Better Than Perfect | A Relationship Podcast

AI “partners” promise endless affection and zero rejection—but do they heal loneliness or hollow us out? John and Nicole dissect the explosive rise of virtual girlfriends, sex robots, and synthetic intimacy, asking whether tech will rescue a generation of touch-starved men or torch real relationships forever.

Men say “women want too much.” Women say “men won't step up.” Who's right? In this Better Than Perfect face-off, John and Nicole pull no punches as they dissect modern dating complaints, the fall of the “gentleman,” and whether standards or self-improvement really decide who wins love.⏱️ Timestamps (approx.)0:00 – Intro: Men furious at women—why the outrage never solves anything4:30 – “Become a gentleman, get options” — John's blunt fix for male misery9:00 – Women's boundaries vs desperation: Nicole breaks down the fine line14:30 – Nice guy, good man, bad boy: attraction science or social myth?20:00 – Emotional safety vs physical provision—what each gender secretly rates higher25:00 – Dating-app dread: men hate the grind, women hate the ghosting30:00 – “Where are the 30-something men?” shortage or selection bias?35:00 – Masculine self-respect vs entitlement: how standards turn toxic40:00 – Tactical upgrade plan: fashion, fitness, finances, frame45:00 – Wrap-up: two homework challenges that could change your dating life tonight

Spider-bite analogies, nut-kick stories, and the hard line between healthy conflict and pure toxicity. John and Nicole dissect when a relationship is worth the grind—and when zero-tolerance is the only sane choice.⏱️ Timestamps (approx.)0:00 – Net-negative vs net-positive fights: the instant litmus test4:20 – Emotional & physical abuse examples: where the line snaps10:15 – “Getting worse every day” spider-bite analogy explained15:30 – One-off mistakes vs patterns: spotting irreversible trends20:40 – The fix-it checklist: accountability, change, and proof25:55 – Violence anecdote: crossed lines, kicked groins, zero tolerance26:25 – Narcissist label & gas-lighting: real diagnosis or buzzword?32:59 – Cheating + severe betrayal: can trust ever rebuild?38:10 – Calm repair vs shouting matches: which actually solves problems?44:15 – Rebuilding respect: trust timelines, third-party support, hard deadlines48:00 – Exit plan vs redemption path: choosing without regret50:36 – Rapid-fire takeaways & next-week teaser

Endurance junkies, fiery debates, and a marriage that thrives on both. John and Nicole sit down with David Gilbert and his wife Alyssa—fresh off a Spartan trifecta⁠—to tackle the raw questions most couples dodge: • Is raising your voice ever solid leadership? • Should children watch their parents fight to learn conflict skills? • Do strict masculine–feminine lanes build polarity or trap you in 1950? • And can you really love unconditionally once hard boundaries appear?Expect zero fluff and plenty of 50/50 splits that'll light up the comments.⏱️ Timestamps (approx.)0:00 – Introductions & “We're all going to fight”—why hiding conflict backfires1:20 – Spartan trifecta, marathons, injuries: bonding or ego trap?5:45 – Yelling vs calm authority: John's “If I shout, I've failed” rule challenged10:30 – Masculine drive vs feminine surrender: Alyssa's take on polarity in sport15:00 – Training together: support system or silent competition?20:10 – Feminine energy, intuition, and knowing when to pull back26:00 – Masculine burnout: David on pushing limits till relationships snap32:30 – Kids & conflict: modeling healthy fighting or causing harm?37:50 – Divorce stats, court biases, and the price of “happy wife, happy life”43:00 – Choosing roles on purpose: phases of love & renegotiating expectations48:20 – Unconditional love vs boundaries—where each couple draws the line52:40 – The “Alchemical Journey”: David's inner work and how it reshaped marriage57:00 – Action toolkit: conflict scripts, weekly meetings, and training hacks61:45 – Rapid-fire takeaways & tease for next week

Can you lead a family if you occasionally blow up? Would your partner stick around if you tore a tendon and couldn't walk? And is “for better or worse” really unconditional… or just marketing?In this jam-packed Better Than Perfect episode John and Nicole tackle the minefield of leadership under stress, gender-split loyalty stats, and whether divorce courts are fundamentally unfair. Expect blunt takes, real injury stories, and a debate guaranteed to split the room 50/50.⏱️ Timestamps (approx.)0:00 – Why John says “If I yell, I've failed” — the leadership-temper dilemma2:00 – Spartan Race carnage: pushing through pain or proving nothing?6:00 – Living with the injury: daily tasks, ego hits, and hidden resentment10:25 – “In sickness and in health” stats: do men bolt more than women?14:00 – Conditional vs unconditional love: where each partner draws the line18:30 – Non-negotiables in marriage: attraction, effort, and respect24:00 – Leading while wounded: should vulnerability ever show?30:50 – Money, power, and attraction loops no one admits37:58 – Divorce court fairness: stacked deck or mindset myth?41:30 – Action plan: frameworks for crisis leadership & relationship growth47:36 – Rapid-fire takeaways + next week's teaser

In this episode of Better Than Perfect, John and Nicole dive into the controversial topic of fitness in relationships. Should you expect your partner to stay in shape? What if one person lets themselves go? And how does physical health impact attraction, intimacy, and long-term connection?

Welcome to the Better Than Perfect podcast! In this episode, we dive into the hilarious and eye-opening question: Why do men seem dumb and women seem crazy? Discover the real reasons behind these stereotypes—singular focus vs. multitasking madness—and how understanding them can transform your relationship. From prenups to the "Crazy Hot Matrix," we've got insights, personal stories, and practical advice for couples, singles, and anyone looking to decode the opposite sex.⏰ Timestamps00:00 - Introduction: Meet the hosts and get a taste of what's to come.02:25 - Prenups & Marriage: Are they a smart move or a relationship red flag?08:00 - The Dumb and Crazy Scale: Our daughter's theory that sparks a big revelation.15:00 - Masculine vs. Feminine Thinking: Singular focus vs. diffuse focus explained.30:00 - Real-Life Stories: How these dynamics play out in our relationship.45:00 - Conclusion: Key takeaways and a call to action.

Welcome to the Better Than Perfect podcast! In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the transformative power of forgiveness. Discover why true forgiveness means letting go of past hurts—not just for others, but for your own peace and growth. We unpack the struggles of holding onto resentment, share personal stories of overcoming pain in our relationship, and reveal the three essential components of a genuine apology. Whether you're wrestling with bitterness or seeking stronger connections, this episode offers practical wisdom and emotional insights to help you move forward.⏰ Timestamps00:00 - Introduction: A quirky chat about protecting our 5-lb dog from birds of prey.03:00 - What Is Forgiveness?: Exploring the real meaning of forgiving and letting go.10:00 - Why We Cling to Hurt: Why people struggle to release resentment.15:00 - Our Story: How forgiveness saved our relationship at a breaking point.35:00 - The Art of Apology: Learn the three keys to apologizing the right way.55:00 - Final Thoughts: Why forgiveness breaks cycles and sets you free.

In this compelling episode of the Better Than Perfect podcast, hosts dive deep into the Netflix series Adolescence, exploring its portrayal of the dangerous influence of red pill and manosphere ideologies on young boys. Sparked by a Matthew Hussey video and complemented by insights from a Diary of a CEO podcast episode, the discussion unravels the societal shifts contributing to hopelessness and violence among young men. From the feminization of society to the loss of masculine role models, this episode tackles the urgent need for healthy masculine spaces and empathy to combat toxic narratives. Spoiler alert for Adolescence—listen to understand the cultural zeitgeist and how we can foster resilience and hope in the next generation.Timestamps:00:00 - 02:00: Introduction to the Better Than Perfect podcast and the episode's focus on Adolescence.02:00 - 08:00: Overview of Adolescence—a Netflix show about a 13-year-old boy's crime and its ties to red pill content (spoilers included).08:00 - 15:00: Discussion on the manosphere's influence on young boys, drawing parallels to obsessive online behaviors and the dangers of hopelessness.15:00 - 25:00: Exploration of the red pill movement's origins, its initial intent, and how it has been twisted into a toxic, misogynistic narrative.25:00 - 35:00: Analysis of societal feminization and its impact on men, including the loss of masculine outlets like sports and Boy Scouts.35:00 - 45:00: The role of parenting and the need for positive male role models, especially in single-mother households.45:00 - 55:00: Reflections on historical solutions to male frustration (e.g., wars) and the modern need for empathy and hope.55:00 - 65:00: Critique of double standards in society (e.g., female-only job postings) and the importance of male-only spaces.65:00 - 75:00: Call to action for creating healthy masculine environments and fostering growth mindsets in men and boys.75:00 - End: Wrap-up, encouraging listeners to watch Adolescence, check out the Diary of a CEO episode, and share feedback via email or comments.Watch Adolescence on Netflix and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Email us at betterthanperfectpodcast@gmail.com with questions or feedback, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review.

Are men and women doomed to misunderstand each other forever? In this eye-opening episode of the Better Than Perfect podcast, hosts John and Nicole dive deep into The Queen's Code by  @AlisonArmstrongVideos —a game-changing book that uncovers why men and women think so differently and how to turn conflict into connection. From the surprising truth about men's singular focus vs. women's diffused awareness to practical tips like asking for help the right way, this episode is packed with insights to transform your relationship. Discover how to stop emasculating your partner, bring out his inner hero, and build a love that's better than perfect. Plus, hear real-life examples, heartfelt stories, and a fresh perspective on appreciating the opposite sex. Don't miss this must-listen discussion—hit play now and unlock the secrets to a happier, healthier relationship! Subscribe for more weekly wisdom. #RelationshipAdvice #TheQueensCode #MenVsWomen #BetterThanPerfect

In this episode, we talk about one of the top books all men should read. The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida.

Would you happen if an attractive woman messaged your husband or boyfriend and tried to get him to engage her? Would he do it? The truth is MOST men would fail this kind of loyalty test. But why? Is this acceptable? What can be done about it?

In today's confused world, it's very difficult to be a young man trying to find his way. Especially if you are looking for a modern traditional relationship like we advocate. In this episode, we break down exactly what a man should do to end up happily ever after.

One of the most important, if not the most important parts, of a relationship is the power to heal. When you have a modern traditional relationship dynamic, the result is a deep healing of the masculine and feminine core.Jon and Sabrina Broderick join us again to talk about how their relationship healed and is continuing to heal them.

We finally have guests on the show. In the episode, we welcome our good friends Jon and Sabrina Broderick to the show to talk about modern traditional relationships. If you aren't familiar with the terminology, don't worry, we coined the term, but in this episode,e we discuss what is a modern traditional relationship and why you should have one.

Continuing the discussion from last week, we expand to older women and talk about the real realities of being an older woman and trying to find a good man.

We ended up making this a 2-parter because it was so good. In this part, we talk about the raw truth about youth and beauty regarding women and how young women should use this knowledge to prevent themselves from ending up bitter and alone.

In this episode we talk about "doing the work" and what that actually means. It's not tolerating. It's not ignoring. It's actually bringing up the issues that bother you until they are COMPLETELY resolved.

Coming back from our friends' wedding, we realized this very important thing were were missing from our lives... community. A good community can be one of the best things for your relationship. Life is easier with friends. Also, we got tattoos!

Yes, you heard that right. Women are SUPPOSE to be difficult. As crazy as it may seem, there is a good reason for it....

Is love enough? What does that even mean? In this episode, we break it down and see if love really is enough or not.

Is needing personal space in a relationship OK? We say "no," watch to find out why.

How do you break up? Just ghost them? Cheat on them? No... Here's how.

What is the right answer to this question? Is there even one? In this episode, we discuss.

One of the biggest things men complain about is that it often appears that women don't care about men's feelings. Is this true? Watch to find out.

Are modern women turned off by the idea of chivalry? Have modern men forgotten about it? Or is it still alive? Let's find out...

So many innocent, well-meaning men, get put into the friend zone, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, we give a complete guide and how guys can learn to flirt, create chemistry and AVOID the friend zone.

Let's talk about gold diggers... Are all women gold diggers? How can you tell? Is it even that bad? We break it down!

We've been doing this podcast for exactly a year. In this episode, we break down the relationship lessons we've learned over the year of doing this podcast. Thanks to everyone whos been supporting us. It's not easy to produce a weekly podcast at this level every single week for a whole year straight.

How long should you go being unhappy in a relationship? Should you get a divorce is your partner is faithful, but you just aren't happy? Listen in and give us your opinion was we celebrate our 52nd episode, a full year of this podcast!

Men typically have too high expectations for women but set too low of standards, while women often do the opposite. But what's the difference between a standard and an expectation, tune in to find out.

The latest season of Love is Blind inspired us to do an episode about women being extremely controlling in relationships.

Men are often chastised for watching pornography, but women often get away with reading smut books classifying them as steamy romance novels without the same stigma applied. In this episode, we dissect and talk about why there really isn't much of a difference and neither are good for a relationship, despite the defense of it improving your sex life.

What if you've been together for a very long time and you haven't had many other partners. Does it make sense to open your relationship if you both agree?

Are relationships holding you back from living life on your terms? In this episode, we dive deep into the age-old debate: Do relationships truly restrict your freedom, or can you maintain independence while being committed? We'll explore how relationships impact your time, goals, and personal growth. Whether you're single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, this discussion will challenge the way you think about love and freedom. Tune in to find out if you can really have it all.

Sometimes in trying to protect ourselves, we hurt ourselves and those around us when we are guided by fear instead of love and vulnerability. We deep dive into this issue and briefly discuss The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

In so many relationships today, she "wears the pants." But are relationships like these one's ultimately doomed or can they be turned around? The answer is "yes," but it's not easy. Find out how and why.

We continue our discussion on what women should do during the day and then dive into the topic of women's fear of men. Is it justified? Are men really that dangerous? It depends...

What are the roles in a relationship? A man is the protector and provider, but what about women? Whare is the role of a woman in the relationship? In this episode, we break down, both roles and talk about what works best for a healthy, successful relationship.

Just when you think everything is going perfect, you find out there are still some issues you need to work on. But, that's why we call this podcast Better Than Perfect, instead of perfect. You can't have a perfect relationship, but you can always have a better one. In this episode, we talk about our mistakes and what we learned.

What do you think about the 5 love languages? In this episode, we discuss them and discuss the strangest one.

Women are delicate, but in that delicacy is there power. A feminine woman has power in her vulnerability which can bring the strongest man to his knees.

We've talked about whether a man should even get married, but what is it that a man wants from a marriage? What are the things only a woman can provide him? It's not what most women think it is and most men have forgotten what is actually important to them.

Relationships are a game of power—whether you realize it or not. In this episode, we uncover the subtle but powerful dynamics that determine who's really in control in dating. From when women hold all the cards to the surprising leverage men have, we'll break down how power shifts and how you can use it to your advantage. Ever wondered why the rules seem to change once certain lines are crossed?

Ever wondered why women are the ones pulling the trigger on most divorces? It's a surprising statistic that flips the script on what you'd expect. In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden dynamics that keep men in relationships—even when they're breaking down.

Are you in a relationship where you constantly wonder if your partner is too controlling or just confidently dominant?

It seems men and women are always at war, but the truth is we need each other. In this episode, we discuss the war of the sexes and what you can do to not get sucked into it.

Most long term relationships end up becoming more like roommate stations than lovers. Fortunately a man can bring back the spark if he follow this 5-step process for fixing your relationship.

Many men today have forgotten or have never leaned what it is to be a man. In this episode, we cover what John thinks is the biggest problem with men today that is making them weak.

If she's not at least a little bit jealous, she's probably doesn't value that highly as a man. But, does it work both ways? No, watch the episode to find out why…

In many episodes, we talk about what men are doing wrong, and what men should be fixing in relationships, because they are supposed to be the leaders, but often one problem is women won't let their men lead. In this episode, we talk about the book "The Surrendered Wife" by Laura Doyle