Taboo Talk: Toxic People and Boundaries

Unpack the tangled realities of toxic relationships with this raw, thoughtful conversation between Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson. They challenge the casual use of “toxic,” sharing real stories of emotional sabotage, relentless criticism, and the silent damage that wears on your spirit and mental health. Pastor Mike and Amber go beyond buzzwords to explore how to recognize when a relationship crosses from difficult to damaging, the biblical basis for setting firm boundaries, and the courage it takes to step away—even when it feels like betrayal. 

Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there's a podcast for that—and you're listening to it! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus.

Find even more questions at timeofgrace.org/tabooquestions.

You can also order Pastor Mike's book Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Talking About but Don't at taboobook.org.

Follow Pastor Mike on Instagram: @PastorMikeNovotny