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Greg and Missy didn't come to Connection Codes as experts — they came as a couple who almost didn't make it. Thirty years married, with a near-divorce and a two-year separation somewhere in the middle, they found the Core Emotion Wheel during the slow work of rebuilding. In this episode, Phyllis sits down with these longtime listeners (who emailed in after we invited friends onto the show) to talk about the quiet superpower underneath all of it: putting language to what you actually feel. They get into how the wheel gave their daughter, who has Down syndrome, words to be heard and seen; how they stopped fighting about things they secretly agreed on; how they're using the wheel situationally through a giant life transition; and how connection is what makes room for creativity in the first place — the idea behind Greg's brand-new book. Along the way, the conversation cracks open one of the most misunderstood emotions of all — Anger — and lands somewhere genuinely surprising.In this episode:Why "result words" like overwhelmed, anxious, and upset keep us stuck — and how the core emotions give every brain a common languageHow the wheel gave their daughter language to be heard, seen, and feltFighting about things you actually agree on — and the emotion hiding underneathUsing the wheel situationally through a major transition: a move, a business relocation, a house sale falling through, a son changing schoolsHolding Joy and grief at the same time — and not rushing a kid out of his SadWhy processing emotion is the opposite of wallowing in itHow conflict quietly steals creativity — and Greg's book, Created to CreateAnger as a protector and a driver, not violenceAbout Greg & Missy: Greg and Missy have been married 30 years and first found Connection Codes through the Foundations course in 2021. Both are creatives by trade — Greg is an architect, Missy is an interior designer — and they've used the Core Emotion Wheel as a daily and situational tool with each other and with their two kids. Greg recently released his first book, Created to Create.Resources mentioned:Core Emotion Wheel (free download) → connectioncodes.co/cewFind a certified Connection Codes coach → connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menuFoundations Masterclass → connectioncodes.co/foundationsCreated to Create: How to Partner with God and Uncover Your Creative Destiny by Greg — available on AmazonWant to be a guest on the podcast? Email us → info@connectioncodes.co
What if your body has been keeping a record your mind never agreed to? In this episode, Glenn and Phyllis sit down with John Kilmer — occupational therapist, life coach, and newly certified Connection Coder — for a conversation about how emotion lives in the body long after the moment has passed. John shares what it was like to grow up between countries, why a hospital stay at 18 months still shapes how he trusts, and how his five-year-old recently named his own fear and shame out loud instead of hiding it. Phyllis opens up about coming to the U.S. as a child who couldn't yet read or write English, and learning to disappear. Together they unpack somatic work, the nervous system, and why simply being present in our own bodies can feel terrifying — and freeing.In this episode:How a five-year-old used the Core Emotion Wheel to self-disclose instead of hideWhy "the issues are in the tissues" — and what somatic work actually meansThe 90-second life of an emotion, and what happens when we cut it shortGrowing up as a "third culture kid" and the quiet grief no one namedWhy looking into another person's eyes for four minutes changes us biochemicallyLoneliness, isolated mothers, and the tools we were never givenJohn walks the Core Emotion Wheel live to close the episodeAbout John Kilmer: John is an occupational therapist and life coach in rural Washington State, trained in somatic and polyvagal-informed approaches to trauma. A recent graduate of the School of Connection and a newly certified Connection Codes coach, he brings a deep love of embodiment work and a story shaped by years living in Lebanon and Kenya.Resources mentioned:The Core Emotion Wheel (free download) → connectioncodes.co/get-the-cewFind a certified Connection Codes coach → connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menuReach John directly → JohnKilmercoaching@gmail.comCheck out our new website → connectioncodes.coAnd be on the lookout — our new community is coming soon. You won't want to miss it.
After four years, hundreds of episodes, and countless wheels, Tera Wages is stepping down from her role as host of the Connection Codes podcast. In this special two-part episode, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis open with a heartfelt tribute from Costa Rica, and then Tera takes the mic solo from Spain — where she's hiking the Camino de Santiago for her 40th birthday — to share what the Connection Codes has given her, the three things she's carrying forward for the rest of her life, and one final Core Emotion Wheel with the community she's loved.In this episode:Dr. Glenn and Phyllis honor Tera and Wes's four years of partnership in building Connection CodesThe story of the front porch swing — and the moment Wes put two unplugged mics in front of Glenn and Phyllis that launched the podcastWhy Tera knew it was time, and what's next for the podcast under Glenn and PhyllisThree things the Connection Codes has built into Tera that she'll carry forever: the power of the Wheel, the necessity of community, and the refusal to stay stuckA wheel on the phone with Wes, mid-Camino — and the door it openedPilgrims, phones, and the loneliness epidemicTera's final on-mic Core Emotion Wheel: sad, guilt, shame, lonely, hurt, anger, joyResources mentioned:Core Emotion Wheel (free download) → connectioncodes.co/wheelFoundations Masterclass → connectioncodes.co/foundations
Michelle and Kurt have been married since 1999 — and they're the first to tell you that "together a long time" isn't the same as "doing well." In this conversation, they share the moment Connection Codes stopped being a book on their shelf and started reorganizing their marriage. Michelle, a relationship coach herself, names something most of us have felt but never said out loud: that all the colorful language and long paragraphs were just a means to one simple end — to matter. This is a real-time look at what happens when a long-married couple stops trying to be understood and starts letting themselves be regarded.In this episode:Why "more emotion words" can actually make you more dysregulated (and what to do instead)The "two junkyard dogs" season — and how Connection Codes opened a door out of itWhy repeating back what your partner said keeps missing the pointThe dam break: why things often feel worse before they get betterTrauma isn't the event — it's that no one regarded you afterwardBefriending shame and guilt as "text messages from God"Michelle's metaphor: emotion as a corked bottle of rubbing alcoholAbout Michelle & Kurt: Michelle and kurt live in Seattle and have been married since July 1999. Michelle is a relationship coach who now integrates the Connection Codes framework into her work with clients. They found Connection Codes through Zach Watson and went on to complete the coaching cohort.Resources mentioned:The Core Emotion Wheel (free download) → connectioncodes.co/wheelFoundations Masterclass → connectioncodes.co/foundationsCertified Coaches Directory → connectioncodes.co/coaches
Susan and Sean McGinnis drove two hours to a live Connection Codes event in Austin knowing almost nothing about the framework — just desperate to save a 30-year marriage that kept circling the same argument, every three or four months, for three decades. In this episode, they walk Glenn and Phyllis through what they now call "the 30-year fight": a cycle of hurt, still face, shutdown, and silence that neither of them could name — until they finally had the tools to. From Sean's breakthrough that his so-called temper was actually unprocessed hurt, to Susan crying in the hallway Friday night after hearing about identity for the very first time, this is a story about two people who almost didn't make it — and chose to go all in.Key topics covered:How Susan and Sean discovered Connection Codes almost by accident after exhausting other approachesThe mechanics of "the 30-year fight" — a cyclical argument that lasted days and weeks and always ended the same wayStill face as a survival strategy, not just a research concept — and what it cost them bothSecondary emotions: how Sean's hurt hid as anger for 30 years without either of them knowing itThe identity teaching that broke Susan in the hallway on the very first night of the Austin seminarTheir morning practice: 4 miles, two processing floors, and how they start every day emptied outA live Core Emotion Wheel exercise — both Susan and Sean walk through all 8 emotions about "the 30-year fight"Guest Bio:Susan and Sean McGinnis are a Texas-based couple married 30 years, now certified Connection Codes coaches. Susan works with horses; Sean is semi-retired from a career in construction and trading. They went through the CC Foundations course and coaching cohort together and are passionate about giving other couples the hope they almost ran out of.CTAs:Download the Core Emotion Wheel free → connectioncodes.co/wheelWork with a certified CC coach → connectioncodes.co/coachesStart with the Foundations Masterclass → connectioncodes.co/foundations
Bob and Jen Bevan are a married couple from Cleveland, Tennessee — 29 years in, two kids, three grandchildren, and owners of Witt's Frozen Custard. What they didn't expect was that the path to real connection would run straight through the Core Emotion Wheel. In this episode, Bob and Jen share what it was like to enter Connection Codes from very different starting points — Jen as a certified coach, Bob as a self-described "highly recovering codependent" — and what happened when they finally had language for what was breaking them apart. From Jen's raw confession that shame felt like a knife telling her she couldn't exist, to Bob's discovery that he hadn't been able to access "lonely" for decades, this episode is for every couple who wanted to love each other better but didn't know how.Key topics covered:Why one partner going first in Connection Codes doesn't have to mean the other gets left behindWhat codependency does to your ability to feel your own emotionsShame as a barrier to coming out of hiding — especially in church cultureThe difference between drowning in emotion and processing itBob's story of doing the Core Emotion Wheel with his son after a major fight — for the very first timeGlenn's "relationships require depth, not time" reframeJen's breakthrough: "To feel is to connect — with people, and with God"Guest bio:Bob and Jen Bevan are based in Cleveland, Tennessee, where they run Witt's Frozen Custard and stay deeply embedded in church community. Bob brings 25 years of pastoral experience and a psychology degree; Jen is a Connection Codes certified coach. Together, they're proof that the tools work — even when you come in from two totally different directions.Resources & CTAs:
What does it look like to lead hundreds of people every week — and have no idea you're quietly breaking down inside your own marriage?Hiubert and Xiomara are Connection Codes certified coaches,former associate pastors, worship leaders, and evangelists who spent nearly twodecades in ministry. From the outside, everything looked like it was working.On the inside, they were burned out, emotionally disconnected, and — withoutknowing it — grieving separately in a marriage that had no language for whatthey were carrying.In this episode, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill sit down withHiubert and Xiomara to hear the whole story: how two miscarriages exposed agrief they'd never named together, how Hiubert moved from dismissing emotionsas weakness to going on what he calls a "repentance tour" witheveryone he'd ever led, and how the Core Emotion Wheel and Connection Codescourses gave them the tools to become not just a healthier couple — but moreconnected, trusted leaders.Their story doesn't stop at their own front door. Within weeksof learning the Core Wheel, they were on a stage in Mexico City teaching it inSpanish. They've since brought Connection Codes to communities across the US,Mexico, Ethiopia, and beyond — because, as Hiubert says, good news is worthtelling.This conversation is for the leader who is exhausted fromholding everyone else together. For the couple that talks about hard thingslike logistics. For the pastor who thinks emotions are a sign of weak faith.And for anyone who has ever said: I had no idea they were hurting too.In This Episode• Why ministry burnout is an emotional health crisis thathides behind visible success• How Xiomara was in a decade-long depression she didn'thave words for — and where she finally found them• The moment they did the Core Wheel about theirmiscarriages for the first time — and what Hiubert had been carrying alone• Hiubert's "repentance tour" — goingback to every person he'd ever led and apologizing• How giving your congregation the Core Wheel might bethe most disarming leadership move you have• Why the Core Wheel reduces decision fatigue and burnoutfor leaders — not just couples• The biblical case for emotional expression: Job's 37chapters of being "oohed" by God• What happened when a pastor did the Core Wheel in frontof his entire congregation• The first Connection Coders in Bolivia — and what theywept when told their emotions were allowed• A live Core Wheel demonstration with Hiubert andXiomara at the end of the episodeSEO Keywordsministry burnout, pastor mentalhealth, emotional health in marriage, marriage and leadership, couplesemotional healing, emotional intelligence leadership, church leadershipburnout, miscarriage and grief in marriage, men and emotional health, Core EmotionWheel, Connection Codes, faith and emotions, Hispanic mental health, Spanishemotional health resources, burnout recovery, emotional freedom, marriagecommunication toolsResourcesGet the Core Emotion Wheel → www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach → connectioncodes.co/coachesWork with Hiubert & Xiomara (Spanish-speaking coachreferrals) → connectioncodes.co/coachesXiomara's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hixio/Hiubert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiubertzamora/Late Night Course → connectioncodes.co/late-nightFoundations Course → connectioncodes.co/foundations
What does it actually look like when one spouse starts doing the emotional work before the other is ready? Ben and Hannah have been married 19 years, raised four kids (including three teenagers), and spent nearly a decade unknowingly drifting apart — until one ordinary walk changed everything.In this episode, Glenn and Phyllis sit down with Ben and Hannah for an honest, unscripted conversation about what it really takes to turn a marriage around. Ben resisted Connection Codes for over a year — and then one moment of Hannah staying present when she could have pulled away shifted everything for him. They talk about the emotional dam, why anger is usually lonely in disguise, how they're raising a 10-year-old with OCD using the Core Emotion Wheel, and what happens when coding becomes the language of your whole household.This one is for the spouse who started the work alone. For the partner who's been resistant. For the parent trying to get emotional tools into a home with teenagers. You're going to want to hear this.In This Episode:Why the first 10 years of marriage can mask deep emotional disconnectionWhat it looks like when one spouse starts coding before the other is readyThe walk that changed Ben's mind — and why Hannah's staying present made all the differenceHow anger almost always has lonely underneath itThe emotional dam: why it forms in hours, not yearsUsing the Core Emotion Wheel with a child who has OCD and self-harm patternsWhy teenagers resist coding — and the long game that actually worksWhat men lose when culture tells them vulnerability is weaknessGlenn's challenge: say the emotion out loud in the moment, even when no one's there to hear itGet the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesKeywords: emotional intelligence in marriage | marriage communication tools | how to reconnect with your spouse | men emotional vulnerability | emotional health relationships | OCD and emotional tools for kids | marriage disconnection | Core Emotion Wheel | how to stop emotional shutdown | marriage transformation stories | emotional dam | ooh technique | Connection Codes podcast
THE BETTER BELLY PODCAST - Gut Health Transformation Strategies for a Better Belly, Brain, and Body
Do you ever feel like your emotions inside you are so big that you don't know how you'll ever have enough time to process them? Do you feel like you get triggered at the sign of a single symptom, or conversation, or thought - and it takes you hours or days to feel calm again? Or maybe you're living with chronic illness, chronic pain, or ongoing stress — and you're wondering how can you ever regulate your emotions when your body feels constantly at war / threatened? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, this episode is for you. Today's episode continues our series exploring the emotional weight of chronic illness. And it's a particularly special episode, as we're going to talk with emotions experts, author, and founders of Connection Codes, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill. Dr. Glenn and Phyllis are passionate about helping people discover that emotions aren't a problem to fix, but a powerful, natural tool to master - so that homes can be healed, marriages strengthened, and communities transformed. As we continue with our chronic illness and mental health series, I'm sharing the things that anchored me on my journey toward wholeness — and Dr. Glenn and Phyllis have been a part of my recent journey and something I've found so healing and empowering. So I'm sharing them with you! In today's episode, we're diving into:How to regulate your emotions in 4 minutes or lessWhy processing emotions doesn't need to take hours, days, weeks, or yearsSymptoms of suppressing unprocessed emotions vs. emotional regulation What the 8 core emotions are - and why being able to name them is so powerful in emotional regulationProcessing emotions with chronic illness - including stress, grief, and emotional healing We'll talk about what emotional regulation really means, why “control your emotions” often backfires in the process of healing, and how you can make your emotions your friend on your journey of chronic illness and mental health. If you've been doing everything you know how to do and you're still not better, I hope this episode meets you exactly where you are. Not to fix you. Not to promise a breakthrough. But to strengthen your inner heart that illness, stress, and unprocessed emotions may have been quietly wearing down. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Big Emotions Intro 00:41 - Meet The Guests 02:35 - Podcast Welcome Disclaimer 03:45 - Why Connection Codes 05:57 - Tools For Connection 08:08 - Start With Yourself 11:46 - Human Condition Framework 15:10 - Dishwasher Breakthrough 19:07 - Opting Out Myth 22:14 - Brain Science Of Emotion 27:03 - Stunt Double And Dam 31:03 - Stop Saying Youre Okay 35:11 - Apology Trap 39:20 - Guilt and Shame Connect 40:44 - Core Emotion Wheel Basics 42:59 - Five Brain Regions 46:44 - Emotions as Messengers 47:45 - Live Wheel Demo 54:03 - Ooh Not Fixing 55:48 - Processing in 20 Seconds 01:00:31 - Signs Emotions Are Stuck 01:03:38 - Validation for Chronic Pain 01:07:24 - Closing Thanks CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:Download the Core Emotion Wheel for FreeFollow Connection Codes on InstagramListen to the Connection Codes PodcastBuy The Connection Codes BookGet 20% off the Marriage Foundations Masterclass with code: BELLY20Get Coaching with Dr. Glenn Hill HEAL YOUR GUT:Option #1)
THE BETTER BELLY PODCAST - Gut Health Transformation Strategies for a Better Belly, Brain, and Body
Do you ever feel like your emotions inside you are so big that you don't know how you'll ever have enough time to process them? Do you feel like you get triggered at the sign of a single symptom, or conversation, or thought - and it takes you hours or days to feel calm again? Or maybe you're living with chronic illness, chronic pain, or ongoing stress — and you're wondering how can you ever regulate your emotions when your body feels constantly at war / threatened? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, this episode is for you. Today's episode continues our series exploring the emotional weight of chronic illness. And it's a particularly special episode, as we're going to talk with emotions experts, author, and founders of Connection Codes, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill. Dr. Glenn and Phyllis are passionate about helping people discover that emotions aren't a problem to fix, but a powerful, natural tool to master - so that homes can be healed, marriages strengthened, and communities transformed. As we continue with our chronic illness and mental health series, I'm sharing the things that anchored me on my journey toward wholeness — and Dr. Glenn and Phyllis have been a part of my recent journey and something I've found so healing and empowering. So I'm sharing them with you! In today's episode, we're diving into:How to regulate your emotions in 4 minutes or lessWhy processing emotions doesn't need to take hours, days, weeks, or yearsSymptoms of suppressing unprocessed emotions vs. emotional regulation What the 8 core emotions are - and why being able to name them is so powerful in emotional regulationProcessing emotions with chronic illness - including stress, grief, and emotional healing We'll talk about what emotional regulation really means, why “control your emotions” often backfires in the process of healing, and how you can make your emotions your friend on your journey of chronic illness and mental health. If you've been doing everything you know how to do and you're still not better, I hope this episode meets you exactly where you are. Not to fix you. Not to promise a breakthrough. But to strengthen your inner heart that illness, stress, and unprocessed emotions may have been quietly wearing down. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Big Emotions Intro 00:41 - Meet The Guests 02:35 - Podcast Welcome Disclaimer 03:45 - Why Connection Codes 05:57 - Tools For Connection 08:08 - Start With Yourself 11:46 - Human Condition Framework 15:10 - Dishwasher Breakthrough 19:07 - Opting Out Myth 22:14 - Brain Science Of Emotion 27:03 - Stunt Double And Dam 31:03 - Stop Saying Youre Okay 35:11 - Apology Trap 39:20 - Guilt and Shame Connect 40:44 - Core Emotion Wheel Basics 42:59 - Five Brain Regions 46:44 - Emotions as Messengers 47:45 - Live Wheel Demo 54:03 - Ooh Not Fixing 55:48 - Processing in 20 Seconds 01:00:31 - Signs Emotions Are Stuck 01:03:38 - Validation for Chronic Pain 01:07:24 - Closing Thanks CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:Download the Core Emotion Wheel for FreeFollow Connection Codes on InstagramListen to the Connection Codes PodcastBuy The Connection Codes BookGet 20% off the Marriage Foundations Masterclass with code: BELLY20Get Coaching with Dr. Glenn Hill HEAL YOUR GUT:Option #1)
What do you do when the person you built your life around is suddenly gone?In this deeply moving episode, Glenn and Phyllis sit down with Eric — husband, father of 10, and Connection Codes community member — to talk about what happens when grief, identity loss, and emotional isolation collide. Eric's wife Nicole passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack just after the New Year, leaving him a single father navigating the unimaginable.But this isn't just a story about loss. It's a story about what tools, community, and the courage to be emotionally vulnerable can do — even in the darkest seasons.In this episode, you'll hear:Why grief cannot heal in isolation — and what it actually needs to move throughHow Eric tracked his emotional connection with his wife through selfies (the data will surprise you)What losing a spouse does to your sense of identity — and why that part often goes unspokenThe difference between grief that gets witnessed and grief that stays buriedHow men are conditioned to suppress emotion — and what it costs them and their kidsWhat Eric's kids said to him that changed how he showed up as a dadWhy Eric drove to Tennessee to be with a community of people he'd never met in personResources mentioned:Get your free Core Emotion Wheel → www.connectioncodes.co/podcastWork with a Connection Codes certified coach → connectioncodes.co/coachesLearn more about the School of Connection → connectioncodes.coKeywords: grief and emotional health, healing from loss, marriage and identity, emotional intelligence tools, how to grieve in community, men and vulnerability, mental health after loss, relationship emotional wellness, grief and parenting, connection and healing, emotional resilience, marriage and loss
What if the reason you can't sleep, can't focus, and come home completely depleted has nothing to do with your schedule — and everything to do with what you're doing to your emotions?In this episode, Dr. Glenn Hill, Phyllis Hill, and Tera Wages go deep on one of the most important — and most overlooked — tools in the Connection Codes toolkit: oohing yourself. Not your partner. Not your kids. Yourself.We've all been taught some version of "don't be emotional," "choose joy," "power through." But what that messaging actually does is train us to reject ourselves at the deepest level. And the cost? It shows up in your body, your sleep, your productivity, your relationships, and your health.In this episode, you'll discover:Why suppressing emotions doesn't make them disappear — it sends them straight into your cells (and the science behind what that does to your body)The 3 powerful questions that help you tune into yourself in under 60 secondsHow a woman's 12-year battle with insomnia ended after one night of doing the Core Emotion WheelWhy "positive thinking" culture may actually be working against your emotional healthThe real reason you have nothing left for your spouse and kids at the end of the dayHow to process fear, shame, and hurt in 10–15 seconds (without a therapy session)What Tera discovered about herself, her kids, and the mistakes she made before she had these toolsThis episode is for you if:You've tried the productivity hacks, the sleep supplements, the mindset work — but something still feels stuck. Or if you teach communication tools to others and still forget to use them on yourself (yes, Tera goes there).Resources mentioned:
The Power of Active Listening: How Oooo Transforms Conflict Into Connection.What if the secret to emotional regulation in your marriage wasn't another therapy session, but a simple audible response that releases oxytocin in your brain?In Part 2 of our active listening series, Dr. Glenn Hill and Phyllis Hill dive deep into what stops us from connecting during conflict – and the surprising brain science behind why "oohing" your partner actually works.The oxytocin effect: How active listening naturally releases connection chemicals in the brain (no pills required)When you feel attacked: How to use curiosity instead of defensiveness when your partner comes at you with accusationsThe "never/always" trap: Why correcting your partner's exaggerations kills connection (and what to do instead)Processing emotion first: Why you must acknowledge feelings before discussing logisticsThe right of refusal: How to know the difference between everyday conflict and abuseIssue-specific wheels: When to pull out the Core Emotion Wheel during heated momentsSaying "ow" in the moment: Why you need to acknowledge your own hurt while still being present for your partnerGlenn and Phyllis share vulnerable stories about their own disconnection – from the dishwasher incident to cruise conflicts – demonstrating how Connection Codes tools work in real marriage dynamics.This episode is essential for anyone who:Gets defensive when their partner expresses hurtFeels like they're being attacked even in simple conversationsWants to understand the neuroscience of emotional connectionStruggles to stay curious when emotions run highNeeds practical tools for de-escalating conflict quicklyGet the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesJoin the School of Connection waitlist: Limited cohorts opening May 2026Shop Connection Codes Merch: Magnets, stickers, and wheels for every roomKeywords: emotional regulation, marriage communication, active listening, relationship conflict resolution, oxytocin and connection, defensiveness in marriage, emotional health tools, curiosity in relationships, connection codes, core emotion wheel, marriage therapy alternatives, healthy communication skills, conflict de-escalation, mental health in relationships, relationship coaching
Description:What if the biggest barrier to emotional connection in your marriage isn't what you're saying—but the silence in between?In this episode, Dr. Glenn Hill reveals the neuroscience behind "audible listening" and why silence literally disconnects us at a physiological level. Drawing from groundbreaking research like Dr. Tronick's Still Face Experiment, Glenn explains how our brains are wired to need audible responses—and what happens when we don't get them.You'll discover:Why traditional "silent listening" taught in marriage therapy actually creates disconnectionThe science behind the "ooh" and how it releases oxytocin in both the speaker and listenerHow babies and adults respond identically to silence (it's 100% universal)Why you feel drawn to certain people in a crowded room (hint: they're audibly listening)How to overcome the awkwardness of starting to "ooh" with your spouseReal stories of how audible listening transformed an 11-day cruise through a literal cycloneWhy this one simple tool is more powerful than learning every personality profileThe ooh isn't just a sound—it's a biological need. When someone "oohs" you, your nervous system calms, your fear decreases, and oxytocin floods your body. This is the connection we're all desperately craving.Glenn and Phyllis share vulnerable moments from their own marriage, including why this last cruise was their most connected yet—and how they stayed present through rough seas (literally and metaphorically).If you've ever felt unheard, unseen, or disconnected in your closest relationships, this episode will give you a tool you can implement today. No advanced degree required. No complex personality assessments. Just presence, sound, and connection.Keywords: audible listening, emotional connection, marriage communication, relationship tools, oxytocin, nervous system regulation, emotional intelligence, still face experiment, active listening, marriage therapy, emotional wellness, connection codes, Dr. Glenn Hill, vulnerability in marriage, mental health tools, anxiety relief, stress management, emotional validationResources mentioned:Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesJoin the Connection Codes Cruise (July 2025): Reach out for detailsRead more about the Still Face Experiment (Dr. Edward Tronick)Subscribe to never miss an episode where we make emotional connection simple, practical, and life-changing.Share this episode with five friends who need to know they're not crazy for feeling disconnected when met with silence.
My Life As A Landlord | Rentals, Real Estate Investing, Property Management, Tenants, Canada & US.
As a landlord, especially someone who is learning and fumbling through it, the mistakes and stress-levels can be high. My guests today are certified experts in their field, and their insight into Connection Codes is taking off across the globe. Today you'll learn about the Connection Code Wheel and how it all works when you are talking with your partner, your colleagues, your neighbors and beyond! Join James & Tanja Hanson as we unlock the simplicity and freedom with Connection Codes. https://www.connectionscodes.co Get-the-CEW - how to download the Core Emotion WheelCoaches - landing page for finding a certified coachAt Work Foundations - here is the link to purchase the e-course / Foundations Masterclass. We can offer a 20% off coupon code using: JHANSON20
What if the real problem isn't being alone, but feeling alone when someone's standing right in front of you?In this powerful conversation, we're diving deep into one of the most misunderstood emotions: loneliness. Dr. Glenn and Phyllis just returned from an incredible journey through Europe, and they're sharing fresh insights about what loneliness actually is, why it's so damaging to our health, and most importantly—what actually helps.Here's what might surprise you: the solution to loneliness isn't being around more people. In fact, you can feel most lonely in a crowded room, at a family dinner, or even lying next to your spouse. This episode will help you understand why relational absence is far more painful than geographical absence, and how the "still face" we give each other—even unintentionally—creates chronic pain that affects our marriages, parenting, and overall wellbeing.You'll hear a jaw-dropping story about a dad who went home from a Connection Codes event and used one simple tool (the "ooh") to transform his child's middle-of-the-night meltdowns from 45 minutes of chaos to 2 minutes of connection. This is the power of being emotionally present instead of just physically present.Key Topics:- Why loneliness is more damaging to your health than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day- The difference between geographical absence and relational absence- How the "still face experiment" reveals what we're all experiencing in our relationships- Why going to a hotel alone can feel better than being home with your family- The chronic loneliness of modern parenting and partnership- How to identify loneliness when it's hiding beneath anger and frustration- What your brain actually needs when loneliness fires (hint: it's not a crowd)- Practical tools to move from isolation to genuine connectionThis episode is for you if:- You feel exhausted doing everything by yourself even though people are around- You'd rather be alone than feel alone with your family- You're experiencing chronic irritation and don't know why- You want to stop the cycle of loneliness in your home- You're ready to understand what your emotions are actually telling youThe Connection Codes aren't just theory—they're tools that work immediately when you implement them. Whether you're a parent trying to connect with your kids, a spouse feeling disconnected, or someone navigating the holiday season with a deep sense of isolation, this episode will give you clarity and actionable steps forward.Resources Mentioned:- The Still Face Experiment- Connection Codes events in Europe- Cincinnati event testimonials- Upcoming 2026 eventsReady to go deeper?Get the Core Emotion Wheel - The foundational tool for processing emotions and creating connection www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Certified Coach - Work one-on-one with someone trained in these tools https://connectioncodes.co/coachesWant to bring Connection Codes to your church, business, or organization? Email us! We're booking events for 2026 and would love to come to your community.Keywords: loneliness, emotional health, mental health, marriage communication, parenting tools, emotional regulation, connection, isolation, relationship advice, family therapy, chronic loneliness, emotional intelligence, still face experiment, authentic vulnerability, emotional presence, marriage help, parenting struggles, mental wellness, emotional awareness, relational connection
Episode Description:What if one vulnerable conversation could completely transform your marriage? Dan Purcell, marriage intimacy coach and creator of the Intimately Us app, shares the pivotal moment when a friend's honesty about his sex life turned Dan's world upside down—and ultimately changed the trajectory of his marriage and career.In this raw and honest conversation, Dan opens up about growing up in a conservative environment where sex was taboo, the anxiety that carried into his marriage, and the courage it took to have a five-hour vulnerable conversation with his wife at 9 PM that didn't end until 2 AM. What emerged wasn't just better sex—it was better communication, better parenting, and a completely different level of connection.Glenn and Phyllis explore with Dan the common barriers that keep couples from experiencing rich intimacy, the danger of viewing yourself as superior to your spouse, and why solving sexual problems requires "second-order change"—not just redecorating the kitchen, but remodeling it entirely.Key Topics:- Mental health and emotional vulnerability in marriage- Breaking through sexual shame and conservative upbringings- The courage required for authentic conversations about intimacy- Desire discrepancy and what really causes it- How superiority thinking destroys sexual connection- Moving from transactional to transformational intimacy- The power of one vulnerable conversation to change everything- Creating play and creativity in your sex life- Leadership development through emotional honestyWhat You'll Learn:- Why most couples miss on authentic connection (even when they think they're doing fine)- How to have the scary conversation that could transform your marriage- The real reason behind sexual desire discrepancy (hint: it's not about being too busy)- Why solution-oriented approaches often backfire in intimacy- How to move from wearing masks to true vulnerability with your spouse- Practical tools and games to bring playfulness back to foreplayAbout Our Guest: Dan Purcell is a marriage intimacy coach who helps couples create deeper sexual and emotional connection. After a career-changing conversation eight years ago, he developed the Intimately Us app and now coaches couples full-time, helping them experience breakthrough moments in their marriages.Get your free resources: getyourmarriageon.com/connection-codes - 100 Creative Ways to Initiate Sex guide - 101 Ways to Have Sex guide - Jump Start Guide (books, articles, podcasts, frameworks)Get Your Free Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastReady to Transform Your Marriage? Book a Connection Codes certified coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches
Episode Description: What happens when both you and your partner are flooded with emotion at the same time? In this behind-the-scenes conversation, Tera Wages and Elijah Runyan (Director of Coaching at Connection Codes) get honest about the messy middle of learning emotional connection tools—and why it's worth pushing through. Elijah shares his journey from nervous breakdown to breakthrough, including the moment his wife stopped mid-conversation and said, "I don't know what's happening right now. What is going on?" He also reveals the phrase that transformed their dynamic: "It's okay for it to hurt for you and it's also okay for it to hurt for me."Whether you're navigating holiday gatherings with triggering family members or trying to figure out why your spouse keeps trying to fix instead of listen, this episode gives you practical language and permission to exist alongside your partner's emotions.In This Episode:00:00 – Why team conversations become podcasts01:28 – Elijah's story: finding Connection Codes during a rough season04:13 – The first time Elijah "ooh'd" his wife (and her shocked response)06:24 – "It was better before"—was it really?08:17 – Opening Pandora's box: why it gets messier first11:06 – Communicating through your pain vs. communicating your pain14:44 – Why your partner tries to fix you (the logistics revelation)17:10 – When both partners have emotions at the same time20:10 – "I don't want to cause you pain"—the hidden block to vulnerability23:34 – "I have a right to exist"—and so does your partner26:53 – When there's no "fix"—just holding space for mutual hurt30:48 – Applying this to family, kids, and holiday gatherings32:39 – What to say when someone's communicating through emotion34:15 – Elijah's Core Emotion Wheel check-inKeywords: emotional health, marriage advice, relationship tools, mental health awareness, communication skills, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, couples therapy alternative, leadership development, holiday stress, family relationshipsResources Mentioned:Get the Core Emotion Wheel (free): www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesLearn about School of Connection: connectioncodes.coGet Connected:Website: www.connectioncodes.coInstagram: @connectioncodesElijah Runyan's Website: runyanstronghealth.comElijah on Instagram: @elijahjrunyan
What happens when a pastor discovers he's been missing his wife emotionally for years—not from lack of love, but from lack of tools?In this powerful conversation, Dr. Glenn Hill sits down with Friedemann Pache, a Connection Codes certified coach from Germany, to discuss his transformation from emotional shutdown to vulnerable connection. Friedemann shares the raw truth about his 18-year marriage, his journey through pastoral ministry where he learned to ignore his body's signals, and the moment he realized he didn't know how to share emotions despite wanting deep connection with his wife, Katarina.This episode reveals:How childhood patterns of "keeping yourself shut" create loneliness in marriageWhy most men struggle with emotional language (and the simple tool that changes everything)The surprising way shame can be your ally, not your enemyHow Friedemann's 50-year-married parents did the Core Emotion Wheel for the first time—and what happened when decades of unspoken pain finally found wordsPractical steps for bringing emotional health to your church, family, and communityKeywords: emotional health, marriage advice, pastoral burnout, emotional intimacy, relationship transformation, men and emotions, communication in marriage, emotional vocabulary, vulnerability in leadership, mental health for pastors, marriage counseling, emotional connection tools, overcoming loneliness in marriage, healthy relationships, faith and mental healthWhat You'll Learn:The difference between being present and being emotionally presentHow to create safety for yourself with your own emotionsWhy your body holds emotion and what happens when you ignore itThe four-step process for deeper connection (even after 50 years of marriage)How to introduce emotional health tools to resistant family members or church communitiesFeatured Guest: Friedemann Pache is a Connection Codes certified coach based in Lüneburg, Germany. After 16 years in pastoral ministry, he now helps German-speaking individuals and couples discover emotional health and authentic connection. He's married to Katarina for 18 years, father to two teenagers, and is passionate about bringing the Connection Codes methodology to Europe.Resources Mentioned:Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesConnect with Friedemann: contact@c-momente.de | www.c-momente.deConnection Codes Programs: Foundations Masterclass, Clarity Reset, Late Night- School of Connection Coaching CertificationJoin the Connection Codes Community: This podcast is for anyone tired of surface-level relationships and ready for emotional health that actually transforms your marriage, parenting, and leadership. Get your free Core Emotion Wheel and start your journey today.Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more people who need these tools for emotional connection and mental health.
Episode Description:What starts with downloading a simple emotion wheel? For Annemiek Vernhout, it sparked a complete transformation—in her marriage, her parenting, and ultimately led her to bring Connection Codes to an entire country.In this powerful conversation recorded in the Netherlands, Annemiek shares her vulnerable journey from feeling emotionally disconnected and stuck in her head to becoming a Connection Codes coach who hosted a groundbreaking event that impacted 70 people in one day.In this episode, you'll discover:- Why recognizing emotions (not just feeling them) changes everything in relationships- The common mistake parents make when responding differently than their spouse—and what to do instead- How fear almost stopped Annemiek from asking for what she needed most- Why "a new way of living" feels weird at first (and why that's completely normal)- The difference between processing emotions through journaling versus using the Core Emotion Wheel- How to help your kids recognize emotions without forcing them to "do the wheel"- What happens when you lead with emotion instead of logistics in difficult conversations- Why anger isn't your enemy—it's the fuel that helps you accomplish hard things- The micro moments that matter: Thursday night dinners vs. the macro vision of city-wide changeKey Topics: emotional intelligence, emotional processing, marriage communication, parenting with emotional awareness, overcoming fear, vulnerability in relationships, connection in marriage, emotional regulation, mental health tools, leadership development, taking risks, processing emotions, family dynamics, emotional literacyThis episode is for you if:- You feel more in your head than your heart- Your marriage is "fine" but you want deeper connection- You're tired of only talking about logistics with your spouse- You want your kids to be emotionally intelligent- You have a fear of asking for help or sharing your needs- You sense there's a better way to live but don't know where to startResources Mentioned:- Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcast- Book a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches- Foundations Masterclass: www.connectioncodes.co/foundations- Visit www.connectioncodes.nl to connect with AnnemiekAbout Annemiek Vernhout:Annemiek is a Connection Codes coach based in the Netherlands. Married to Bastiaan for 14 years with a 12-year-old son Nathan, she discovered Connection Codes through a Facebook message two years ago. This summer, she became a certified coach and recently hosted Connection Codes' first major event in the Netherlands, impacting 70 people in one day. She has a heart for teaching and bringing emotional connection tools to her community and beyond.
What happens when you've spent a lifetime being silent—and suddenly, you can't do it anymore?In this powerful conversation, Connection Codes coach Laurel Simpson shares the moment that changed everything: a walk with her husband John where she realized she had to rebel against the silence that was suffocating her marriage and her mental health.After years of caretaking her mom through Alzheimer's, living in chronic dysregulation, and navigating her husband's anger while drowning in her own fear, Laurel reached a breaking point. The phrase that haunted her since childhood—"shut up, shut down, shut off"—was no longer sustainable.In this episode, you'll discover:The moment Laurel decided to rebel against emotional silence and what gave her the courage to finally speak upWhy anger was shutting her down and how she learned to navigate it in her marriageThe phrase that changed everything: "I have fear in sharing this, but..." and how it transformed her relationship with JohnHow to do "one brave thing every day" and why it's more powerful than you thinkWhy Connection Codes training isn't just for coaches—it's for anyone who wants to become a better humanThe difference between eliminating fear and processing through fear to take brave actionHow to recognize when you're living in chronic dysregulation and what to do about itWhy we're not designed to suffer in silence—and how to get back to your authentic voiceFor couples navigating crisis, individuals feeling voiceless in their relationships, or anyone who's been told to "shut up" their entire life—this episode is for you.Laurel demonstrates the Core Emotion Wheel and shares her current experience with grief, transition, and the ongoing work of staying connected to herself and others.Keywords: emotional health, mental health podcast, marriage communication, breaking emotional silence, chronic dysregulation, processing emotions, finding your voice, relationship healing, emotional safety, nervous system regulation, marriage after trauma, caregiver burnout, emotional processing, healthy relationships, leadership through vulnerabilityResources mentioned:Connection Codes Foundations CourseSchool of Connection (8-week program starting September 30th)Connection Codes Coaching CohortReady to get started?Get the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesFind Laurel Simpson on the Connection Codes website under "All Coaches" (https://connectioncodes.co/all-coaches)
What happens when a simple email about work scripts triggers a complete relationship nosedive? In this raw, unfiltered episode, we witness Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill work through an actual conflict from the day before—and discover how identity loss was at the root of their disconnect.This isn't theory. This is real marriage work happening in real-time.You'll discover:Why the first 60 seconds of conflict can determine your entire dayHow "being the workhorse" or "the fixer" can destroy emotional connectionThe difference between acknowledging pain vs. trying to fix it (and why one creates intimacy while the other creates distance)Why logistics never matter (and what actually does)How to identify when you've tuned out fear to maintain your identityThe surprising reason why saying "you don't have to do it all" can strip someone of their identityReal tools for repair when you've already spiraled into disconnectionKey Timestamps:3:12 - The conflict begins: How a missed acknowledgment triggered everything18:05 - Identifying the first unprocessed emotion (the make-or-break moment)26:10 - The workhorse identity: Why "getting things done" becomes self-destructive39:02 - The validation breakthrough: What acknowledgment actually does47:08 - Walking through the Core Emotion Wheel togetherThis episode is essential for:Couples who keep having the "same fight" in different packagingLeaders carrying identity roles that no longer serve themAnyone who's been called "the strong one" and wonders why they feel so exhaustedParents navigating empty nest transitions or career changesAnyone who feels unseen in their closest relationshipsResources Mentioned:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastWork with a certified Connection Codes coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesExplore the School of Connection for deep-dive marriage transformationTopics: marriage conflict resolution, emotional health in relationships, identity crisis in marriage, emotional processing, leadership and emotional intelligence, relationship repair, overcoming disconnection, mental health in marriage, core emotions, validation in relationships
Episode 188: Identity Over Truth - Why We're All Desperate to Be SeenIn this powerful episode, Tera Wages and Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill explore why humans prioritize identity over truth—and how this fundamental need shapes everything from our marriages to the polarizing world we see online.What You'll Learn:Why identity is your #1 human need (backed by the Still Face Experiment)The 5 critical questions your brain is constantly askingHow identity loss makes us do things we'd never recommend to othersWhy "calling someone back to truth" never works in relationshipsThe real reason people stay in lower-paying jobs (it's not about money)How to recognize when someone is losing identity—and what to do insteadWhy the "us vs them" narrative is more dangerous than you thinkPractical tools to give identity instead of stripping it awayKey Topics Covered:Emotional health and regulationMarriage communication and conflict resolutionLeadership development and team cultureMental health and depressionIdentity formation and validationConnection vs disconnectionEmotional intelligence in relationshipsWorkplace culture and employee retentionResources:Get the FREE Core Emotion Wheel: www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coachesLearn about Connection Codes training for businesses and leaders: https://connectioncodes.co/at-workFollow Connection Codes:Instagram: @connectioncodesFacebook: Connection CodesWebsite: www.connectioncodes.co
Today we're joined by Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill as they walk us through the power of the Connection Codes, sharing their story of overcoming emotional disconnection in marriage and giving us practical tools for naming and processing our emotions in dating and relationships! Download the core emotion wheel here! http://connectioncodes.co/heart-of-dating Find out your Dating Personality Type for free by taking our QUIZ here! https://www.heartofdating.com/quiz Join Basics of Dating! The 6-Week Program for the Christian single feeling stuck, anxious, or healing from heartbreak. https://www.heartofdating.com/basics-of-dating Love Heart of Dating Podcast? Want to support us AND be a part of the fam? Join us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/heartofdating Subscribe to our YouTube channel here! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ1PswEXEyeSddMmOSiRKGw Crushing on a cutie? Download this FREE Resource on how to show interest: https://www.heartofdating.com/resource/how-to-show-interest Want to further your dating knowledge? Check out our ultimate dating library! https://www.heartofdating.com/resource/ultimate-dating-library Kait wrote a book! Snag Thank You For Rejecting Me on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E59cLQ Want to meet some epic Christian Singles? Join our huge HOD Family on FB! https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartofdatingpodcast Come hang with us on the gram: http://instagram.com/heartofdating http://instagram.com/kaitness https://www.instagram.com/jjtomlin/?hl=en Interested in advertising on this show? Learn more here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16V_c91F1iIYNZOVvrEinrB9h2dsZq-kZFqYYEDQ4A60/viewform?edit_requested=true . . . . . Check out this week's sponsors: Better Help: This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/HOD and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if your family's values could help you feel calmer, more connected, and less overwhelmed—especially when life feels chaotic? This week, I'm joined by Adriane Thompson, certified parenting coach and founder of Raising Kids with Purpose. Adriane helps parents understand the why behind their child's behavior and build a home culture rooted in connection. As a mom of three neurodivergent boys, Adriane knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay grounded when emotions run high. She shares how defining her family's values—like safety and kindness—became an anchor point during meltdowns, transitions, and everyday stress. In this episode, Adriane walks us through:
Tera, Dr. Glenn, and Phyllis dive into the powerful interplay between vulnerability and safety in relationships. Drawing from personal stories, cultural examples, and decades of work with Connection Codes, they unpack how many of us were raised to silence emotions—and how this creates barriers to intimacy. The hosts explore why vulnerability is not weakness but the very act that creates safety, and how micro-moments of authentic sharing lay the foundation for trust. With practical insights, like using the Core Emotion Wheel and reframing fear, this conversation equips you to transform your relationships into safe spaces where real connection can thriveChapters:- 00:00:00 - TV shows and vulnerability- 00:01:20 - Introducing core concepts- 00:04:51 - Childhood lessons on suppression- 00:07:51 - The vulnerability paradox- 00:11:12 - Unfamiliar territory- 00:15:30 - Foundation-building moments- 00:19:24 - Recognizing safe people- 00:23:30 - Fear vs. safety- 00:28:39 - Everyday vulnerability- 00:35:26 - The cab story- 00:41:42 - Authenticity without guarantees- 00:47:35 - Losing and finding relationships- 00:53:01 - The Core Emotion Wheel- 00:58:04 - Starting your journeyLinks and Resources:- https://connectioncodes.co/- https://connectioncodes.co/get-the-cew- https://www.amazon.com/Connection-Codes-Blueprint-Creating-Relationships-ebook/dp/B093TLDT71
¿Por qué sexualizamos nuestras emociones y cómo podemos procesarlas sin sexualizarlas? Jonathan Hernández responde a estas preguntas en el primer episodio de Husband Material en Español. Aquí tienes la versión en inglés: https://podcast.husbandmaterial.com/713910/episodes/17963054-how-to-process-sexualized-emotions-with-jonathan-hernandezJonathan Hernández es nuevo coach de Husband Material. Cuenta con más de un año de experiencia como coach certificado de Connection Codes. Estudió tres años en la Escuela de Ministerio Sobrenatural de Bethel y tiene una gran pasión por ayudar a las parejas a vivir más conectadas y a los hombres a experimentar una sexualidad sana y plena.Guía gratuita de la Rueda de emociones:rueda.jonnythecoach.com/rueda-794076Guía de las emociones/template diario:rueda.jonnythecoach.com/guia-103093Curso de los fundamentos:rueda.jonnythecoach.com/cursoAplicación para Sesión de Claridad:rueda.jonnythecoach.com/formulario_sesion_claridadSupport the showTake the Husband Material Journey... Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTube Step 2: Join the private Husband Material Community Step 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow Porn Step 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material Academy Thanks for listening!
In this episode Tera, Dr. Glenn, and Phyllis take on one of the most misunderstood and weaponized words in relationships: forgiveness. They unpack why simply saying “I forgive you” rarely brings peace, and how unprocessed pain lingers in the body long after conflict. Through personal stories, faith reflections, and the practical tools of the Connection Codes, they reveal why true healing comes through release—acknowledging, voicing, and processing hurt in safe spaces. Listeners will learn how to move beyond judgment, create authentic emotional connection, and experience freedom without erasing their pain or enabling harmful dynamicsChapters:00:00:00 - Setting the Stage for Authentic Healing00:02:09 - Rethinking Forgiveness: Moving Beyond Traditional Approaches00:04:26 - How Forgiveness Gets Weaponized in Relationships00:11:04 - The Compassionate Truth About Forgiveness in Faith00:15:47 - Creating Safety to Process Pain Together00:29:34 - Why Simply Saying "I Forgive You" Doesn't Heal the Hurt00:36:53 - Embracing Emotions as Pathways to Deeper Connection00:47:42 - Real-Life Example: Using the Emotion Wheel in Relationships00:54:55 - Practical Next Steps for Your Relationship JourneyLinks and Resources:- Connection Codes Emotion Wheel - https://connectioncodes.co/wheel-download- Connection Codes Book - https://www.amazon.com/Connection-Codes-Blueprint-Creating-Relationships/dp/B093QCHZ76- Become a Connection Codes Coach - https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coaching#certifiedcoachingtopofhome
What is connection? What causes disconnection? How can we reconnect? Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill explain the core components of relational connection—especially for couples.Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill are the founders of Connection Codes, a life-changing framework that has helped thousands of couples and families around the world experience deeper intimacy, safety, and joy. Married for over four decades, Glenn and Phyllis know firsthand what it's like to feel disconnected and stuck in painful cycles. Their own struggles led Glenn to return to school, earning a doctorate in Clinical Sexology and a master's in Marriage & Family Therapy. Together, they discovered simple, powerful tools that restored their marriage and now equip others to thrive. Today, they travel globally, teaching couples, churches, and leaders how to process emotions, resolve conflict, and build relationships that reflect the love of Christ. Glenn and Phyllis are passionate about helping people discover that emotions aren't a problem to fix, but a God-given tool to master—so that homes can be healed, marriages strengthened, and communities transformed.Get the Core Emotion Wheel and learn to regulate your emotions at connectioncodes.co/drew-boaBuy the book: The Connection Codes: The Blueprint & Tools for Creating the Relationships You Crave, by Dr. Glenn and Phyllis HillSupport the showTake the Husband Material Journey... Step 1: Listen to this podcast or watch on YouTube Step 2: Join the private Husband Material Community Step 3: Take the free mini-course: How To Outgrow Porn Step 4: Try the all-in-one program: Husband Material Academy Thanks for listening!
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis talk with Paul and Hannah McClure—musicians, parents, and certified Connection Codes coaches—about the journey of learning to process emotions instead of drowning in them. The McClures share openly about walking through miscarriage, facing parenting challenges, and breaking free from long seasons of disconnection. They describe how simple tools like the Core Emotion Wheel gave them language for their feelings, transformed their marriage, and reshaped the way they connect as a family. This episode is an invitation to slow down, honor what you feel, and discover how vulnerability can lead to lasting healing and deeper relationships.Chapters:00:00:00 – Welcome to the Connection Codes Podcast00:00:57 – Meet Paul & Hannah00:01:34 – Story of meeting as teens and family background00:02:41 – Discovery of the program in 2020 through webinars00:03:15 – How the tools helped process miscarriage00:04:44 – Reflection on “choose joy” culture and parenting impact00:05:31 – Childhood experience of suppressing emotions00:07:23 – Demonstration of the Core Emotion Wheel00:09:27 – Feelings of anger, guilt, and loneliness in friendships00:11:16 – Fear about an album release and hurt from a trip00:13:00 – Key victories and struggles with the tools00:14:23 – Resolving conflict in Hawaii by naming hurt00:17:30 – How minutes of processing prevent days of disconnect00:19:51 – Example of using the wheel during a cancer diagnosis00:25:00 – Motivation for becoming coaches00:27:18 – Coaching removed the pressure of having all the answers00:30:04 – How unprocessed joy can lead to poor choices00:32:04 – The wheel as a manual for navigating trauma00:37:29 – Fear of drowning in emotions00:40:10 – Seeing past anger to identify underlying hurtLinks and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mAFind out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coachingFind a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menu
Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill welcome their grandson, Asher Hill, to share his journey of learning and practicing the Connection Codes Core Emotion Wheel from a young age. That foundation became life-saving when, at just 14 years old, he was hit with the emotional weight of his mother's cancer diagnosis. Now 16, Asher reflects on how this tool has carried him through high school pressures, football struggles, panic attacks, and family conflicts—and even how he uses it with his girlfriend to build a safe, honest relationship. His story proves that emotional intelligence isn't just for adults—no one is too young to learn it—and that authentic communication and safe spaces for vulnerability can transform every relationship, from family to friendships to future partnerships.Chapters:(00:00:00) Introduction & Disclaimer(00:02:59) Meet Asher(00:05:14) Why Asher is on the Podcast(00:06:59) Early Memories of Connection Codes(00:08:06) Cousin Conflict(00:10:38) The "Three Sentences" Rule(00:12:56) The Core Emotion Wheel as a "Game Changer"(00:15:56) Learning as We Go(00:19:12) A Cousin-Led Resolution(00:21:44) Navigating a Mother's Illness(00:26:28) Emotional Suppression as a Coping Mechanism(00:27:32) Inhale, Exhale: The Flow of Emotions(00:29:07) The Gym Analogy for Emotions(00:30:44) The Weight of Unprocessed Feelings(00:36:11) Asher's Core Emotion Wheel(00:38:23) Using the Wheel in a RelationshipLinks and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mAFind out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coachingFind a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menu
Why are so many romantic relationships emotionally disconnected and sexually unfulfilled, even when love is still there?Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill, founders of the Connection Codes framework, uncover the emotional patterns behind disconnection and what truly builds lasting intimacy.In this episode, we explore the emotional root of sexless relationships, how emotional safety unlocks physical connection, and why fear often blocks the vulnerable conversations couples need to have.If you've ever felt distant from your partner or struggled to reignite physical intimacy, this conversation will shift your understanding of what deep connection looks like, and how to rebuild it from the inside out.We talk about:Why emotional safety is essential for sexual intimacyHow curiosity creates deeper emotional and physical connectionSigns your relationship is drifting, and how to reconnectWhat “sexual loneliness” is and why it's so commonHow to break out of fear and emotional avoidancePractical tools like the Core Emotion WheelAbout the Guests:Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill are relationship coaches and co-founders of Connection Codes, a proven, science-backed framework that helps couples build trust, emotional literacy, and deeper intimacy.
In this heartfelt episode, we explore the transformative power of vulnerability in personal growth. Join us as Hannah Droll shares her journey of embracing vulnerability through Connection Codes, revealing how it reshaped her relationships and self-awareness. Discover the challenges and triumphs of staying present in moments of emotional intensity, and learn how vulnerability can lead to deeper connections and personal transformation. Tune in to uncover the profound impact of being open and authentic in your own life.
Send us a textIn this episode of the Experience Emerge podcast, we converse with Tera Wages, CEO of The Connection Codes, to explore the art of emotional regulation—what it is, why it matters, and how it can transform your relationships and daily life. Tera shares practical tools from The Connection Codes framework to help you identify, name, and process emotions in real time so they don't spiral into conflict, burnout, or shutdown. Whether you tend to bottle up your feelings or wear them on your sleeve, this conversation will give you a clear, compassionate path toward feeling your emotions without letting them control you.https://connectioncodes.co/experience-emergehttps://terawages.com/Emerge.org "You Don't Have to Walk Alone" Emerge.org - "You Don't Have to Walk Alone" Support the showContact Us: Email the show: experience@emerge.org Emerge.org facebook.com/EmergeCounselingMinistries Thank you for listening, sharing, and praying for our podcast!Support the ExEm podcast by clicking here:https://www.buzzsprout.com/882700/support
What if processing emotions could be simple, kind, and transformative? In this conversation, Dr. Glenn sits down with Jonathan Hernandez — psychology student, Certified Connection Codes Coach, and creative visionary bringing the Connection Codes to nearly a billion Spanish speakers. Speaking from his own dating relationship, Jonathan shares how processing emotions like fear, joy, and shame without judgment has deepened connection and reduced conflict — and how these same tools are transforming marriages around the world. Together, they explore why emotions “happen to us,” how resisting them keeps us stuck, and practical ways to experience emotional safety in real time. Whether you're dating, married, or somewhere in between, this episode offers hope, humor, and actionable insight for anyone ready to strengthen their emotional health and relationships.Links and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mAFind out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coachingFind a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menuJonathan Hernandez on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hernandez-b16070188Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome & Why This Conversation Matters00:00:38 - Finding Joy in Fully Feeling00:01:35 - Meet Jonathan Hernandez & His Mission00:03:13 - The Moment Connection Codes Changed Everything00:07:22 - How Emotions Shape Every Connection00:10:50 - Processing Feelings That Once Felt Impossible00:21:06 - Turning Shame into a Bridge for Closeness00:24:34 - Trauma Responses and the Path to Healing00:27:23 - Experiencing Emotions in a Whole New Way00:28:43 - Using Emotional Processing to Truly Heal00:29:55 - Why Sadness Deserves a Seat at the Table00:32:09 - Applying Connection Codes in Real-Life Dating00:42:20 - Bringing Connection Codes to Millions of Spanish Speakers00:48:02 - The Transformative Power of Emotional Coaching00:49:58 - Walking Through the Emotional Wheel in Action
Phyllis and Dr. Glenn Hill sit down with Elijah Runyan, Director of Certified Coaching for Connection Codes, to dive deep into the world of neurodivergence and emotional connection. Both Elijah and Dr. Glenn share personal stories of what it's like to live with unique emotional wiring—where everyday experiences, like dishes left undone or mismatched hangers, can trigger intense pain experiences. Through candid reflections, they reveal how shame and loneliness can take hold when these experiences go unseen or misunderstood, and how learning to process pain instead of judging it opens the door to authentic connection. This episode highlights how the Connection Codes framework—centered on regard, curiosity, and emotional awareness—has transformed their relationships, helping them move from miscommunication to genuine closeness with their families and partners.Links and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mAFind out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coachingFind a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menuConnect with Elijah here: https://www.runyanstronghealth.com/Chapters: 00:00:00 - Opening Up: Why This Conversation Matters00:00:56 - What Neurodivergence Really Feels Like00:04:22 - When “Different” Becomes a Daily Struggle00:07:41 - From Shame to Identity: The Pain Behind Control00:12:14 - Why Being Seen Is More Powerful Than Being Helped00:21:15 - Raising Kids While Feeling Misunderstood00:22:22 - Making Room for Everyday Pain00:22:33 - Teaching Compassion Through Lived Experience00:25:10 - Travel, Triggers, and When Systems Break00:26:57 - Navigating Marriage with a Neurodivergent Lens00:29:13 - How We Learn to Speak Each Other's Language00:30:19 - The Great Hanger Debate (Yes, Really)00:32:37 - Celebrating the Things That Set Us Apart00:35:10 - Final Thoughts on Connection, Curiosity, and Courage
Tera, Phyllis, and Dr. Glenn dive into the deeply human instinct to stay hidden—especially when emotions like shame, sadness, or anger begin to rise. Whether it's saying “I'm fine” when we're not, or disconnecting to avoid discomfort, the episode unpacks how hiding becomes a form of emotional protection that ultimately costs us connection. Drawing from personal stories and the Connection Codes framework, the hosts reveal how early life messages taught us to suppress emotion rather than engage with it—and how staying hidden, even from ourselves, creates internal dissonance. Through honest reflection and practical tools, they guide listeners toward emotional safety and deeper intimacy by asking the core question: “What's firing in me right now?” If you've ever shut down, avoided vulnerability, or longed to feel more seen in your relationships, this episode offers a compassionate and powerful path back to connection.Links and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mAFind out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coachingFind a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menuChapters: 00:00:00 – When You Say “I'm Fine”… But You're Not00:00:38 – Caught Hiding in the Pantry00:01:38 – The Emotional Weight of Disappearing00:02:34 – Wellness, Vulnerability, and Hidden Triggers00:05:55 – What Hiding Really Does to the Heart00:08:35 – The Silent Disconnect in Relationships00:11:26 – Why Hiding Becomes a Habit00:15:02 – What Happens When You Finally Speak It00:24:25 – The Emotion Wheel That Changed Everything00:25:20 – Saying the Thing You've Never Said00:27:33 – You Deserve to Be Seen00:30:48 – Finding Your Safe People00:33:04 – When Judgment Shuts Us Down00:38:11 – Using the Core Emotion Wheel in Real Life00:43:47 – Wrapping Up: Your Next Step Toward Connection
In this powerful episode of the Connection Codes podcast, Tera and Phyllis sit down with trauma-informed coach Echo Hill Vetter to break open what happens when we let go of punishment and choose connection over consequence. Together, they unpack why punishing our kids “into good behavior” often fails — and how to replace control with curiosity, repair, and true partnership. Echo shares how dance and movement are medicine for kids' big feelings and how parenting leadership really means supporting our kids from beneath, not controlling them from above. If you've ever wondered, “If I don't punish, what do I do instead?” — this honest conversation shows the way forward.Links and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mAFind out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coachingFind a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menuChapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome + Why This Conversation Matters00:00:38 - Echo's Raw and Real Parenting Story00:01:10 - When Parenting Feels Like Constant Friction00:01:24 - What It Means to Parent Through Trauma00:03:21 - Why Culture Taught Us to Punish00:05:04 - Dance, Movement & Emotional Survival00:08:28 - The Truth About Traditional Parenting Struggles00:09:22 - Choosing Connection Over Consequence00:18:13 - Leadership Reimagined: Parenting from Beneath00:21:40 - How Our Kids Mirror Us (Literally)00:22:10 - What to Do When Kids “Act Out”00:23:01 - Regulating Ourselves Before Reacting00:23:25 - Is Talking Back Actually a Good Sign?00:24:20 - Seeing the Need Behind the Behavior00:27:27 - Real-Life Tools for Collaborative Parenting00:28:57 - When Your Kid Is Wild (And Wonderful)00:34:51 - Curiosity and Compassion: The Game Changers00:36:13 - Echo's Parting Encouragement to All Parents
Are you done with the emotional roller coaster? The meltdowns (theirs and yours), the silent treatments, the nagging feeling that you're just not connecting? Trust me, we've been there, staring at our closet, wondering what to wear when our brain is already on overload. But what if we shared with you simple emotional regulation tools for families that can actually end the drama in just four minutes a day? Seriously, four minutes! We're chatting with Tera Wages, CEO of Connection Codes, and she's got the secret sauce. In this episode, you'll discover her Core Emotion Wheel, an absolute game-changer for understanding those wild feelings that pop up. Think "Inside Out 2" but, like, for real life. You'll learn that emotions aren't "good" or "bad" – they're actually signals telling you what you need. Loneliness? That's your cue for connection. Hurt? Time to step away from the pain. And anger? Believe it or not, that can be your superpower, kicking you into action when something needs to change! Resources We Shared: Learn more about Tera and Connection Codes HERE! Join our FREE No Guilt Mom Podcast group Visit No Guilt Mom Follow us on Instagram! Check out our No Guilt Mom Amazon Shop with recommended books and books from podcast guests HERE! Rate & Review the No Guilt Mom Podcast on Apple here. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Listen on Spotify? You can rate us there too! Check out our favorite deals and discounts from our amazing sponsors here! #parentingpodcast #parentingtips #selfcare #mentalload #kids #teenager #toddler #preschooler #baby #noguiltmom #emotionalregulation,#ConnectionCodes, #communication, #emotions, #emotionalintelligence, #emotionalawareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill welcome back Chris Cruz—Managing Director at Harbor + Union and Young Adult Pastor at Bethel Church—for a powerful conversation on leadership, action, and emotional clarity. With refreshing vulnerability, Chris shares how the phrase “clarity is found in motion” transformed his approach to decision-making, leadership, and connection. Listeners will hear how fear often paralyzes us into waiting, but motion—taking a first step—can lead to surprising clarity. Tying this into the Connection Codes framework, Chris explains how emotional insight comes not from planning but from engaging—especially in conversation. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating fear, change, or relational stuckness and looking for practical tools to move forward with authenticity.Links and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mAFind out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coachingFind a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menuLinkedIn – Chris Cruz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjosephcruz/Chris's Instagram : @chriscruzThe Practice of Being with Jesus: https://tinyurl.com/4zzddd89Chapters: 00:00:00 - A Warm Welcome + Why This Conversation Matters00:00:38 - Meet Chris Cruz: Storyteller, Pastor, Creative Voice00:00:55 - When Desire Isn't Enough—Why Action Changes Everything00:01:36 - Life Lately: Chris Reflects on the Journey00:02:54 - “Clarity is Found in Motion”—The Quote That Sparked It All00:09:52 - Sitting with Fear, Moving Anyway00:14:19 - Processing in Real Time: What Happens When We Don't Have it All Figured Out00:22:34 - Why Imperfection Might Be the Key to Starting00:23:09 - When Learning Becomes a Hiding Place—And How to Step Out00:25:12 - What Therapy Taught Me About Growth and Patience00:25:54 - Getting Honest About What's Really Underneath: Fear, Shame, Guilt00:33:29 - Motion Brings Clarity: Why We Can't Stay Still00:36:37 - Behind the Mic: Chris Shares His Podcast Journey00:39:33 - A Quiet Nudge Forward: Encouragement to Move Gently
In this powerful episode, certified Connection Codes coach Bridgett Blood shares her raw and transformative journey through 12 weeks of deep emotional work that redefined her understanding of peace, connection, and faith. Joined by Phyllis, Dr. Glenn, and Tera, she unpacks the shift from peacekeeping to peacemaking—revealing how naming harm, confronting emotional pain, and embracing core emotions like anger and sadness led to true restoration. Most profoundly, Bridgett reimagines her relationship with God—not as someone who rushes to fix, but as a presence who grieves with her. If you've ever longed for honest healing and a deeper spiritual connection, this episode offers both reflection and renewal.Links and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mAFind out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coachingFind a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menuChapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome Back: Kicking Off a Deeply Personal Conversation00:00:17 - When Peace Demands More Than Quiet00:01:51 - Bridgett's Journey Through Trauma and Truth00:03:21 - The Risk and Courage of Naming the Pain00:04:53 - What Real Peace in Relationships Actually Looks Like00:07:23 - Texts, Therapy, and Truth-Telling: Taking Brave Steps00:18:14 - When God Doesn't Fix It—He Sits With You00:21:30 - Choosing Wholeness in the Middle of Family Tension00:21:59 - A Love That Stays: God's Presence Without Conditions00:22:50 - Rethinking Miracles: It Doesn't Always Look Like Rescue00:23:56 - How Owning Your Part Opens the Door to Healing00:24:33 - Partnering with God, Not Waiting for Magic00:25:42 - What Happens When You're Emotionally Honest with God00:30:04 - Feeling It All: Using the Core Motion Wheel00:37:24 - The Hard Work Is Worth It: Final Reflections
In this heartfelt episode, certified Connection Codes coach Bridgett Blood joins Tera and Phyllis for an honest and moving conversation about what it means to connect with yourself first. After facing the collapse of a romantic relationship that had initially introduced her to Connection Codes, Bridgett found herself alone—and yet, divinely invited—to use these emotional tools to begin healing from the inside out. She shares how journaling her core emotions, honoring the signals from her body, and staying present through the pain helped her rebuild a sense of wholeness and self-worth. This episode is a powerful reminder that the journey to connection with others must begin with ourselves—and that even in our darkest seasons, we can learn to stay.Links and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://youtube.com/@connectioncodes?si=phORYBsGMOOrj9mAFind out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coachingFind a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/coaches#find-a-coach-menuChapters: 00:00:00 - Let's Begin: A Gentle Disclaimer00:00:39 - Welcome to the Space Where Connection Matters00:01:32 - Meet Bridget: A Journey of Heart and Healing00:03:03 - From Breakup to Breakthrough: Bridget's Path to Wholeness00:03:55 - Her Daily Practice: Wheels, Words, and Staying Present00:07:02 - Emotional Honesty: The Real Work of Being Human00:11:20 - When Phyllis Needed the Tools Too00:18:06 - How to Stay True to Yourself in Love00:24:02 - Listening to Your Body When It's Screaming Softly00:30:48 - Pain Isn't the End—It's the Invitation00:31:16 - One Massage, a Lifetime of Emotions00:32:20 - The Weight We Carry When We Don't Process00:34:01 - What Our Bodies Remember from Generations Past00:35:02 - The Science (and Soul) Behind the Body's Memory00:38:16 - Bridget's Road Back to Self-Care00:40:07 - Loving Yourself While Loving Someone Else00:42:27 - The Courage Men Need to Feel00:45:42 - What Healing Sounds Like for All of Us00:49:04 - You're Allowed to Ask for Help00:55:19 - A Soft Landing: Final Thoughts & Tools for You
Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill sit down with certified Connection Codes coaches Tanya and James, a couple whose journey into emotional healing began in an unexpected place—deep in a remote part of British Columbia. What started as a midnight podcast listen became a life-altering pursuit of authentic connection. Tanya and James open up about their transformation from emotional shutdown and chronic pain to a marriage bursting with joy, purpose, and practical tools. From ordering the book late at night to leading small groups in their home, launching initiatives in their church, and becoming certified coaches, they share how simple—yet not easy—the journey of emotional fluency has been. Their story is an invitation to bring the tools of Connection Codes into your home, your marriage, your community—and to experience the life-changing impact for yourself.Links and Resources:Download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/cew-podcastFind out how to become a Certified Coach: https://connectioncodes.co/certified-coachingFind a coach: https://connectioncodes.co/all-coachesChapters:00:00:00 - Kicking Off the Journey: Meet Tanya & James00:01:11 - A New Chapter Begins: Who Are Tanya and James?00:02:10 - The Moment That Changed Everything: Discovering Connection Codes00:04:34 - Turning Insight Into Action: Bringing Connection Codes to the Community00:06:52 - Real Growth, Real Struggles: Their Personal Transformation Unfolds00:08:48 - A Ripple Effect: Teaching, Leading, and Inspiring Through Change00:09:33 - From Pain to Power: How They Faced Trauma and Chronic Struggles00:11:02 - Unlocking Emotional Power: The Gift of Processing Feelings00:16:36 - Redefining the Classroom: What Happens When You Connect First00:21:25 - From Hurt to Healing: Connection as the Bridge00:23:22 - Ready to Grow? Join Our Summer Coaching Cohort00:24:21 - Why Emotional Processing Is a Superpower (Yes, Again!)00:25:39 - Cracking the Teen Code: Helping Adolescents Be Understood00:26:58 - Glen's Eye-Opening Tale: When Emotions Go Ignored00:29:14 - Transforming Communication: Using the Core Emotion Wheel00:35:59 - Chase the Dream: Why Your Passions Matter More Than You Think00:40:04 - The Transformation Is Real: What Connection Codes Changed00:43:09 - Your Next Step: Final Thoughts and an Invitation to Act
What if the story you've been telling yourself… isn't even yours? In this deeply validating and insight-rich episode of the Connection Codes podcast, Tera Wages joins Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill to explore how childhood messages, cultural labels, and relationship dynamics shape—and often limit—our identity. Through personal stories, including leaving church, navigating marriage intimacy, and feeling misunderstood by family, the hosts unpack what it means to "wear a hat" that no longer fits.Listeners will be challenged to ask: Who put this label on me? Why am I still wearing it? With raw emotional depth and practical wisdom, the episode empowers you to identify the inner “judge,” rewire internal narratives, and intentionally reclaim who you want to become.Links and Resources:Book a discovery call for Overwhelm Overhaul: https://calendly.com/tera-wages/30min?month=2025-03 Connection Codes: https://connectioncodes.co/(If links are not working, please copy and paste connectioncodes.co to your search bar and look through our site menu!)________________________________________________________________Chapters:00:00:00 – Identity Isn't Just a Concept—It's Personal00:02:26 – When You Realize You've Been Wearing the Wrong Hat00:05:53 – Do I Even Matter… to Me?00:09:23 – The Labels We Live By (And How to Let Them Go)00:13:26 – How External Voices Shape Internal Battles00:25:56 – Old Messages, New Awareness: What Are You Still Carrying?00:27:19 – Step Into the Judge's Chamber—You Might Be Surprised Who's Inside00:28:14 – The Dishwasher Story: It Was Never About the Dishes00:29:28 – Tearing Off the Labels That Keep Us Small00:32:46 – Speak Life: The Words That Shape Who You Become00:42:00 – Feel It to Heal It: A Real Look at the Core Emotion Wheel
Tera, Dr. Glenn, and Phyllis explore one of the most foundational elements of human connection: identity. What does it mean to give identity—or to take it away? Through tender personal stories and real-life encounters, they unpack how kindness, often seen as a simple virtue, carries the power to either affirm or strip away someone's sense of significance. Phyllis introduces the concept of the "identity meter"—a powerful internal gauge that shifts based on whether we're seen, valued, and understood. From social media judgments to a heartfelt moment with a grieving artist, the episode beautifully illustrates how much we long to matter—and how our everyday interactions either feed or deplete that longing. If you've ever asked yourself, “Do I matter to them?”, this conversation will resonate deeply.Links and Resources:Book a discovery call for Overwhelm Overhaul: https://calendly.com/tera-wages/30min?month=2025-03 Connection Codes: https://connectioncodes.co/(If links are not working, please copy and paste connectioncodes.co to your search bar and look through our site menu!)________________________________________________________________Chapters:00:00:00 - What If Identity Could Heal the World?00:01:22 - Is Kindness Actually the Key?00:02:21 - Social Media: Boosting or Breaking Your Identity Meter?00:03:24 - She Left Him… and He Finally Knows Why00:04:37 - The Hidden Definition of Identity in Love00:07:10 - Tiny Acts, Massive Emotional Impact00:08:48 - The Domino Effect of a Single Kind Word00:16:36 - When Faith and Identity Collide00:27:25 - One Greeting. One Shift. One Human Seen.00:28:15 - The Power of Being Noticed—Really Noticed00:29:34 - “Do You Even Know Me Anymore?”00:30:31 - Rebuilding Intimacy, One Small Gesture at a Time00:31:41 - What Happens When We Truly See Someone00:33:05 - Unspoken Needs That Quietly Destroy Connection00:34:58 - From Global Conflict to Family Feuds: It's All Identity00:36:30 - When Human Connection Becomes a Superpower00:43:48 - The Cost of Feeling Invisible00:43:57 - One Tool to Help You Understand What's Firing Inside00:50:00 - You're Not Broken—You Just Need to Be Seen00:53:25 - Your Challenge: Give Identity Today
So many of us live as stunt doubles, showing up in spaces—church, work, even our own homes—feeling like we have to perform instead of just be. In this episode, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis unpack the weight of that, the exhaustion it brings, and how Connection Codes gives us the tools to step out of the act and into real, life-giving connection. They share stories from their recent event in Austin, the impact of this work around the world, and the freedom that comes when we stop masking and start living fully as ourselves.Links and Resources:Book a discovery call for Overwhelm Overhaul: https://calendly.com/tera-wages/30min?month=2025-03 To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-onlineBook a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help(If links are not working, please copy and paste connectioncodes.co to your search bar and look through our site menu!)________________________________________________________________Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome! Are You Living a Stunt Double Life?00:01:29 - Behind the Scenes: What We Learned in Austin00:03:04 - Real Stories, Real Change: Connection Codes in Action00:07:37 - Why Hiding Hurts & How to Show Up Fully00:12:34 - Stunt Doubling at Work, Church & Home—Are You Doing It?00:25:01 - Feeling Drained? The Link Between Emotions & Productivity00:28:30 - Burnout is Real—Here's How to Spot It & Stop It00:30:22 - Loneliness Creeping In? How to Find Genuine Support00:32:10 - What's in Your Emotional Backpack? Time to Unpack It!00:33:38 - Want Deeper Connection? Here's How to Create Safe Spaces00:40:02 - The Core Emotion Wheel: Your Secret to Stronger Relationships00:48:03 - Final Thoughts: Ditch the Act & Start Living Fully
In this episode, Tera Wages sits down with Phyllis Hill and Echo Hill Vedder to talk about a game-changing concept: desire vs. capacity—the difference between what we want to do and what we actually have the bandwidth for. They discuss how ignoring our capacity leads to burnout, why so many of us push through exhaustion, and how tuning into our bodies can be the key to reclaiming energy and joy. Echo shares how she learned to listen to her body instead of the judge in her head, and Phyllis gets real about hitting empty after years of over-functioning. They explore many ways to grow capacity, shift limiting beliefs, and make space for what truly matters—without guilt or shame. Plus, they break down how emotional processing through Connection Codes helps expand capacity and disrupts the pain cycle not just for ourselves, but for our entire community. If you're feeling exhausted, stuck, or constantly running on fumes, this episode is a must-listen!Links and Resources:Book a discovery call for Overwhelm Overhaul: https://calendly.com/tera-wages/30min To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://connectioncodes.co/wheel To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: https://connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: https://connectioncodes.co/marriage-help (If links are not working, please copy and paste connectioncodes.co to your search bar and look through our site menu!)_________________________________________________________________Connect with Echo Hill Vetter:Echo Hill Vetter's Substack | Letters from Nashville: https://substack.com/@echohillvetter Echo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echohillvetter Schedule 1:1 Coaching or Group Coaching with Echo: https://calendly.com/echohillvetter Echo's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/echohillvetter Chapters00:00:00 - The Tug-of-War Between Wanting and Doing00:04:10 - A Room Full of Connection Code Coaches00:05:11 - When Your To-Do List Laughs at You00:08:48 - Burnout Doesn't Knock—It Kicks the Door Down00:11:58 - Your Body is Keeping Score (And It's Not Looking Good)00:16:33 - Why Some Days You Can Handle It, and Some Days You Can't00:22:48 - The Science of Saying No (And Actually Meaning It)00:26:57 - The Invisible Cost of Always Saying Yes00:31:37 - The Brain vs. The Body: Who Wins?00:32:34 - When Life Demands More Than You Can Give00:34:38 - SOS: Finding Help Before You Collapse00:36:36 - Systems That Save You From Yourself00:42:56 - Self-Care Isn't a Luxury—It's Survival00:48:07 - Why Emotional Processing is the Secret to More Energy00:54:33 - Final Thoughts From Three People Who've Been There
Elijah Runyan, a Connection Codes-certified coach, wellness mentor, and father of four, joins Tera to dig into the emotional rollercoaster of parenting. In this episode, Elijah opens up about the challenges of raising teenagers and young kids, trying to understand their emotional needs, and confronting his own fears and shame as a parent. He shares how Connection Codes tools have completely changed his approach, moving from reaction to intentional connection, and how he's helping his kids process trauma and anxiety. This conversation is a look at how real change begins within and offers hope for parents everywhere seeking deeper relationships with their kids. Links and Resources: To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help Connect with Elijah: Schedule a CC Coaching Session with Elijah: https://runyanstronghealth.as.me/schedule/5204ed3a Runyan Strong Health: https://www.runyanstronghealth.com Elijah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahrunyan Elijah on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@runyanstronghealth Chapters: 00:00:00 - A Day with Elijah: Diving Deep 00:01:27 - The Buzz Behind Connection Codes Certification 00:03:08 - Parenting Without a Script 00:06:24 - Fear, Shame, and Teenage Drivers 00:10:15 - When School Stops Feeling Safe 00:15:10 - The Trauma We Didn't See Coming 00:19:06 - Co-Regulating: The Secret Sauce 00:20:13 - A New Approach to Safety for Kids 00:21:40 - Breaking Old Parenting Cycles 00:26:15 - Repairing Connections: The Art of the Apology 00:27:10 - How Hungry is Your Kid's Heart? 00:31:07 - Wheels of Emotion: A Parenting Tool 00:32:04 - Raw Reflections from Parenthood 00:37:03 - Resources, Encouragement, and Hope for Parents
Phyllis and Dr. Glenn are joined by Elijah Runyan, a seasoned Connection Codes coach and the director of their coaching certification program. Elijah shares how fear of shame, fear of emotions, and avoidance can drive our behaviors in relationships and everyday life. Through real-life client stories and his own experiences, he explains how slicing emotions thinner and processing them authentically can lead to breakthroughs in intimacy, parenting, and self-awareness. The conversation unpacks tools, the role of energy in emotional connection, and why avoiding emotions only strengthens barriers. Links and Resources: To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help Connect with Elijah: Schedule a CC Coaching Session with Elijah: https://runyanstronghealth.as.me/schedule/5204ed3a Runyan Strong Health: https://www.runyanstronghealth.com Elijah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahrunyan Elijah on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@runyanstronghealth Chapters: 00:00:00 - Unmasking Emotions: The Start Of It All 00:00:22 - Meet The Minds Behind Connection Codes 00:01:49 - Elijah's Aha Moment On Fear Of Shame 00:04:00 - When Fear Holds Relationships Hostage 00:07:27 - The Hidden Depths Of Anger And Hurt 00:16:25 - Stories That Change Perspectives 00:24:30 - Processing Emotions: The Turning Point 00:27:26 - Fear, Anxiety, And Emotional Breakthroughs 00:29:41 - Why Emotional Regulation Is Everything 00:33:49 - Secrets To Connection In Every Relationship 00:41:11 - A Glimpse Into The Coaching Universe 00:44:13 - The Final Thought That Says It All