Communication Lab Podcast

Joe and Em had four kids, full-time careers, and a system that worked—on the surface. But behind the schedules and chores, they were lonely and disconnected.In today's Hey Julia Woods episode, they share how their marriage drifted into survival mode—and how one simple habit brought it back to life: daily emotional check-ins.By asking, “What did you feel angry about today?” they stopped avoiding conflict and started building trust again.Their story is raw, relatable, and full of hope for couples stuck in the logistics trap.Join us at Beautiful Outcome's Breakthrough Retreats to learn practical tools for transforming tension in your marriage into opportunities for deeper connection.https://beautifuloutcome.com/retreat-sept-25

Michael shares his transformative journey from retreating from difficult conversations with his wife to embracing curiosity, resulting in a 300% increase in his ability to stay engaged during tense moments.• Michael went from staying curious in two out of ten conversations to eight out of ten• He identified his tendency to retreat when feeling "not enough" during disagreements• The dynamic of his wife having a stronger voice in discussions made him prone to giving up• Recognizing physical signs of defensiveness (tightened stomach muscles) helps him pause before reacting• Viewing his wife as a resource rather than an opponent transformed their communication• Staying in "your own backyard" focuses on managing your responses rather than your partner's• Vulnerability in sharing when feeling defensive creates space for honest communication• Checking in with "where are you?" regarding emotions helps identify what's really happening internally• Tensions in proactive vs. reactive approaches to parenting provided practical examples• Breakthrough Retreats provide focused opportunities to practice new communication skillsJoin us at Beautiful Outcome's Breakthrough Retreats to learn practical tools for transforming tension in your marriage into opportunities for deeper connection._______

Marriage breakthrough happens beyond what we think we know.Have you ever considered that the very certainties you hold about your spouse might be the walls blocking the connection you crave? In this raw and transformative episode, I share the profound revelation that changed everything in my own marriage—discovering the power of what I didn't know I didn't know.We explore how our earliest experiences shape 90% of our core beliefs about relationships, and how confirmation bias continuously filters our perception to maintain these beliefs, whether they serve us or not. I vulnerably share how my husband and I were trapped in a cycle of disconnection because we both "knew" he wasn't interested in deep conversation. The loneliness grew unbearable until we were willing to challenge this fundamental belief._______

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Allie shares her transformative journey from nearly divorcing her husband due to addiction and dishonesty to discovering how her own fear of criticism was causing her to walk on eggshells in her marriage.• Discovering that her "confirmation bias" was constantly seeking evidence of criticism from others• Learning that she had developed the habit of manipulating situations to avoid facing potential criticism• Recognizing how her dishonesty about her needs and feelings mirrored the dishonesty she resented in her husband• Understanding how walking on eggshells robbed her of joy, authentic relationships, and peace• Developing the ability to speak honestly about her needs without fear• Practicing "generous listening" to hear what's actually being said rather than filtering through criticism• Taking responsibility for her own "backyard" rather than focusing on her husband's behavior• Finding that true joy comes from internal changes, not expecting others to behave differentlyIf you're walking on eggshells in your relationship or constantly anticipating criticism, examine your own patterns. The path to more joy and connection begins with owning your voice and being honest about your needs._______

In this episode of Hey Julia Woods, Laura Perry shares how confronting hidden shame transformed her life, marriage, and business. What she once thought was ADHD turned out to be paralyzing self-judgment rooted in unmet expectations and perfectionism. Her story reveals how healing internal narratives can unlock clarity, connection, and a 10x boost in productivity._______

In this episode, we explore the vital role community plays in shaping our lives—from providing support and connection to building resilience and purpose. Whether you're deeply involved in your local neighborhood or just beginning to crave more meaningful connections, this conversation will inspire you to see community through a new lens.We'll talk about:Why community is more essential now than ever beforeHow connection creates strength in both joyful and challenging seasonsSimple, powerful ways you can contribute to the well-being of those around youThe transformative impact of showing up—imperfectly, but consistentlyIf you've ever wondered where you truly belong or how you can make a difference in a seemingly noisy world, this episode is for you.Because at the end of the day, the heart of community isn't found in grand gestures—it's found in you._______

"How Healing Helped Me Reclaim Two-Thirds of My Day"Have you ever considered how much of your day is spent carrying the weight of past wounds? In this episode, we dive into how healing and self-awareness can free up emotional and mental space, allowing you to reclaim two-thirds of your day. Join us as we explore the power of transformation and how letting go of old patterns can create more peace, clarity, and connection in your relationships.In this episode, I sit down with Melinda, a spouse of 43 years to explore the hidden ways we build walls in our relationships—through busyness, avoidance, and unspoken conversations. She shares her powerful journey of breaking free from distraction, embracing vulnerability, and choosing growth over control. Tune in to discover how reclaiming your "backyard" can transform your marriage and deepen your connection.

In this podcast, Rick and Kim share their powerful 18-year journey through addiction, infidelity, and the transformation of their marriage. Through love, forgiveness, and tools gained from a pivotal marriage retreat, they rebuilt trust and connection, proving that even the toughest challenges can lead to profound growth. Their story is a testament to the power of personal accountability and effective communication in creating a thriving relationship.

In this Podcast of Hey Julia Woods, we explore the transformative power of intentional reflection in marriage. Learn how a simple year-end exercise can help you celebrate growth, rekindle hope, and set the stage for a thriving relationship in the year ahead. Whether you're navigating challenges or building on a great year, this conversation will inspire you to make every year count.

I Believed I Was UnwantedIn this episode, Steph Smith-Skipper shares her powerful journey from a challenging childhood and self-doubt to reclaiming her worth and transforming her marriage. Discover how confronting "core lies," setting healthy boundaries, and embracing personal growth can lead to healing and deeper connection. Tune in for inspiring insights and actionable steps to foster love and authenticity in your relationships.Get Steph's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Thank-Failing-Stephanie-Smith-Skipper/dp/B0CZDKQ1PS

Ever wondered why so many marriages fall apart despite the best intentions? What if the key to a thriving relationship lies in the power of open and honest communication, even when it's uncomfortable? Join us for a compelling discussion as we unravel our own story, from the depths of betrayal to the heights of healing, and discover how transparent conversations transformed our marriage.Facing the natural tendency to shy away from difficult discussions, we share our own experience of how honest dialogue about everyday issues, like Jeff's work stress, can lead to profound understanding and connection. By valuing each other's viewpoints and embracing feedback, we illustrate how these conversations can resolve conflicts and foster deeper intimacy. Learn the tools we used to navigate these waters and the mindset shifts that made all the difference.We also delve into the concept of "working in your backyard," focusing on self-awareness and responsibility before addressing your partner's actions. This approach not only transforms arguments into constructive conversations but also builds a foundation of mutual respect and collaboration. By sharing our journey, including the steps to lead open conversations, we hope to equip you with the insights needed to cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling marriage. Tune in and discover the transformative power of truly listening and being heard in your relationship._______

Here is the link to Marriage Growth Community https://beautifuloutcome.com/marriage-growth-communityIn this episode, we dive into our guests, Jared and Kurrin's story of how they transformed their failing marriage. They both felt helpless, and Jared said it would take a marriage miracle to turn their 15-year marriage around. This episode is rich with insights, particularly valuable for couples who find themselves struggling to balance family life and personal development._______

Ever wondered why some marriages thrive while others falter? In this episode, we uncover the transformative power of self-awareness and its pivotal role in enhancing the quality of your relationships. Join Julia Woods as she delves into the essence of self-awareness—discovering your beliefs, thoughts, feelings, actions, and values, and understanding their impact on your spouse. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, Julia reveals how cultivating this ongoing, evolving process can lead to profound personal and relational growth.Avoiding self-awareness might seem like the easier path, but it can wreak havoc on your marriage. Julia tackles this by exploring the dual nature within us all—the hero and the villain—and how ignoring our darker sides can breed resentment and contempt. By embracing self-awareness, you can set healthier boundaries, make clearer requests, and nurture lasting change. Julia emphasizes that personal growth is a choice, one that can lead to a more fulfilling and resilient marriage by fostering mutual trust and deeper connections.Community plays a crucial role in developing self-awareness, and Julia highlights the importance of having others help us see what we might miss about ourselves. Practical strategies are discussed, such as daily self-inquiry and making clear commitments to change. Julia invites you to join the Marriage Growth Community, where couples receive the tools and support needed to transform their relationships. Whether you're already part of the community or thinking about joining, this episode offers valuable guidance on nurturing self-awareness for a more loving and intimate marriage._______

Can emotional intimacy truly transform your marriage? Join us as we, Julia and Jeff Woods, take you on a journey through our personal experiences, sharing candid stories of how redefining emotional intimacy reshaped our relationship. Jeff opens up about his early misconceptions, equating intimacy solely with physical connection, and how counseling broadened his understanding to encompass emotional depths. Together, we emphasize the importance of recognizing and meeting each other's emotional needs, and how this awareness has enriched our marital bond.Emotional maturity can be a game-changer in relationships, and we delve into our own evolution in this area. We recount moments of conflict that stemmed from emotional immaturity and how we learned to embrace constructive feedback and hold space for each other's feelings. Our transformative experience at the Breakthrough workshop played a crucial role, aligning our emotional intimacy with our sexual connection. This chapter sheds light on the brain's remarkable ability to find solutions when prompted with the right questions, fostering healthier communication and deeper intimacy.Consistency and structure are key to developing emotional intimacy, much like undertaking a home renovation project. We share our strategies for maintaining this connection through rituals like weekly chat times, revealing the trial-and-error process to find the most meaningful questions. From reflecting on past traumas to creating a language for challenging conversations, we discuss the ongoing nature of this journey. We encourage you to reflect on your desires for emotional intimacy and take proactive steps to cultivate it in your relationship, just as we did._______

Embark on a journey with me, Julia Woods, and my insightful coach, Dan Tocchini, as we delve into the depths of suffering within the context of marriage and personal development. Through poignant stories and profound reflections, we uncover how confronting adversity with courage can lead to transformative growth, forging stronger connections and deeper resilience in the face of life's trials.Here is Dan's son's Daniel Tocchini's X where you will find his post about his son from 1/5/24 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Ih19cB_No_______

When you find yourself slipping into the role of a work machine, it's time to hit pause and reassess. I'm Julia Woods, and I've been there, struggling to balance work and personal life. This episode is an open heart surgery of sorts, where I lay bare the transitions that upended my world. From the loneliness of an empty nest to the upheaval of the global pandemic, I share how reclaiming my passion and embracing community became the cornerstone of my healing journey.Let's talk about the transformative power that comes from being vulnerable. Sometimes, burying ourselves in work is how we shield ourselves from pain. But here's the twist: I found solace in joining a community in Franklin, Tennessee, and discovered the profound impact of weekly sisterhood and Chip Dodd's "The Voice of the Heart." These experiences didn't just pull me out of my shell; they sparked a revival, offering insights that promise to change how you approach life's challenges.Wrapping up, I invite you to explore the vision of a marriage growth community. The idea is simple yet profound—just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to nurture a marriage. I'm excited to share resources to support this journey, all aimed at helping you live fully alive and grow in love and connection. Join me as we pursue a life that's not just about surviving but thriving in every commitment we make, especially in marriage.The Marriage Growth Community will officially launch on April 16th 2024.If you are listening before that, here is the link to join the waitlist, where you will be among the first to get access.If you are listening after April 16th, here is the link to the website where you can learn more._______

Join me as I interview Kurrin about how she is rediscovering joy in everyday moments. This podcast episode explores the power of transformational tools that open up self-reflection and unravel the interconnectedness of beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and actions. Tune in to unlock the keys to deeper connection, inner peace, and boundless joy in your own life._______

Dive into the transformative journey of our relationship as we unravel the secrets to rebuilding our marriage after separation. In this captivating podcast, we share candid insights into the five pivotal reasons behind our marital breakdown, offering hope and inspiration to you as we navigate our relationship challenges. Tune in to discover what could reignite the spark in your marriage."

Link to The Connection Playbook: https://geni.us/playbookpodcastIn this insightful podcast episode, Julia reveals the secret of transforming defensive interactions into moments of connection in your marriage. She shares her journey and introduces a practical 4-step process called "The Connection Playbook" that can resolve 90% of conflicts by addressing the root cause of disagreements. This episode is a game-changer if you want to strengthen your relationship, improve communication, and create a deeper connection with your spouse. Discover how curiosity and questions can turn defensive conflicts into lasting connection._______

Join host Julia Woods in this compelling podcast episode as she sits down with Dillon and Christine, a couple who courageously open up about their transformative journey from anger and turbulence to deep connectedness in their marriage. Their struggles surfaced after welcoming their first child, leading them to Julia for coaching. Tune in to discover how they gained invaluable tools to shift their trajectory by identifying, taking ownership, sharing, and communicating, ultimately significantly impacting their relationship and strengthening their marriage.

Discover the five subtle yet impactful signs that indicate you're not truly loving your spouse. Join Julia as she delves into these behaviors, offering insights and practical tips for fostering genuine connection and growth in your relationship. Listen now for a deeper understanding of what it truly means to love and be loved in marriage!Click here to get The Connection Playbook! 

Want to know the #1 key for transforming your marriage? Join Julia in this eye-opening podcast episode as she shares about personal responsibility. Discover why your current approaches to having a thriving, connected marriage may be falling short, who you have the power to control (hint: it might surprise you), and explore the journey of self-discovery to become the best version for you and your marriage._______

Julia was afraid to hear this... Have you ever been confronted with something about yourself that you fear to be true? Join Julia in this compelling podcast as she shares her journey of confronting her greatest fear and the steps she took to attain personal growth and freedom from it. She'll unravel the practical strategies she used to face those undesirable parts of herself, empowering listeners to take the steps necessary to overcome the fears that hold them back.

In this eye-opening podcast episode, we sit down with Donagh, who candidly shares her journey from bitterness and resentment in her marriage to reclaiming the peace in her life through coaching from Julia. She reveals her subconscious desire for everyone to need her and how it inadvertently led to chaos in her life, making her resentful. Join us as Donagh opens up about her powerful realization that *she* was the one in the way of her peace and the steps she took to reclaim the peace she longed for in her life. 

Do you wish your spouse would compliment you more or would you like to increase compliments in your marriage? Tune in as Julia and Jeff beautifully demonstrate how to engage in this conversation with your spouse, offering valuable insights and guidance along the way. With 32 years of marriage under their belt, they candidly share their history of withholding compliments and how they've communicated their need for affirmation (and how you can too!), which is further deepening their connection._______________

Would you attend a marriage workshop over a vacation? Jon & Michelle said that HANDSDOWN they would choose to attend the Breakthrough Marriage workshop again over a summer in Bora Bora!Want to know why?Join Julia and special guests Jon & Michelle, as they share about their lives and marriage challenges, and how the Breakthrough Marriage workshop took them from a trajectory of continued disconnection to one of intentionality that is producing more closeness and growth in their marriage than they ever thought possible._______

While Justin and Angie were on a vacation in Jamaica, Angie decided her marriage to Justin was over. During their separation, Angie came across an advertisement for a marriage workshop and the couple attended with the intent to work on having a good co-parenting relationship when divorced. What transpired within the span of a few weeks, had them both re-committed to their marriage and experiencing conversations with each other that were more connected and love-filled than they ever experienced or imagined possible.  Join Julia Woods as she interviews special guests Justin and Angie, and hear what occurred to take them from divorcing to a renewed commitment and marriage._______

Year 7 of Tom & Laura's marriage hit them hard and resulted in one pivotal moment where through tears, Laura declared, “I can't do this anymore.” She was done, and they faced the choice to walk away from each other and the marriage or get help.In this interview with Juila Woods, hear their story of how resentment and bitterness almost ended everything they held dear, and the steps they took through Transformational Coaching to experience a marriage with more closeness and intimacy than they ever thought possible. 

Ever wish you could fast-forward your learning? Now you can. In honor of her 32nd wedding anniversary, Julia shares 32 lessons she has discovered while journeying together with her husband over the last 3+ decades. Continually learning and applying these is allowing them to grow a marriage beyond what they thought they were capable of and what they thought was even possible. Listen now and learn from their mistakes and struggles so you can fast-forward your ability to experience the marriage that your heart longs for._______

Let's talk about sex! Are you actually satisfied in your sexual relationship with your spouse?Have you wondered if you are settling for a subpar sex life and what things could be hindering it?Join Julia as she invites her husband Jeff to share alongside of her some of the issues that they encountered that hindered their sexual satisfaction. Learn how selfishness, climax, emotional connection, pornography, lack of experiment and even infidelity impacted their physical intimacy. Listen as they share how they addressed and worked through these issues over the last 32 years of marriage, so you too can have a fulfilling and satisfying sex life._______

In this interview with coaching client, Laura Perry, Laura shares how she suffered (mentally and physically) over the last decade of her life, and through coaching, began the realization that she was actually causing her own misery.Join me today in this podcast as Laura shares her coaching journey of how she realized the limiting beliefs that were behind the pain and how the ten years of symptoms that she was experiencing began disappearing.

Being in a marriage where one (or both!) spouses have low self-esteem really impacts the marriage negatively.Fifteen years into our marriage, me and my husband were struggling. He wasn't pursuing me, he was depressed, he was dealing with addiction, and I was sure he was the problem.What I couldn't was the problem of my low self-esteem and how it was contributing to everything I was seeing as a problem in him.Join me on this latest podcast with a special guest of honor, my amazing husband, Jeff, as we share how my low self-esteem affected our relationship, what I did to shift out of a low self-esteem, and the positive impact it had on our marriage yielding the following incredible results between us:PeaceOpen & honest conversationI could receive feedback which helped me growOpenly receive loveFull of grace and acceptanceEnjoy! _______

I had everything that I thought defined success: a dream home, a business that was taking us around the world, a marriage to my best friend, 4 beautiful children, and going on amazing vacations. And yet, my life was despairing.On today's episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes on the journey that brought me to becoming a couple's coach. I'll share about the years of depression and how I found happiness again, the raw details of my husband's betrayal and how we reconciled, and how God took all of those ashes and used them to create a Beautiful Outcome.---

After a trip out of town, Sarah and Ben got into an argument on the way to pick up their kids that would keep them disconnected for 3 years! After the argument in the car, Sarah began to believe that Ben's love for her had diminished. Meanwhile, Ben had been struggling for quite some time with feeling like his opinions weren't valued or respected.After 3 long years they turned to Transformational Coaching and are now more connected than ever!Sarah shares how the tool of generous listening was a monumental for her in building deeper intimacy with Ben. Ben shares how being honest with himself and owning and verbalizing his thoughts has made all the difference in their relationship._______

In their 20 years of marriage, Nathan and Jenni Rae faced many hardships, including the loss of their son, all surmounting in an eventual separation and signed divorce papers.Together, they share their powerful story of reconciliation and how transformational coaching was a part of changing the trajectory of their marriage.You'll learn about how impactful the tool of mirroring was for Nathan, as well as how opening up to consider new possibilities was a game changer for Jenni Rae._______

It was after 11 pm when Jill, who was over 40 weeks pregnant, and her husband, Buddy, had the worst argument in all their 12 years of marriage! On today's episode, they'll share what happened and how they would handle it differently 5 years later with the tools they've learned through Transformational Coaching.Buddy shares about his fear of not being able to communicate with women after welcoming a beautiful baby girl into the world HOURS after the huge blowup with Jill.Jill shares about her desire to be right and how that has impacted their conversations and connection._______

In this week's episode, Shaun and Jamie share about a season in their marriage marked by secrets and betrayal. With over 21 years of marriage behind their belts, they tell us about their journey over the last decade of implementing many transformational tools to bring them to a season of deeper connection and understanding of not only themselves, but of each other.Shaun explains about how impactful the idea of ownership and honesty has been in transforming his relationships.Jamie explains how getting out of a victim mindset brought her freedom._______

Are you tired of defensive conversations with your spouse ruining your precious time together? Is butting heads and shutting down become more common in your conversations? If you are ready to spend more time laughing and enjoying time with your spouse join me for the audio reading of "Turn Defensiveness into Connection." Don't miss the diagrams in this free E-Book. Click here to get your copy._______

What do you do when you keep making a request of your spouse and they don't seem to do what you are asking? Listen in as Julia coaches Erick & Casey to see the connection waiting for them in this tension.

Graham & Shay have been married 16 years, have 2 daughters and both run their own businesses. The tension they wanted coached through is a feeling of exhaustion that they haven't been able to shake for 10 years. They have built businesses that give them a lot of freedom in their schedules so they are struggling to understand why the exhaustion is lingering.

Buddy & Jill share the reality of being at the end of their rope and more disconnected than ever when they transitioned from one child to two. In their 9 years of marriage, running four businesses between the two of them and raising three kiddos under 3 they get real about things like postpartum depression, what they wish they had understood earlier in their marriage, the most helpful tools and practical steps couples can take to connect in marriage.If you would like access to the Communication Renovation System that Buddy & Jill used, check out Julia's Free Training.

Despite each running their own business, raising & homeschooling 3 kids, and living busy lives Aaron & Jen are renovating their communication and transforming their relationship. My interview with them is divided into two parts. In part two they share their responses to some Q&A's other couples asked about how they are transforming their marriage.If you would like access to the Communication Renovation System that Aaron & Jen used, check out Julia's Free Training.

Despite each running their own business, raising & homeschooling 3 kids, and living busy lives Aaron & Jen are renovating their communication and transforming their relationship. My interview with them is divided into 2 parts. In part 1, they share the struggles they were facing and what specific tools they are applying that is creating a connection they only dreamed was possible.If you would like access to the Communication Renovation System that Aaron & Jen used, check out Julia's Free Training.

Despite pandemic transitions and working through a recent international relocation Brandon & Chrissy managed to renovate their communication. With a few pivots, mindset shifts, and guided practice, they moved from communication that felt exhausting and hopeless to consistently connecting and feeling like they are on the same team.If you would like access to the Communication Renovation System that Brandon & Chrissy used, check out Julia's Free Training.