Honey, We Need to Chat

Why do the smallest things trigger the biggest arguments? In this episode, we unpack the sneaky, subtle unmet needs that quietly shape our relationship dynamics, often without us realising it. From rejected dinners to phone use tensions and dead bedrooms, we explore real Reddit stories that show how core emotional needs go unspoken and how that misfires into conflict.You'll learn:What unmet needs really are (and why they're so sneaky)Common signs you're missing each other emotionallyWhy assumptions and silence create deeper disconnectPractical tools to communicate needs without dramaHow to spot patterns and build healthier habits together

Feel like you and your partner keep missing each other emotionally? Do you shut down when things get tense or over-explain to get back on the same page? In this episode of Honey, We Need to Chat, we unpack how attachment styles shape the way couples communicate, fight, and try to reconnect.We break down the three main attachment styles (secure, anxious, and avoidant) where they come from, and how they play out in everyday moments (like text message tone, stonewalling, or needing constant reassurance). Plus, we share our own journey of shifting out of old patterns and building a more secure connection over time.Whether you're married, dating, or just reflecting on your emotional habits, this conversation will help you put language to your patterns and start healing the cycle.

Money stress can quietly erode trust in a relationship, but it doesn't have to. In this episode of Honey, We Need to Chat, we sit down with our friends Phil and Kate Thompson to share real-life lessons about navigating finances as a team.From starting marriage with nothing to building a business and raising a family, they open up about what worked, what didn't, and what they wish more couples knew earlier.We talk about why financial transparency matters, how to set shared goals, and how to balance ambition with contentment. Whether you're saving, budgeting, investing, or just trying to survive a mortgage, we're sharing practical tools, honest stories, and encouragement to help you build a financial foundation that strengthens your connection.If you're keen to connect with Phil's work further, you can find him at https://www.skye.com.au/ ____________________

The silent treatment might seem like a quiet moment to cool off—but we've seen how it can loudly erode trust, create emotional distance, and chip away at connection over time.In this episode of Honey, We Need to Chat, we're diving into the real cost of the silent treatment in relationships. We talk about why people withdraw, what's actually happening in your brain during emotional shutdown, and how silence can unintentionally become a power play. With personal stories, wild Reddit relationship drama, and tools we love (shoutout to the Gottman Four Horsemen), we're unpacking how silence can become damaging—and what healthier communication really looks like.Whether you're the one who shuts down, or the one left feeling confused and alone, this conversation brings empathy, perspective, and simple, realistic ways to reconnect. And make sure you stick around for the Reality Check Corner, where we share a practical challenge and a powerful visualisation to help you show up in your relationship the way you actually want to.____________________

In this raw and honest episode of Honey, We Need to Chat, we dive into one of the most misunderstood yet widespread relationship challenges, burnout. Whether you're the one feeling physically, emotionally, or mentally drained, or you're supporting a partner through exhaustion, this episode will resonate deeply.We unpack what burnout actually looks like in a relationship, the cultural lies that normalise overwhelm, and the signs you might be missing until it's too late. From real stories of personal burnout, to practical strategies for prevention and recovery, this episode is filled with relatable insight, vulnerability, and actionable tools.Tune in to learn:The subtle signs of burnout you shouldn't ignoreHow to navigate burnout in marriage or partnershipPractical tools to rebalance when you're already running on emptyThe emotional aftermath of supporting someone in burnoutWhy cultural “busyness” is breaking our connectionsWhether you're in burnout, on the edge, or just want to build healthier rhythms—you'll leave feeling seen, equipped, and empowered.

This powerful episode of Honey, We Need to Chat welcomes Andrew and Kayte Kitchen (creatives, therapists, and real-life warriors) into a vulnerable and deeply encouraging conversation.What makes this episode especially moving is that they didn't wait until things were resolved to speak. Andrew and Kayte joined us while still walking through a hard season in their marriage and work life, a rare and courageous choice that sets the tone for something truly real.Together, we explore what it means to communicate during seasons of exhaustion, loss, and inner transformation. Expect insights on navigating marriage in hard times, how Sabbath rest can restore your soul, the role of active listening in healing communication, and how deconstructing ego creates space for authentic connection. If you've ever questioned your worth, struggled to feel heard in your relationship, or wondered how to slow down in a nonstop world, this episode is for you. Plus, Andrew's take on protecting creativity from the digital world will stick with you for days.You can connect with Andrew at sparrowcollective.com.au and with Kayte at admirari.com.au.____________________

This episode is a little different — we weren't in the same place when we recorded. With Blair away for work, we decided to try something new: answering all our questions separately… without hearing each other's responses first.

In this milestone episode of Honey, We Need to Chat, we celebrate one year of their podcast by diving deep into a raw and real conversation about navigating relationships through the chaos of parenting. From real-life Reddit stories to our own experiences, we unpack:The parenting-relationship imbalance many couples faceHow to put your relationship first without neglecting your kidsMiscommunication around emotional labor and household loadWhy different parenting styles aren't the problem (emotional regulation is!)Plus, stick around for our Reality Check Corner to help you actively reflect, reconnect, and rebuild your relationship—one small step at a time.Tune in to hear what over 10,000 listeners and millions of viewers already love about Honey, We Need to Chat's vulnerable, funny, and helpful weekly chats.

In this powerful episode of Honey, We Need to Chat, we sit down with bestselling authors Sheila and Keith Gregoire to discuss why traditional views on intimacy may be hurting your relationship more than helping.

We've talked about the mental load before, but what about the emotional load? That invisible, often unspoken burden that one partner silently carries in a relationship? In today's episode of Honey, We Need to Chat, we're diving into real REDDIT STORIES that expose the struggles of feeling unappreciated, unsupported, and unseen at home. From partners who do all the planning and organising to those who feel more valued at work than in their own home, these stories shine a light on a challenge that way too many couples face.We break down what's really happening in these dynamics, why resentment builds up over time, and (most importantly) how to shift the balance before it's too late. If you've ever felt like the default planner, the initiator, or the only one holding everything together, this episode is for you.

You might be carrying a hidden weight in your relationship—and so might your partner. In this episode of Honey, We Need to Chat, we dive into the invisible emotional load many people carry without realising it. From managing conflicts, anticipating needs, and diffusing tension to remembering birthdays and keeping the peace, emotional labor is often an unspoken burden that can impact intimacy, connection, and overall relationship health.We break down:✅ What emotional load actually is (and how it differs from mental load)✅ How emotional labor can lead to resentment, burnout, and imbalance✅ The subtle ways emotional labor plays out in relationships✅ How to rebalance the emotional load to create a healthier, more connected partnership✅ Small but powerful shifts you can make TODAY to improve emotional balance in your relationship

Breaking Free from Communication Loops in RelationshipsEver feel like you're having the same argument over and over again? Do you and your partner keep getting stuck in the same emotional cycles without resolution? In this episode of Honey, We Need to Chat, we're diving into communication loops - the repeated patterns that keep couples from truly resolving conflicts.We'll uncover:

We're back, and we've missed you! In this first episode of Season 2 of Honey, We Need to Chat, we're catching up on everything that's happened over the last few months—why we took an unexpected break, how moving house nearly broke us, and what we learned about communication, stress, and marriage along the way. If you've ever struggled with change, mental load, or keeping your relationship strong through chaos, this episode is for you. We also share what's coming up this season, including exciting new guests, deep-dive discussions, and ways for you to be part of the conversation. Want to support the show? Share this episode, subscribe, and leave a review! Your engagement helps more couples find this podcast.

This week we dive into the second module of our Relationship Program- the GROW framework!  If you haven't had a chance to run through the Balance Wheel of Relationships, please make sure to do so first! Then we suggest setting aside a night to run through this second module together.  **YOU CAN DOWNLOAD BOTH FREEBIES VIA OUR WEBSITE www.honeyweneedtochat.com** GROW Is an incredibly impactful tool to really assess where you are currently and where you want to go. Standing for Goals, Reality, Options and Way Forward, these three areas help you dig into what might be sitting behind your patterns and identify practical ways to step forward in working on them. We also want to take a moment to let you all know that this will be the last episode of HWNTC Season 1! We are moving and will be taking a season break, but don't worry- we have a list of incredible guests coming up for season two, so watch this space! And if you get bored while we're gone, why not jump on over to Patreon for 20+ extra episodes ;) https://www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat _____________ ❔Have a story or question you want discussed on the podcast.

This week we dive into the wild world of Social Lives in Relationships.Join us as we discuss Reddit Stories all about couples navigating their social dynamics in a variety of challenges. From mismatched personal energy levels to unhealthy friendships impacting relationships, this chat covers it all.Also- keep an ear out for our exciting, limited time listener giveaway to celebrate ticking over 30 eps!✨For an extra, more personal chat on this topic, join us over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat_____________❔Have a story or question you want discussed on the podcast.

On this, our 30th episode (!?!?) we chat all about our HWNTC Balance Wheel of Relationships session. Getting clear on where you are and detailed on where you want to be is a huge part of progress, and relationships are no different! So we've pulled together this session to help you and your partner take stock of your relationship and make plans for where you'd like to focus going forward. To run through the session yourself, you can download it via our website at www.honeyweneedtochat.com, and if you want to watch us do the activity together, hop on over to our patreon! www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat _____________ ❔Have a story or question you want discussed on the podcast.

This week we dive into Reddit stories all about the PAST. When is the past meant to be left in the past? When is it appropriate to raise something from long ago? How can couples navigate long standing issues that can't be 'fixed'? How do past insecurities impact present relationships? This is a wild ride of an episode we dive into these submitted stories, AND one of our very own challenges we've navigated in our relationship. ✨For an extra, more personal chat on this topic, join us over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat _____________ ❔Have a story or question you want discussed on the podcast.

This week we have a great Chit-Chat episode on how to manage your expectations within relationships, and what might help you reach your goals with your partner. From 'how can I better respect my partner if he is slacking', 'will my partner ever just know what I need?' to 'How do I help my wife trust that I've changed', we cover a bunch of topics all relating to mismatched expectations and adjusting your focus to help you and your partner strengthen your relationship. ✨For an extra, more personal chat on this topic, join us over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat _____________ ❔Have a story or question you want discussed on the podcast.

This week we dive into the dynamic world of Extended Families and In-Laws through Reddit Stories. We all navigate family of origin dynamics as we move into our partnerships, and at times, these relationships can present some of the biggest challenges. Join us as we chat through how to support your partner through toxic parent relationships, what to do if you find yourself stuck in between your partner and your parents and how to navigate an inappropriate dependency/venting from your parents. We hope this chat sparks conversations for you and your partner! ____ For an extra, more personal chat on this topic, join us over on Spotify Subscription or Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship ➡️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.honeyweneedtochat.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

This is a VERY exciting Chit-Chat. This week on Honey, We Need to Chat, we welcome our very first GUESTS to the show- Luke and Susie Holt! Luke and Susie are a wildly talented, husband and wife radio-duo and founders of the Floppin' Fatherhood Project⁠ - focused on raising the bar of Fatherhood. We were honoured to chat with them all about communication, conflict resolution, reconciliation tactics and parenting. We know you'll be encouraged, entertained and challenged by this fun episode! Please make sure to check out Luke and Susie's work, and consider 'catching the cause' of Floppin' Fatherhood

This week we thought we would dive further into Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages, exploring the ups and downs of navigating mismatched needs and miscommunication in this space. Can Love Languages be misused? Can mismatched languages be compatible? How do you communicate your needs with someone who isn't willing to hear? These are a few of the questions we navigate in today's chat. Be encouraged with us as we read one of our Chatter's insightful feedback and we workshop a story submitted by a listener like you! ____  For an extra, more personal chat on this topic, join us over on Spotify Subscription or Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat⁠⁠⁠ Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship ➡️ ⁠⁠⁠www.honeyweneedtochat.com⁠⁠⁠ AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

In this Chit-Chat we answer YOUR questions, ranging from our regrets/things we wish we'd done earlier, to deeper chats about working through conflict within relationships. We also do a 'live' sharing of a fun gift from one of our Chatters- revealing the surprise mugs we got each other for Tea Chat! Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes and tips for keeping your relationship strong. ------------ For an extra, more personal chat on this topic, join us over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship. AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

This week we dive into another super important conversation in the world of relationships- Weaponised Incompetence! Have you ever found yourself undermining your ability in order to get out of doing something? Have you experienced someone shirking their responsibilities by pretending they "don't know what to do"? Well you might have experienced manipulative, Weaponised Incompetence! Similar to Mental Load, Weaponised Incompetence is a common struggle within relationships, one that often goes undefined and unaddressed, but that can contribute to contempt, criticism, mental load and an array of other dynamics. Regardless of your relationship status or role within your relationship, this conversation is an important one! Join us as we dive into 3 Reddit Stories all on the topic of Manipulative Incompetence. ____  For an extra, more personal chat on this topic, join us over on Spotify Subscription or Patreon: ⁠www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat⁠ Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship ➡️ ⁠www.honeyweneedtochat.com⁠ AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

This Chit-Chat is fueled by feedback from YOU! We dive into topics and questions submitted by our Listeners, and share an incredibly encouraging and challenging Listener write-in at the end. We explore the dynamic world of relationships and parenthood. We dive into how to balance differing interests and hobbies when they don't always align, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding each other's needs. We also discuss how to keep the romance alive during the postpartum period and the challenges of adjusting to life with kids. You'll hear practical advice on prioritising your relationship and making time for each other amidst the chaos. Plus, we deep dive into our proposal story, as requested by YOU. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes and tips for keeping your relationship strong. ------------ For an extra, more personal chat on this topic, join us over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship. AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

This week we chat through another of the Gottman Four Horsemen of Relationships- CONTEMPT. One of the biggest red flags of relationships.

This is a special episode- number 20! So to celebrate meeting this milestone we thought it was time we properly introduce you to us- Amy and Blair. Join us as we share some of our background, explain why Amy has a weird voice, tell you the story of how we met and share what we found helpful in the early years that's led us to today! We also chat through a Chatter's/Listener Write-in asking all about the best way to establish regular relationship check-ins. ------------ For an extra, more personal chat on this topic, join us over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship. AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

This week we dive into the tricky world of INSECURITIES in Relationships

This week we take you through our recent trip to New Zealand for our Intensive Debrief/Counselling Retreat. We share our biggest takeaways from the retreat, the magic of storytelling and understanding the little losses we all go through. We also suggest a practical date night idea that you can do TONIGHT to start this process for yourselves. ------------ For an extra, more personal chat on this topic, join us over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/honeyweneedtochat Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship. AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

Join us as we navigate some of relationships toughest conversations

Today we run through Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages". You know the ones: words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, physical touch and quality time. If you're anything like us, you've probably heard them mentioned over the years, and maybe even guessed at what yours might be, but today we take a closer look at the framework and chat through how it has helped us in our relationship. The Five Love Languages are one tool in a list of many that can help open conversation, and strengthen your relationship. Read all about the Five Love Languages here: https://5lovelanguages.com/learn Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship. AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

Join us as we dive into some reddit stories all about STONEWALLING. Stonewalling within relationships is one of the Gottman Institute's 4 Horsemen of Relationships, and refers to the 'refusal to communicate or cooperate' in conversation. When stonewalling occurs, it can be very difficult to navigate the everyday ups and downs of relationship, so today we explore what might be sitting behind this behaviour, whether it can be misinterpreted and how you might navigate it with your partner as adults in your relationship. Join us for this deep discussion, and make sure to ⁠⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship. AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

We've all heard that phrase- "To assume makes an donkey out of u and me", right? Or something along those lines, anyway

This week we dive deeper into the world of Mental Load- chatting through stories that might leave a partner feeling ALONE in their own relationship. This week we have the exciting new opportunity to chat through some Listener Write-ins that have been sent to us! We also dig deep into what might sit behind some partner's apparent inability to step-up to the task of 'partner' and how we might tackle that as a community. Join us for this deep discussion, and make sure to ⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship. AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

Do the phrases "Tell me if you need me" or "Let me know if I can help" immediately give you a stress response? Ever find yourself so overwhelmed with invisible tasks that you can't think straight or express what needs to be done? What you're experiencing here is called "Mental Load"- the invisible and cognitive sister of "Work Load". Imbalanced Mental Load is a concept common to couples, but a phrase unfamiliar to many. We wrestled with tension for years within our relationship before we stumbled across this framework that has transformed the way we navigate responsibility within our household. This week we explore what "Mental Load" is, how it might be playing out within your relationship and some practical ways in which you can start navigating this imbalance with your partner. Make sure to ⁠⁠sign up to our mailing list⁠⁠ to receive helpful resources that can enrich your relationship. AND Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

Join us this week as we Chit-Chat all about the "friend-zone" dynamic of relationships. You know those time- where you feel more like roommates than lovers, you can't break out of the routine of just 'getting by' to finally connect on an intimate level again. This week we explore our experiences of the dreaded 'friend-zone' and chat through a list of things that have helped us in these seasons. Practical, relatable and authentic, we cover it all! Make sure to sign up to our mailing list to receive a 'Friend-Zone' list you can go through with your partner. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

Dive into a some juicy reddit discussions with us as we tackle the sensitive topic of broken trust in relationships. From oversharing with family members to navigating the aftermath of lies, we explore the complexities of rebuilding trust and fostering open communication. Join us as we chat all things boundaries, lies, suspicions and and strengthening the bond between partners. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

Social media is "fake" so here are some things about us that you might not know... Have you seen this trend going around online? It's a fascinating and raw look into the lives of people on social media, sharing the things that might not be picked up by looking at what they post. This week on our Chit-Chat, we decided to dive into this trend and share some raw and honest things we struggle with, to help you get to know us a little! We get real about our struggles, insecurities, and some of the journey we've been on. Join us as we chat through the messy parts of life, and why not even set aside time to go through this exercise with your partner? Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit! Music: "Nettson - Last Promise" is under a Creative Commons (CC-BY 3.0) license. Music promoted by BreakingCopyright

Join us as we dive into more Reddit Stories, tackling some big taboos in relationships- those things that many people navigate but no one wants to talk about! From addressing body changes and attraction to navigating values clashes in life goals, this conversation is one big tackle with the tricky things couple's might encounter. Brace for some hot takes, for some discomfort and for a WHOLE lot of chatting! Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

Join us for our latest chit-chat, in which we unpack valuable insights on handling internal battles, embracing a positive mindset, and taking responsibility in relationships. Blair get's raw and honest this week as he shares a recent discovery he has made. It is SO easy to listen to the internal voices, battling for our peace. But those voices are so often off base. Listen to Blair share about the internal battle he faces in his parenting, and how he has navigated it. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

Join us for another Reddit it saga, discussing complex relationship dynamics from inappropriate discoveries made on phones, to compassion fatigue in the face of job loss. We explore the impact on relationships, emphasising open communication and mutual understanding. Dive into conversation with Amy and Blair as we workshop these chats together. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

In today's Chit-Chat, we dive into the Gottman Institute's Four Horsemen of Relationships - four communication styles that can indicate the health (or lack thereof) of your relationship. Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness and Stonewalling; things we've all likely encountered or fallen into ourselves. These are serious communication traps that couples can find themselves in, but the amazing news is that this is a symptom spotter, it doesn't need to be a diagnosis - Gottman provides some incredibly powerful antidotes to these communication traps that we can implement today! Join us as we chat through these communication styles and explore how it has impacted our marriage. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

Boundaries, Boundaries Boundaries- those fun little things we push, reinforce or blow straight through in relationships. In this episode, we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of setting boundaries in relationships, as we tackle some gripping Reddit stories. From grandparents overstepping boundaries to trust issues stemming from past betrayals, we're covering it all. Plus, ever wondered how different sleep schedules can stir up conflict? We've got the scoop on that too! We discuss adjusting sleep patterns, mastering love languages for better communication, and the importance of intentional actions in relationships. Oh, and let's not forget the complexities of maintaining friendships with the opposite gender while staying true to your marriage vows! So join us as we chat through the wild world of Boundaries. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with anyone you think may benefit!

Join us in our very first CHIT-CHAT episode! Our Chit-Chat episodes are a place for us to get real about what we're currently navigating in our marriage, share enriching resources or just shoot the 'chit' about what has recently been on our minds. Join us for some fun and games, some juicy reveals and candid moments as we look back on our 9 years of marriage. From differing communication styles, to pre-marital counselling, we cover it all. Tune in, engage, and share your stories as we embark on this journey together! Do you have a topic suggestion or story you'd like discussed? Shoot us a DM or email us at honeyweneedtochat@gmail.com!

Welcome to the first episode of Honey, We Need to Chat with Blair and Amy! Join us as we kick off our podcast journey, diving into the heart of every great relationship: communication! We share from our own love story, spill the beans on how talking things out has kept our marriage strong and get raw and honest about the struggles we've faced. Get cozy as we chat through real-life stories, from real life people and how real life communication can transform situations. From tackling tough mental health moments to reigniting the spark, we spill all the secrets to keeping love alive. Join our candid convo for suggestions and heartfelt chats, making love a whole lot sweeter, one chat at a time!