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!

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 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!