing how the direct relationship with her doctor alleviates the stress and uncertainty of navigating the traditional healthcare system. Dr. Sanders explains the benefits of direct primary care, which offers immediate and personalized medical guidance, reducing unnecessary emergency visits and empowering parents with knowledge.

The episode concludes with an insightful discussion on the challenges of the traditional healthcare system and the advantages of direct primary care. Melissa recounts how Voyage Clinics played a crucial role in her daughter’s medical journey, providing not only medical expertise but also emotional support. Dr. Sanders stresses the need for a shift in healthcare culture, advocating for a more personalized, patient-centered approach. The episode serves as both an informative and empowering discussion for parents, providing reassurance and practical guidance on managing their children's health while maintaining their own well-being.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Show More

Dr. Sanders and Richard Tripp part 2 | The Power of Vulnerability: Building Stronger Relationships

In this second interview, Dr. Sanders and clinical mental health ...

Dr. John and Dr. Spangler | Leaning Into Grief: Embracing Love and Loss for Emotional Resilience

On this episode of the Voyage Clinics podcast, Dr. Sanders interviews ...

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Relationships, Family & Emotional Health

Relationships, Family and Emotional Health Videos

Building Resilience Through Life's Hardest Moments | Advice from Michael Webb Part 2

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