Healing Toxic Relationships: Love Lessons with Dr. Mark Hicks

In this transformative episode, host Brad Minus sits down with Dr. Mark Hicks—author, counselor, and relationship expert—to explore how personal pain and spiritual growth can intersect to redefine love. From the heart of small-town Tennessee to leading ministries and navigating painful personal transitions, Dr. Hicks shares how grief, emotional intelligence, and intentional living helped him cultivate deeper, healthier relationships.

Listeners will gain profound insights into Dr. Hicks’s five components of love, inspired by wisdom literature and his journey through divorce, healing, and remarriage. Whether you're in a thriving relationship, recovering from heartbreak, or searching for clarity, this episode will challenge your perspective and empower your heart.

⏱️ Episode Highlights:

[1:45] - Mark’s wholesome upbringing and family dynamics in small-town Tennessee
[8:10] - Early career path: seminary life, counseling, and ministry
[17:33] - The unraveling of his first marriage and the emotional toll
[24:50] - The harsh realities of divorce as a public spiritual leader
[31:22] - Meeting Heather and how healthy love reshaped his outlook
[39:17] - The origin story of his new book Learning Love
[42:35] - A breakdown of the Five Components of Love: Grief, Emotion, Practicality, Acceptance, and Passion
[56:02] - Why everyone should consider therapy—even in healthy relationships
[1:01:20] - Where to find Dr. Hicks online and get his new book

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Book: Learning Love by Dr. Mark A. Hicks – Available on Amazon
• Website: www.markahicks.com
• Follow Dr. Hicks on YouTube & LinkedIn

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Love is not just emotion—it’s a skill built from five core components.
• Healing from grief is foundational to building future healthy relationships.
• Seeking professional help early can prevent long-term emotional damage.
• Passion isn’t optional—it’s the fuel of lasting connection.
• Learning to love yourself is crucial for building stronger external relationships.

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