Podcasts about deeper connection

Send us a textHave you ever started working on your marriage — maybe reading the books, having deeper conversations, or getting professional help — and suddenly everything feels heavier instead of lighter?You're not doing it wrong. You're doing it right.When couples begin opening up about what doesn't feel right, emotions that have been buried finally come to the surface. It can feel like things are getting worse, but really… they're just getting real.That's what I explore in this week's episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage:“Why It Feels Worse Before It Gets Better: The Real Work of Changing Your Marriage.”We'll talk about:Why awareness often feels painful at firstWhat's really happening under the surface when old patterns are being challengedHow to tell if you're actually making progress (even when it feels like you're not)Why discomfort is the most reliable sign that transformation is underwayMarriage growth isn't supposed to feel easy. It's supposed to feel true.And truth — when faced with courage and compassion — is what makes intimacy possible again.If you're in that messy middle right now, take a deep breath. You're not breaking down; you're breaking open.

In this episode, I sit down with renowned relationship coach and author Dr. Susan Campbell for a real, practical conversation about communication, connection, and what it takes to create emotionally honest relationships. We talk about the most common patterns that keep partners from truly hearing each other, how to move from defensiveness to curiosity, and simple tools you can use right away to build more trust and ease in your relationships — romantic or otherwise. Susan Campbell, PhD, is a relationship expert, speaker, and best-selling author of twelve books, including Getting Real and Five Minute Relationship Repair. With decades of experience in counseling psychology, she helps individuals, couples, and teams communicate more authentically and navigate conflict with compassion. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN's News Night, and in publications such as Self and Cosmopolitan. You can learn more at susancampbell.com

Shawn Petite shares how she found her art soul in mixed media. We talk about Shawn's love for documenting how she is feeling as part of her creative practice and discuss how Shawn gently dips into her creative practice through small steps that help her connect herself and her art together as she creates. This is all a part of a process of keeping creative momentum and using yourself as inspiration.

In marriage, we're called to fight for our covenant — not fuel the fire that threatens to burn it down. In this episode, Lindsey Maestas joins Paige to reveal how small distractions and temptations can slowly create distance between spouses, and how to guard your marriage with intention. She shares biblical guidance on communicating with compassion, releasing the need for control, and tackling problems as a united team. Lindsey also discusses the danger of venting to others instead of pursuing honest conversation at home. Most importantly, she reminds us that our worth and fulfillment can only be found in Jesus — not in our spouse. This episode offers practical encouragement for building a Christ-centered marriage rooted in unity and trust.Resources:Available for Pre-Order — Don't Burn Your Own House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself for a Deeper Connection by Lindsey MaestasLindsey Maestas's websiteLiving Easy PodcastLiving Easy with Lindsey InstagramPaige Clingenpeel's websiteQuestions About the Podcast? Email: paigeclingenpeel@gmail.comFacebook: @Paige ClingenpeelInstagram: @paigeclingenpeelYouTube: Embracing Your Season sponsored by HomeWordPaige's Takeaways:Identify what you can control — and release what you can't.A desire for control often comes from fear.We can't control our spouse — and we aren't called to.We can surrender fear by entrusting our marriage to God.Remember: you and your spouse are on the same team.Focus on tackling the problem together, not each other.Venting to others won't solve anything — talk directly with your spouse instead of gossiping.Your spouse isn't meant to be the center of your world.They can't (and shouldn't) be responsible for your identity or worth.Our true identity and worth are found in Jesus alone.The “soul-mate who completes you” cultural message creates unhealthy pressure in marriage.Keywords/Hashtags:#EmbracingYourSeason #PaigeClingenpeel #LindseyMaestas #Marriage #Husband #Wife #Parenting #Christian #Faith #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #HomeWord #PFCAudioVideo Send us a text

Send us a textLearn how to stay in love in marriage through daily intentionality, self-growth, and simple habits that keep connection alive.In this final episode of the Falling Back in Love series, Christine Bongiovanni-Stiff shares what it really takes to stay in love in marriage once the spark returns.Drawing from her own story and five seasons of facilitating Re|Engage, Christine explores how daily intentionality, emotional safety, and self-awareness help couples build lasting connection. You'll learn simple daily rituals, how to navigate disconnection with grace, and how to become each other's safe place over time.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: The Power of Falling Back in Love00:26 – The Challenge of Staying in Love01:02 – Series Conclusion and Episode Overview01:47 – Welcome to Awaken You Podcast03:20 – Re|Engage Marriage Ministry Experience06:20 – Building Lasting Habits for Love07:55 – The Importance of Self-Examination12:00 – Daily Rituals to Nurture Love15:39 – Handling Disconnection with Grace17:23 – Creating Safety and Trust in Marriage19:48 – Commitment to Growth and LoveListen now, follow the show, and share this episode with someone who needs hope that lasting love is possible.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

Send us a textSo often, couples tell me, “If we could just fix our sex life, everything else would feel better.”And while that makes sense—because when physical intimacy fades, everything feels off—the truth is that sexual disconnection usually begins long before the bedroom.When we lose emotional safety, trust, or connection, our bodies follow.In this week's episode of the AwakenYou in Your Marriage Podcast, we're exploring how emotional and sexual healing are beautifully intertwined. I'll share parts of my own story—how Jeff and I had no idea how to fix our growing disconnection and how, over time, we learned that what needed healing first was our hearts.Inside this episode, you'll discover:Why your sexual disconnection isn't a surprise when emotional closeness has faded.How emotional safety and trust create the foundation for lasting desire.What emotional betrayal really is—and how to rebuild safety after it.Why early-stage attraction feels effortless but often lacks depth.How to rebuild the “emotional house” of your marriage so intimacy feels real, not transactional.Practical ways to reconnect that don't start in the bedroom.This isn't about blaming or fixing—it's about understanding. Because when your heart begins to heal, your body follows. When trust is rebuilt, passion can grow again.If this conversation resonates with you, I encourage you to go back and listen to my Sex in Marriage series—it's a compassionate guide to understanding desire, shame, and emotional safety in intimate connection.And if you're ready to take a next step, now is the perfect time to book a Courageous Love Conversation. Before the holidays sweep you away, give yourself and your marriage the gift of space—to talk, to be seen, and to begin again.If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to follow and revieCBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

"To me, that ark is: engaging deeply with our traditions. It's reclaiming some of what we lost when we were assimilating and trying to fit in. We have thousands of years of text that have such wisdom about the human condition, about how to be a good person, and lead a worthy life . . . What we can really do is, we can be Jews. And to be a Jew has always been to be different." Sarah Hurwitz—former White House speechwriter and New York Times bestselling author of Here All Along—returns to People of the Pod to discuss her new book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. Hurwitz reflects on why antisemitism remains, in her words, "the least mysterious phenomenon," and how Jews can reclaim pride, wisdom, and purpose through Jewish text, practice, and community. Drawing from her work as a hospital chaplain and her conversations with Jewish students on campus, she makes a powerful case for reconnecting with the depth and resilience of Jewish tradition. Key Resources: AJC's Translate Hate Glossary AJC's Efforts to Support the Hostages Listen – AJC Podcasts: Architects of Peace The Forgotten Exodus People of the Pod Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Manya Brachear Pashman:     During the Obama administration, Sarah Hurwitz served as senior speech writer for President Barack Obama and chief speech writer for First Lady Michelle Obama. But after she left the White House, she did a little bit of soul searching, and in her mid 30s, reconnected with her Judaism. She wrote about it in a book titled Here All Along, and joined us at the time to talk about it. Sarah has returned with us this week to talk about the book that followed, titled As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us.  Sarah, welcome back to People of the Pod. Sarah Hurwitz:  Thank you so much. I'm thrilled to be here. Manya Brachear Pashman:     So your title has a very powerful accusation. So tell us who is blaming, shaming and trying to erase us? Sarah Hurwitz:   Yeah. So, you know, it's funny. My first book, as you know, was this love letter toJudaism. This, this journey of discovery of Jewish tradition, and I loved it so much, and I wanted to share it. You know, as I was writing it, I was thinking, Oh, where has this been all my life. Kind of a lovely, almost rhetorical question. But after it came out, a few things kind of happened that made me actually ask that question more seriously. Like, Wait, why did I not see any of the 4000 years of Jewish wisdom growing up?  The first thing was, I trained to be a volunteer hospital chaplain, and you know, chaplaincy is multifaith, open to chaplains of all backgrounds. But you know, the training was kind of weirdly Christian. You know, we would talk about our ministry and our theology. And I was told that prayer is God, please heal so and so who's right here in front of me, and I'm just making this prayer up spontaneously, and they can hear me, and that's prayer. And everyone prays that way, I was told. I said, You know that that's not really a common form of Jewish prayer. But I was told, No, no, as long as you don't say Jesus, it is universal. That's interesting.  And then something else that happened is I visited a college campus probably a year before October 7, and I was talking to students there at the Hillel, talking to a bunch of Jewish students. And one of them asked me, What did you do to respond to antisemitism when you were in college? And I was so stunned, I didn't even understand the question at first. And then I said, I didn't, not once, never. Not a single time did I deal with antisemitism.  And the kids just looked kind of shocked, like they didn't believe me. And they started sharing stories of the antisemitism they were facing on campus. And I thought, uh oh, something's going on here. And then I really began kind of taking a deep dive into my identity.  Of like, wait, so why did I spend my whole life being like, oh, I'm just a cultural Jew. I knew nothing about Jewish culture. Which is a beautiful way to be Jewish, being a cultural Jew, but I knew nothing about history, language, anything like that. When I said I'm an ethnic Jew, but Jews are of every ethnicity, so that's nonsense.  Or I'd say social justice is my Judaism, but I didn't know anything about what Judaism said about social justice. Unlike these wonderful Jews who do know about social justice and spend their lives acting out Jewish social justice.  And so I took a deep dive into history, and what I discovered was 2000 years of antisemitism and anti-Judaism and 200 years of Jews in Western Europe in a very understandable attempt to escape that persecution, kind of erasing many of our traditions. And I think that was kind of my answer to, where has this been all my life? And also my answer to, why did I have such an apologetic Jewish identity for so much of my life? Manya Brachear Pashman:     In my introduction, I left off half the title of your first book because it was very long, but I am curious, kind of, when did you realize . . . well, let me give the full title of your book, it's Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life--in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There).  So I guess, how was that delayed connection to Judaism, can you elaborate a little bit more about how it was tied to these forces that you just talked about? Sarah Hurwitz:  Yeah, so, you know, something that I didn't really fully understand, I had intimations of this, but didn't really understand this, is that, you know, 2000 years ago, early Christianity very much defined itself against Judaism. There was actually a name for this, the Aversos Judeos tradition, which means against the Jews in Latin.  And you know, early Church Fathers very much were defining Christianity against Judaism, because back then, both of these traditions had originated from Judaism. And you know they parted ways at some point, and the Church Fathers were really trying to distinguish Christianity from Judaism, and to get people to stop kind of practicing both traditions. This tradition really continues with Judaism defined as unspiritual, legalistic, depraved, dead, spiritually superseded. A lot of very, very ugly tropes that kind of have common themes that say that Jews are diabolically powerful, so supernaturally powerful, you can't even believe it. They are also profoundly depraved, evil, bloodthirsty, perverse, and they're in a conspiracy to hurt you. So there may be very few of them, but man, they are working together to really do harm.  And you see these three themes kind of making their way through history, unfortunately, all the way basically, until the Holocaust. And I based a lot of my writing on the work of a number of really distinguished Christian scholars who make this argument. It's actually a pretty common argument among Christian scholars.  And, you know, in recent decades, the church has very much disavowed its historic anti-Judaism and has worked very hard to, you know, fight antisemitism in the church. But, you know, these things really did kind of continue on through the 20th century. Manya Brachear Pashman:     So you do describe in your book moments when you got oddly defensive about your Judaism, or perhaps a bit revisionist about Jewish history and the origin of Jewish traditions, or the reason why they exist now in modern day. Can you elaborate on some of those moments for our listeners and explain how you've self-corrected thatdefense? Sarah Hurwitz:  You know, I think a lot of it took the form of, oh, I'm Jewish, but not that Jewish. It was just sort of this immediate, but I'm not one of those Jews. You know, those really Jewish Jews. Well, I'm sorry, would it be a problem if I were? What if social justice wasn't my Judaism, but Judaism was my Judaism? Would that be okay? You know, just beginning to notice, like, Why am I always kind of pushing it away, claiming that I'm not too Jewish? That's a very strange way to announce someone's identity. I think, you know, Dara Horn has actually a really, quite an amazing essay called The Cool Kids, and she talks about these two different types of antisemitism. And one is this kind of eliminationist antisemitism which says the Jews are bad, there's nothing they can do to be good. We must kill them. And you know, that is the Holocaust, pogroms. We learn about that kind of antisemitism in school. But there's another kind of antisemitism, which is conversionist, which says, yes, the Jews are bad, but there is something they can do to be okay and saved. And that is, they can disavow whatever we, the majority, find disgusting about Jewish civilization.  So you know, back in the day, it was, reject Jewish religion and convert to Christianity, and you'll be saved, maybe. For some amount of time, possibly. In my parents and grandparents generation, it was, you know, reject your last name, get a nose job. Stop being so "Jewy", be a little bit more "waspy," and then maybe we'll let you into our club. Then maybe we'll accept you.  And today, what you see is you have to reject your ancestral homeland, you know, reject Israel, and then you'll be okay. And, you know, I visited 27 college campuses, and I kind of saw how this sometimes takes on the format of almost like a Christian conversion narrative, where it goes something like, you know, growing up, my rabbi and my parents told me Israel was perfect and amazing and a utopia. And then I got to college, and I realized that actually it's a colonialist, Nazi, racist society, and I had an epiphany. I saw the light, and I took anti-Zionism and anti-colonialism into my heart, and now I'm saved. Now I'm a good Jew. And their classmates are like, now you're a good Jew.  And as Dara Horn puts it, this kind of antisemitism involves the weaponization of shame. It involves really trying to convince Jews that there is something fundamentally shameful about some aspect of themselves, their identity, their tradition. And today, that thing is Israel. This idea that there's something fundamentally . . . it's like the original sin of the world. Manya Brachear Pashman:     And you also talk about the tradition of circumcision, and how that came up, and you found yourself explaining this to someone. Can you elaborate on that for our listeners? Which I thought was really interesting.  Sarah Hurwitz:  This was during an encounter with a patient. I was doing a chaplaincy shift, and  usually I don't tell my patients my religious background, I'm very neutral, unless they're Jewish, in which case, I do tell them I'm Jewish. But, you know, I was finishing up a conversation with this very lovely lady. And she was very curious about my background. And so I told her, you know, I'm Jewish. And her eyes kind of lit up, and she said, Oh, you know, many of my neighbors are Jewish. I've actually been to two brisses in the past month.  And she just, you know, and she was so lovely, like, she actually seemed to be just really happy to be included in this tradition of her neighbors. And I got weirdly defensive, and was like, Oh, well, you know, just so, you know, medical professionals, they say whether you circumcise or don't circumcise, it's really, it's equally safe either way. And you know, we often, you know, when we do brisses, they're often done by a medical provider.  And I'm going on and on and like, this woman did not say the slightest negative thing about this tradition, but suddenly I am defensive. Suddenly it's like, Huh, interesting. You know, I think that it was an illustration to me of the way that we can sometimes really imbibe all of the kind of negative views about Jews and Jewish traditions that are around us, and become defensive, and sometimes we don't even realize that they're there. It's almost like they're the air that we breathe. Manya Brachear Pashman:     But let me challenge that and push back a little bit. I mean, is it okay to not agree with some of the traditions of the Jewish faith and be open about your disagreement with that? I certainly know a lot of Christians who don't like things that emerge from their tradition or from their community. Is that okay? Or is it not when Judaism is threatened? Sarah Hurwitz:  So I actually do think that's okay. You know, I have no problem with that, but I think the problem in this situation was that I have no problem with circumcision, but I'm suddenly getting defensive and trying to convince this woman that it's not weird. And I'm thinking, why am I doing this? It was very interesting to me that I felt so suddenly defensive and anxious. You know, it was very surprising to me. Manya Brachear Pashman:     And similarly, it's okay to criticize Israeli policy too, right? I mean, it's totally acceptable.  Sarah Hurwitz:  Absolutely. This is the thing that I'm so confused about. Where people are saying, well, you know, you're saying that it's not okay to criticize Israel. And I'm like, I'm sorry. Have you been to Israel? It's like the national pastime there to criticize the government. I criticize the Israeli government all the time, as do millions of American Jews.  This idea that this is somehow… that we're somehow reacting to criticism of Israel, that's ridiculous. I think what we're reacting to is not criticism of Israel, but it's something else. You know, when you have students on a college campus saying from water to water, Palestine should be Arab, or Israelis are Nazis. I just, with all due respect, I don't see that as criticism. Nor would I see it as criticism if, God forbid, a Jewish student ever said from water to water, Israel should be Jewish, or, Palestinians are terrorists. That is hateful, disgusting, racist, eliminationist language. And if I ever heard a Jewish student say that, I mean, let me tell you, I would have quite a talking to with that kid.  So that's not criticism. Criticism is, I am vehemently opposed and abhor, this policy, this ideology, this action, for these reasons. That's criticism. And I think you can use real strong language to do that kind of criticism. But there's a difference between a criticism and slurs and baseless accusations. And I think we need to be just clear about that. Manya Brachear Pashman:     All right, so you just use the term from water to water instead of from river to sea. Was that on purpose? Sarah Hurwitz:  Not necessarily. It's just a clearer illustration of what I think from the river to the sea really means, you know, I think  that is the Arabic that is used. Infrom the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free. It's like, you can kind of make an argument that this is about Palestinian Liberation. And okay, fair enough. But I think when you get the from water to water, it shall be Arab, that's when I think there's less of an argument that it's about freedom, and it seems a little bit more eliminationist to me. Manya Brachear Pashman:     Interesting. I've not heard that before. But I like that. So you call antisemitism the least mysterious phenomenon. Can you please explain what you mean by that? Sarah Hurwitz:  Yeah, you know, I think, like a lot of young people, my antisemitism education was mainly just Holocaust education. And I kind of walked away thinking like, huh, how wild that the civilized world just lost its mind in the mid-20th century and started killing Jews. That's so shocking and disturbing, you know, why is that? And the answer was kind of like, well, you know, the Germans lost World War I. They blamed the Jews. There was a depression. They blamed the Jews.  And when you ask why the Jews, it's like, well, because of prejudice and scapegoating. I'm like, Okay, right. But again, why the Jews? Prejudice and scapegoating, that's the answer. It's like, well, actually, the answer really is because of 2000 years of Christian anti-Judaism that preceded that. It wasn't mysterious why the Jews were targeted.  This was a 2000-year neural groove that had been worn into the Western world psyche. And this is not my argument. This is the argument of countless Christian scholars whose brilliant work I cite. And so I think that the unfortunate thing about some forms of Holocaust education is that it leaves you with the impression that, oh, this is so mysterious, it's just kind of eternal and kind of comes out of nowhere. Or even worse, you might even think maybe we did something to deserve this. But it's not mysterious. I can show you its path through history.  And I think it's very important that Jews understand this history. And look, I think this is very hard to teach in an average American public school. Because, you know, we live in a country where, you know, saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas is very upsetting for some people. They feel very threatened and triggered by that.  So for a teacher to say, like, Okay, kids today we're going to learn about how 2000 years of Christian anti-Judaism paved the way for the Holocaust . . . I don't think that's going to go well. Even if many mainstream Christian scholars would agree that that's true, this is a challenge that we face. Manya Brachear Pashman:     So you have continued, as you said, to visit college campuses where antisemitism has been an issue since October 7, more of an issue than it even was beforehand. And yet, when you were at Harvard and Harvard Law, you've said you could have walked through Harvard Yard wrapped in an Israeli flag and no one would have said a word or reacted negatively. So what has changed, and does it signal a more general shift on campuses of kind of uncensored, unbridled speech?  In other words, if black students support black lives matter, or gay students are marching for pride, do you feel like there's a sense that students who disagree with that from either the right or the left, have kind of claimed a license to criticize that too? Sarah Hurwitz:  No. I try to explain to college students when they say, Well, okay, my campus isn't that bad, you know, I can wear my Jewish star, and I won't get, you know, harassed or ostracized. And I say, like, okay, great, if it's not that bad, I'll just wear my Israel t-shirt and we'll see how it goes. They're like, No.  And then I have to go through this long litany of like, okay, if your black classmate said to you, well, this campus isn't so bad for black students, but I can't wear my Black Lives Matter t-shirt or else I'll be harassed and ostracized. I hope you would say that's not okay, that's racism, pretty clear. Or if your queer classmate said, Well, this campus is pretty good for queer people, but I can't wear my pride t-shirt, I hope you would say, That's not pretty good. That's homophobia.  You know, when the majority feels entitled to decide how the minority can embody and express their identity, I think we have a really serious problem. And  sometimes the kids will push back on me. Well, no, no, but the problem isn't being Jewish. It's Israel. I'm like, okay, but if your Chinese American classmate wore a t-shirt that said China, even if all your classmates knew that the Chinese government had been interning a million Muslim Uighurs in camps and subjecting them to horrific human rights violations, would they harass and ostracize her?  And they're like, Well, probably not. Right, because they would assume that she has a relationship to China that maybe involves having heritage there, or maybe she studied abroad there, or maybe she's studying Chinese, maybe she has family there. I think they would assume that she has some connection to the country that doesn't involve agreeing with the policies of the Chinese government, and Jewish students on campus really aren't afforded that courtesy.  And I'll tell you, most of the Jewish students I spoke with on campus, they, like me, are extremely critical of this current Israeli government. Extremely, extremely critical. They have all sorts of criticisms about what's happening in Gaza, of the occupation.  You know, their views are quite nuanced and complex, but there is no room given for that. You know, I think on some college campuses, Israel has been put into the same bucket as the KKK and the Nazi party. So I can't say to you, look, you know, I'm a Nazi, but I'm a liberal Nazi. Or, oh, you know, I'm in the KKK, but I'm not racist. It's like, come on, right?  These are vile entities with which no connection is acceptable, period. And I think once Israel ceases to be a country and instead becomes the representation of all evil in the world, there's really no relationship that you can have with it that's acceptable. And I think that is a pretty devastating place for it to be today.  And I'll tell you, I think it's a really challenging moment right now where I, like a lot of American Jews, I'm a Zionist. I believe that Jews have a right to a safe and secure home state in their ancestral homeland. I believe we have the right to national independence and self determination, like Japanese people have in Japan and Latvians have in Latvia, and on and on. And you know, we've run that experiment of Jewish powerlessness for 2000 years, and it didn't go well. Even as late as the 20th century. It wasn't just that two thirds of Jews in Europe got wiped out because of the Holocaust.  It's that nearly a million Jews who lived in Arab lands had to flee persecution, most of them to Israel. It's that 2 million Russian Jews had to flee persecution, half of them to Israel. It's that 10s of 1000s of Ethiopian Jews, I can go on and on. So we know, we've run that experiment of Jewish statelessness, and it doesn't go well.  And at the same time, we are looking at this current Israeli government, and we are appalled. We're appalled by the ideology, we're appalled by many of the policies. And you know, for me as an American, this feels very familiar, because I love this country. I'm a proud, patriotic American, and I happen to very much disagree with the current president. I happen to be very much appalled by the current president's policies and ideology. And so, I think many people are able to hold that, but somehow it's harder with Israel, because of what is in the air right now. Manya Brachear Pashman:     So, really you're saying that antisemitism has distorted history. Distorted people's understanding of Israel's history, their understanding of modern Israel's rebirth and existence. It spawned anti-Zionism. Correct?  Sarah Hurwitz:   Yes. Manya Brachear Pashman:     Did you encounter that during your time in the Obama administration? Do you see it now, in hindsight or or is it a more recent emergence? Sarah Hurwitz:   I think this is more recent. I mean, you know, probably in some spaces it was, you know, I was in the administration from 2009 to 2017. I never once saw any kind of anti-Zionism or antisemitism. I mean, it was one of the best places to be a proud, passionate Jew. I knew my colleagues could not have been more supportive of my Jewish exploration. They were so proud when I wrote my first book.  So I never saw any of this ever, once. And I think, you know, I think what is so confusing about this is that we often think about antisemitism as a kind of personal prejudice, like, oh, you know, Jews are fill in the blank, nasty thing. They are dirty, cheap, crass. I don't want my daughter to marry one. I don't want one in my country club.  You don't really see that kind of antisemitism in the circles where I travel anymore. What you see instead is more of political antisemitism, which is antisemitism as a kind of conspiracy theory that says that we, the majority, are engaged in a grand moral project, and the only thing stopping us are these Jews. We the majority are Christianizing the Roman Empire.  The only thing stopping us, these Jews who won't convert. We the majority are bringing about the brotherhood of man, the great communist revolution. The only thing stopping us, these capitalist Jews. We the Germans, are bringing about the great, racially pure Aryan fatherland. The only thing stopping us – these race-polluting Jews.  And today in America, you see it on the right and the left. On the right, it's, you know, we white Christian Americans are bringing back white Christian civilization to America. And the only thing stopping us are these Jews who are importing black and brown immigrants to replace white people. That is the extremely racist and antisemitic theory known as the Great Replacement theory. It is an ugly, disgusting lie.  On the left you have, you know, we this very moral group of people. we are bringing about the revolution of anti-colonialism, anti-Zionism. And the only thing stopping us are these colonialist Zionists, which is a polite way of saying Jews. And so, you know, I think it's very important to understand, as Yossi Klein Halevi, the journalist, puts it, you know, what you see again and again is whatever is the worst thing in a society, that is what the Jews are deemed to be. Whatever is the worst thing among a particular population, that is what the Jews are deemed to be. And I think we're kind of seeing that on both the right and the left today. Manya Brachear Pashman:     If antisemitism defines so much, or has defined so much of Jewish identity, how do we reclaim that? How have you reclaimed that? And how have you found joy in your Jewish identity, especially after doing this book and immersing yourself and all of this extremely depressing perspective? Sarah Hurwitz:   I hear this kind of line among many Jews that breaks my heart. It's this sort of self-flagellation, of like, if we just had the right PR campaign, if we just had the right tweet, then we would fight antisemitism. It's our fault, we're doing such a bad job fighting antisemitism. And, you know, I love the ambition there. I think that is so sweet.  But there are 16 million of us in the whole world. That's with an M, million, like the size of like, the fifth largest city in China. We are a Chinese city. There are billions of people who don't really love us out there. And the idea that we, this tiny group of people, is going to somehow change the minds of billions of people. I really respect the ambition, but I think that's a tough one.  I think it's sort of like trying to bail out a tsunami with buckets. You know, if enough of us do it, I'm sure we can make a difference. And I have such respect for the people who are doing that work. I think it's very important. But I also would just suggest that maybe we should put a little more of our energy into building an ark to weather the storm.  And you know, to me, that ark is, engaging deeply with our traditions. It's reclaiming, I think, some of what we lost when we were assimilating and trying to fit in. You know, we have thousands of years of text that have such wisdom about the human condition, about how to be a good person and lead a worthy life and find profound spiritual connection. We have just so many beautiful traditions. And so I think that what we can really do is, we can be Jews. And to be a Jew has always been to be different.  That was kind of our value proposition thousands of years ago when we came along and said, hey guys, monotheism. Totally different way of thinking. We said, hey, every human being is created in the image of God, which is an idea that every human being is infinitely worthy. Which, again, this is the idea that underlies things like liberalism, democracy, human rights. These are really Earth-shatteringly different counter cultural ideas, and we have so many more of those that I still think the world needs today.  So I think that rather than just being anti-anti-semites, that we can be proud Jews instead, and we can really focus on becoming more learned, more vibrant members of our communities, you know, engaging in more of our traditions and our rituals.  I also think, you know, Dara Horn has been doing a lot of great work about educating kids about Jewish civilization. Rather than having young people only know about the Jews via the Holocaust, she really wants to teach young people about Jewish civilization, ideas, and people. I think that is a very, very powerful and very helpful idea. Manya Brachear Pashman:     So how are you doing this? How do you spend each week? How do you reclaim some of these traditions and joy? Sarah Hurwitz:    For me, it's studying. That's really how I engage, you know, I have various chavrutas or I study Jewish texts. I love reading Jewish books, and I love participating in the Jewish community. You know, I love engaging with various Jewish organizations, you know, serving on various committees, and just trying to be part of this project of reclaiming Judaism, of making it more accessible to more Jews. This is what I love doing, and I'll be starting in January. I'm actually going to be starting a rabbinic program at the Hartman Institute. It's a part time program.  And I'm not not planning to be a congregational rabbi, but I do want to keep writing books, and I am really grateful for this opportunity to get a much deeper, more thorough Jewish education than the one I've kind of given to myself, and, you know, kind of cobbled together. I think this is going to be a really extraordinary opportunity. So I'm very excited about that.  Manya Brachear Pashman:     Oh, wow. Well, congratulations. I look forward to welcoming you back to the podcast and calling you Rabbi.  Sarah Hurwitz: Thank you. Manya Brachear Pashman:     Thank you so much for joining us, Sarah. Sarah Hurwitz:  Such a pleasure. Thank you for having me.   

Send us a textDo you ever feel like you're the only one trying to fix your marriage?You're reading the books, listening to podcasts, showing up differently—and your spouse? They're just going about life as if everything's fine.It's one of the loneliest and most discouraging places to be. You start to wonder if there's any point in all your effort.In this week's episode of the AwakenYou in Your Marriage Podcast, I share my own story of being in that exact place—of over-functioning, trying to manage my husband's growth, and burning myself out in the process.When I finally turned the focus back on myself, something shifted. I learned how to love without losing myself, to hand the steering wheel over to God, and to trust that my work mattered even when I couldn't see change happening yet.In this episode, you'll learn:How to love your spouse without losing yourself in the process.Why one person's growth can shift an entire marriage dynamic.How to hold onto faith and hope when your spouse isn't ready to do the work.Why healthy boundaries are essential to stay strong and connected.And the freeing truth that your worth and peace don't depend on your partner's participation.Whether your spouse is indifferent, skeptical, or simply unaware, there is a way forward. The change you're creating in yourself isn't wasted—it's the beginning of something new.If this message encourages you, please take a moment to leave a review for the podcast—it helps other couples find hope when they're feeling alone.And if you know someone who's quietly doing the work on their own, share this episode with them. It might be exactly what they need to hear today.And if you're ready to take your next step, I'd love to invite you to book a Courageous Love Conversation—a free call where we can talk about what's happening in your marriage and how you can begin creating change, even if you feel like you're doing it alone.You're not powerless. You're the spark.And sometimes, all it takes is one brave person to go first.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

Send us a textIf you've ever caught yourself thinking, “This isn't what I imagined it would be,” about your marriage then this is for you!Maybe you've felt the spark fade, the connection slip, or the weight of distance between you grow heavier as time goes on.If so, this week's episode of the AwakenYou in Your Marriage Podcast is especially for you.In Episode 236, “Falling in Love with the Same Person—As the New You,” I talk about what happens when we stop trying to fix our spouse and start focusing on the inner work of healing and growth.Because falling back in love doesn't start with your partner—it starts with you.When you take responsibility for your emotions, begin to heal old wounds, and learn to love yourself with compassion, your marriage starts to shift. You show up differently—less reactive, more open, more curious. You start seeing your spouse through fresh eyes, not as someone who needs to change for you to be happy, but as a person you can love again from a place of freedom and authenticity.In this episode, you'll learn:How personal growth reshapes love and changes the emotional dynamic in your marriage.Why understanding and embracing your own behaviors without guilt or shame is the key to change.How to rewrite the story of your relationship together, one small moment at a time.What it means to practice differentiation—loving your spouse without losing yourself.And how to start falling back in love with your spouse by becoming a more authentic version of you.I also share a personal story about a season in my own marriage when I realized things weren't what I thought they were. It was the moment I decided to “face the giant”—to finally seek the help I knew I needed but had been avoiding out of fear and shame.That decision led to a journey of healing my past and rediscovering who I truly was. As I learned to treat myself with compassion and show up more authentically, our marriage began to transform.

Send us a textIf you've ever asked yourself, “How do we start feeling close again?” — this week's episode of the AwakenYou in Your Marriage Podcast is for you.We often think falling back in love takes something big: a grand romantic gesture, a perfect date night, or our spouse suddenly changing. But true connection rarely starts that way.In Episode 235, “Tiny Sparks: Reigniting Emotional Connection,” I share how love begins to grow again through the smallest moments—a kind word, a gentle glance, a quiet act of appreciation—and how those moments become the spark that reignites emotional intimacy in marriage.But there's something even deeper: these sparks begin within you.To create lasting connection, you first have to do your inner work—learning who you are, what you value, and how to have a compassionate relationship with yourself. Because when you know yourself and care for yourself well, you show up differently in your marriage. You bring safety, authenticity, and openness that naturally draw your spouse closer.In this episode, you'll learn:What emotional connection truly is (and what it isn't).How inner work helps you build a deeper relationship with yourself and your spouse.Practical ways to create small sparks of connection every day.What to expect when you start this process—it's not instant, but it's powerful.If this message encourages you, would you take a moment to leave a review for the podcast? Reviews help other couples find the hope and tools they need to reconnect and fall back in love.And if you're ready to explore what it might look like to reignite emotional connection in your own marriage, I invite you to book a Courageous Love Conversation with me. It's not a commitment—just a safe space to explore what's possible when you have someone walking alongside you.Love can grow again—one spark at a time.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

Send us a textIf you're wondering how to rebuild love after years of disconnection, this episode of the AwakenYou in Your Marriage Podcast will encourage you.Many husbands and wives quietly ask, “Is it possible to fall back in love after feeling so distant?” The truth is more hopeful than you might think.In Episode 234, “Can You Really Fall Back in Love?”, I share one woman's real-life journey of rebuilding connection in her marriage—not a fairy tale, but an honest process of growth and healing.You'll learn:Emotional shifts that help you stay calm and connected during conflict.Psychological shifts that turn tension into opportunities for growth instead of failure.Spiritual shifts that invite God to restore and strengthen your marriage.You'll also discover why emotional safety—feeling seen, heard, and safe with your spouse—is the secret ingredient to lasting love.If this episode encourages you, please leave a review and share it with a friend who wants to reconnect in marriage. Your support helps more couples find the hope and practical tools they need to fall back in love again.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

Send us a textHave you ever whispered the words to yourself: “I don't feel in love anymore”?It's a thought that can feel frightening, even shameful—like you're the only one carrying it. But the truth is, almost every couple will walk through seasons where love feels distant.In this week's episode of the AwakenYou in Your Marriage Podcast, I'm starting a brand-new series: Falling Back in Love. And in Episode 1, I'm talking about The Truth About Falling Out of Love.Here's what you'll discover in this episode:Why the “spark” naturally fades in long-term relationships (and why that doesn't mean you married the wrong person).The biggest myths about falling out of love that keep couples stuck in hopelessness.What it really means when love feels distant—and why it's a crossroads, not a dead end.How to begin shifting your perspective so you can open the door to falling back in love.If you've been carrying the weight of disconnection, I want you to know you're not broken, and your marriage isn't beyond repair. This could be the beginning of something more beautiful than you've ever imagined.And if this episode encourages you, would you take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a friend who needs hope today? Your voice helps more couples find the courage to begin their own journey back to love.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

Hi friend, Even when there aren't any “big” problems, couples can still feel a quiet distance. In this episode, we unpack three easily overlooked habits—certain patterns that act like barriers—that block couples from achieving a deeper connection in marriage. We've struggled with at least one of them ourselves, so if you recognize any of this, don't be discouraged. Choose to take a step forward so you can enjoy a more exciting and satisfying marriage. If you're ready to spot what's been getting in the way (it's probably not what you think) and start closing the gap, tune in now.   Related episodes:   EP 35 Raising a family with limited time? Strengthen your marriage by adding THIS KEY INGREDIENT...even as busy parents!   EP 43 No Time for “Me Time”? Why You Need to Create a Simple Self-Care Routine Even if You're Married with Kids (& How to Make Time for Self-Care)!   ................................................................................................

When you hear the word “betrayal,” you probably think of infidelity. But there's another kind of betrayal that can wound just as deeply, and often goes unnamed: emotional betrayal.It happens when your spouse turns away instead of toward you… when the trust that they'll be emotionally safe with you gets broken. Sometimes it looks like confiding in someone else instead of you. Sometimes it's dismissing your feelings, withholding vulnerability, or creating secrecy around outside friendships.The effects? You might start doubting yourself, you might close yourself off to them, and even start wondering if you're too needy, or feeling abandoned in the very relationship that's supposed to feel safest.The good news: emotional betrayal doesn't have to be the end of the story. Naming it is the first step toward healing.

Have you ever noticed how some of your biggest arguments seem to happen on the weekends? Everything feels fine during the week, then Saturday comes—and suddenly you're at each other's throats over something small.You're not alone. This happens to so many couples, and there's a reason why.During the week, we're busy and distracted. Little annoyances get pushed aside, but they don't disappear—they quietly pile up. By the weekend, your spouse is around more, reminding you of those unresolved frustrations. Add more time and proximity, and it becomes the perfect recipe for triggers.The good news? You can prevent this.In this week's episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage, I'm sharing how a simple 20-minute weekly marriage meetingcan clear out the emotional “gunk” before it builds into a blowup. You'll learn:Why these weekend fights aren't random—and how to stop them before they start.A simple framework for a short weekly reset that actually works.How daily two-minute check-ins (one of the tools I'll be teaching in my upcoming Adventures In Marriage course) can keep you connected during busy weeks.Imagine heading into your weekend already aligned, connected, and clear on what you both need—not bracing yourself for another argument. That's what this reset can do.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

In this episode of Healthy Waves, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Dr. James Kneller, a renowned cardiologist and founder of the Natural Cardiology Institute, to explore how heart health goes far beyond cholesterol, blood pressure, and prescriptions. Together they discuss the heart–brain connection, the role of mindset and stress, the influence of energy alignment, and the integration of natural therapies in modern cardiology. Dr. Kneller also shares how meditation, water quality, and even consciousness practices can reshape not only heart health but also resilience and purpose. This is a thought-provoking look at the heart as both a physical organ and an energetic center that governs much of how we live and thrive. About the Guest   Dr. James Kneller is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with over 20 years of experience treating complex heart rhythm disorders. He is the founder of the Natural Cardiology Institute, creator of innovative heart health products like Cholesterol-Free and Just Beat It, and co-author of two upcoming books with Mark Victor Hansen. Beyond clinical medicine, Dr. Kneller is passionate about merging cutting-edge science with natural healing, exploring how mindset, energy, and spirituality directly influence the heart. Key Takeaways   The heart–brain axis is a robust neurologic and energetic system, with the heart influencing the brain as much as the brain influences the heart. Stress and negative thinking directly contribute to fibrosis, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, and shortened lifespan. The heart's electromagnetic field is 5,000 times stronger than the brain's, shaping both our interactions and the energy we attract. Conventional cardiology, while powerful, has limitations—for example, despite new drugs, deaths from hypertension have increased dramatically. Natural therapies such as meditation, energized water, music, herbs, and clean nutrition can complement medical treatment and improve cardiovascular health. Meditation is one of the most effective and accessible practices to calm the nervous system, align mind and body, and protect the heart. The heart holds aspects of personality and memory, as seen in heart transplant cases, making spiritual and mindset work essential for cardiac wellness. True healing requires building a bridge between medicine and nature—embracing both science and spirituality.   Connect with the Guest   Email: jamesknellermd@gmail.com Website: www.naturalcardiologyinstitute.com Social Media: Find Dr. Kneller on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM – Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on: • Mental Health & Emotional Well-being• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.

This series is sponsored by Mira and Daniel Stokar.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we speak with writer Sarah Hurwitz—author of the new book As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us—about what it means to be a “knowing Jew.”In a time when we often feel compelled to justify our Judaism to the world, being Jewishly educated is no longer a luxury but a necessity. In this episode we discuss:What does a proud Jew professionally associated with the Democratic Party make of the state of contemporary politics? Where should one begin in trying to be an educated and involved Jew with a strong Jewish home?How can the mussar literature be a great starting point to people looking to deepen their practice? Tune in to hear a conversation about claiming for ourselves the tradition that so many try to take from us. Interview begins at 11:14.Sarah Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter from 2009 to 2017, first as a senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama and then as head speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. She is the author of Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life – in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There) and As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try To Erase Us. References:As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us by Sarah HurwitzHere All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life – in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There) by Sarah HurwitzThe Mighty DucksEveryday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar by Alan MorinisMesillat Yesharim by Moses Chaim LuzzattoFor more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyWhatsApp: join hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Do you ever look back and wonder… what happened to the romance?When you were dating, it seemed so natural—the late-night talks, the thoughtful gestures, the spark of being pursued. But somewhere along the way, after the relationship felt secure, life got busy. Careers, kids, and responsibilities took over, and the pursuit faded.And with it, sometimes desire will fade too.This week on AwakenYou in Your Marriage, I'm sharing the final bonus episode of my sex series: “What Happened to the Romance?” We'll unpack:Why romance feels so effortless during dating but fades after marriageHow cultural and gender assumptions fuel disconnectionSimple, powerful ways to rekindle pursuit and spark desire againI'll also share some exciting news about my newest certification as an Adventures in Marriage instructor—because sometimes the bravest thing we can do is start a courageous conversation and get someone on our team to help us find the way forward.If you've been feeling the distance, this episode is for you. Press play on your drive home, during your workout, or while you fold the laundry—you'll walk away with both clarity and hope.And if this series has been meaningful, would you take a minute to leave a review? It helps other couples who are searching for hope to find this podcast.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

Join spiritual teacher and evidential medium Suzanne Giesemann as she and her guides, SANAYA, answer YOUR questions. You never know what is going to be asked or how Spirit is going to answer, and that's half the fun! Suzanne's wonderful assistant and friend Patty Hart will be handling your questions. You will love what she brings to the show. It's great to feel the energy of so many kindred spirits gathered around the world at the same time to remind you that YOU ARE SO VERY LOVED. Here's the link to register for Suzanne's upcoming live, online workshop, "The Forgotten Center: Unlocking a Deeper Connection with Spirit" - https://suzannegiesemann.com/event/forgotten-center/ Suzanne Giesemann is a teacher of personal transformation, an author, and a medium who has been recognized on the Watkins' list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. A former Navy Commander with a master's degree in National Security Affairs, she served as a commanding officer and aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She now shares The Awakened Way®, a path to living a consciously connected and divinely guided life. NOW AVAILABLE!! Suzanne's latest release - Making the Afterlife Connection: The Journey From Doubt to Knowing Death is Not the End https://suzannegiesemann.com/making-the-afterlife-connection The Awakened Way - Making the Shift to a Divinely Guided Life https://suzannegiesemann.com/theawakendway-book/ Mediumship - Sacred Communications from Loved Ones Across the Veil https://suzannegiesemann.com/mediumship-book/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the quietest but most painful dynamics I hear from women is this: “He says he wants sex… but he never actually asks.”It leaves you feeling invisible, unwanted, and confused. And for him? Silence can feel safer than facing rejection, insecurity, or the shame that often hides beneath the surface.In my latest bonus episode, “He's Not Asking—Now What?” I explore what might really be happening when your spouse longs for intimacy but doesn't initiate. We'll look at:Why silence often feels safer than askingHow years of “learned dynamics” can quietly create disconnectionThe role insecurity and shame play in holding him backHow to start courageous conversations that open the door to honesty and reconnectionThis episode will help you see the silence in a new light—not as a dead end, but as an invitation to understanding and deeper intimacy.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

In this conversation, Mitch discusses the mission of Dad Nation, focusing on helping men reclaim their health, happiness, and family life. He addresses the challenges modern fathers face, including societal pressures and the importance of self-reflection. Mitch introduces the Prime Success Filter as a tool for defining personal success and emphasizes the significance of contentment, fitness, and emotional connection in relationships. He provides practical frameworks, such as the Rise Conversation Ladder, to help men improve their communication and connection with their partners.   Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse   Know more about Mitchell: Download The Connection Code For Free Access The Dad Nation Website Listen To The Dad Nation Podcast  Watch The Dad Nation Youtube Channel    Know more about Sathiya's work: JOIN DEEP CLEAN INNER CIRCLE Submit A Question (Anonymously) Through This Form Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This   Chapters:  (00:00) Mitch's Mission with Dad Nation (02:30) Why It's So Hard to Be a Dad Today (04:45) The Comparison Trap vs. Defining Success (06:45) The “Life Report Card” Exercise (09:00) What to Prioritize in Each Season (12:45) The PRIME Success Filter Framework (17:30) Applying PRIME as a Dad (21:45) Why Contentment Doesn't Mean Easy (26:00) Beginning With the End in Mind (Eulogy Exercise) (30:00) What If Legacy Doesn't Matter? (34:50) Why Fitness Is Essential for Men (41:15) Marriage: The Most Influential Factor in a Man's Life (43:45) Why 90% of Women Initiate Divorce (46:00) Why Men Struggle With Emotions (Alexithymia Explained) (50:00) Modern Masculinity Defined (52:00) The RISE Conversation Ladder for Deeper Connection (57:30) When & How to Have Emotional Conversations With Your Wife (01:01:30) Courses, Coaching & Dad Nation Resources  

In this conversation, Mitch discusses the mission of Dad Nation, focusing on helping men reclaim their health, happiness, and family life. He addresses the challenges modern fathers face, including societal pressures and the importance of self-reflection. Mitch introduces the Prime Success Filter as a tool for defining personal success and emphasizes the significance of contentment, fitness, and emotional connection in relationships. He provides practical frameworks, such as the Rise Conversation Ladder, to help men improve their communication and connection with their partners.   Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse   Know more about Mitchell: Access The Dad Nation Website Listen To The Dad Nation Podcast  Watch The Dad Nation Youtube Channel    Know more about Sathiya's work: JOIN DEEP CLEAN INNER CIRCLE Submit A Question (Anonymously) Through This Form Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This   Chapters:  (00:00) Mitch's Mission with Dad Nation (02:30) Why It's So Hard to Be a Dad Today (04:45) The Comparison Trap vs. Defining Success (06:45) The “Life Report Card” Exercise (09:00) What to Prioritize in Each Season (12:45) The PRIME Success Filter Framework (17:30) Applying PRIME as a Dad (21:45) Why Contentment Doesn't Mean Easy (26:00) Beginning With the End in Mind (Eulogy Exercise) (30:00) What If Legacy Doesn't Matter? (34:50) Why Fitness Is Essential for Men (41:15) Marriage: The Most Influential Factor in a Man's Life (43:45) Why 90% of Women Initiate Divorce (46:00) Why Men Struggle With Emotions (Alexithymia Explained) (50:00) Modern Masculinity Defined (52:00) The RISE Conversation Ladder for Deeper Connection (57:30) When & How to Have Emotional Conversations With Your Wife (01:01:30) Courses, Coaching & Dad Nation Resources  

Is there something communication-related in your own life that you're struggling with or would like advice on? If so, message us that concern either on Facebook (@EffectiveCommunicationwithPhil) or on Twitter (@Effective_Comm) and Phil will dedicate an episode to solving that problem!

Have you ever wondered why sex seemed so natural in the beginning, but now feels complicated—or even avoided?For many couples, sex was the hook that brought them together.For her, giving herself felt like the way to keep his attention.For him, receiving her felt like proof that he was wanted.It worked—at least for a while. But over time, that script creates a painful standoff: she pulls back, weary of obligation, knowing that this type of intimacy doesn't feel right, while he feels rejected, confused, and wondering what changed. Jeff and I lived this story. I realized I was using sex to keep him interested, and when I stopped, my desire plummeted because it was based on lies. I asked him to start initiating, but what I didn't know was how insecure he felt doing that. What was meant to bring us closer created a chasm between us.In this week's bonus episode, When Sex Was the Hook, I share our journey of untangling this pattern—and how couples can move toward a more honest, holistic intimacy.If this episode resonates, I'd love for you to share it with a friend or leave a review. It's one of the most powerful ways to help more couples find hope in their own journey.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

What happens when you drop your guard, say yes to the moment, and let yourself TRULY see and be seen? This episode explores the magic of energetic connections, the shadows they reflect back, and how they irrevocably shift the way you move through life.LINKSFREE DOWNLOAD THE BAD BITCH BLUEPRINT WORKBOOK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠efiasulter.com/blueprint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SAVE YOUR FREE SPOT IN THE AUDACITY MASTERCLASS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠efiasulter.com/theaudacity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Let's stay connected: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠efiasulter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Remember to review, subscribe, and share!**Enjoyed this episode? Support the podcast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/efias⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if the very questions you've been afraid to ask about sex… are actually the ones that could open the door to deeper connection, healing, and understanding? This week's episode wraps up the Let's Talk About Sex in Marriage series with something powerful:

This couple had an intimacy breakthrough most couples miss.He was frustrated they weren't having sex.She felt used and emotionally abandoned.He said, “I'm always open to sex—she just never initiates.”She said, “It doesn't feel like love. It feels like pressure.”Like so many couples, they were stuck in a painful standoff—both wanting connection, but waiting for the other to change.But here's what shifted everything:

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Randy Cooper to explore how faith can be the antidote to loneliness and disconnection. They discuss the emotional toll of losing relationships, the search for belonging, and how turning to God can rebuild trust, purpose, and inner peace. Whether you're feeling isolated, struggling with broken connections, or seeking a deeper spiritual life, this conversation offers practical steps and heartfelt encouragement to help you strengthen your relationship with God and rediscover meaningful connection. Perfect for anyone on a journey from isolation to faith-filled living.You can find Randy's book here:⁠https://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Randy-L-Cooper/dp/B0FDSYTXTC/⁠

Kelly connects with James Cordova, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Clark University. His new book is “The Mindful Path to Intimacy: Cultivating a Deeper Connection with Your Partner.”   “Attention is the most basic form of love.”  “Vulnerability is not for the faint of heart.”  “Deep listening is a radically selfless act.” 

What if the way you initiate sex… actually turned your spouse on?Not because of a clever move or perfectly timed suggestion—but because of the energy behind it.Too often, initiation becomes about asking for something. And for the person being asked? It can feel like pressure. One more thing on the to-do list. One more demand to meet.But what if initiating wasn't about getting sex—what if it was about offering love?This week's episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage invites you into that powerful shift.You'll hear a client story about a woman who used to feel like sex was something she had to do to keep her husband happy—and how everything changed when she began seeing it as something she wanted to give, not just to him but to herself first!You'll also learn:

Have you ever loved your spouse deeply but felt your body shut down when they reached for you?Maybe you've wondered…“Why don't I want sex the way I used to?”“Why does my mind feel so distracted—or even resistant—when I want to feel close?”If that's you, I want you to take a deep breath and hear this:

In this enlightening episode of "Father and Joe," hosts Father Boniface Hicks and Joe Rockey delve into the profound journey of transforming from mere onlookers to active participants in the Mass. This transformation is likened to the difference between watching a NASCAR race and being one of the drivers, feeling every exhilarating moment. Father Boniface emphasizes that this journey is not an all-or-nothing proposition; it's about making a choice. He contrasts the utilitarian view of the Mass with its true essence—an ever-growing relationship, much like a marriage, which flourishes the deeper it becomes.The conversation addresses common objections, such as the misconception that every Mass is the same, and highlights how each experience is unique, just as no two days with a friend are ever identical. Father Boniface eloquently speaks about the Mass as a dynamic relationship, not a transactional experience. It's about the opportunity to sacrifice, love, and give everything for something greater, echoing the Christian value of martyrdom—offering oneself entirely out of love.Together, they explore the structure of the Mass, from the initial acknowledgment of sins to the transformative power of the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist. This episode uncovers how each stage of the Mass is designed to guide us from external observance to internal engagement. They discuss practical steps for entering deeper into the Mass, recognizing the signs and symbols that catch our attention, and ultimately meeting Christ through the Holy Communion. As Father Boniface mentions, staying in this relationship, even when not fully engaged, brings profound growth, both spiritually and personally.Father Boniface also touches on his book, "The Hidden Power of Silence in the Mass," inviting listeners to dive deeper into the beauty and purpose of the Mass. This episode serves as both a spiritual guide and a heartfelt conversation, encouraging everyone to reclaim their faith journey and build a stronger union with God, whether they've drifted away or seek to deepen their existing relationship.Tags: Mass, Spirituality, Church, God, Eucharist, Relationship with God, Faith Journey, Active Participation, Worship, Spiritual Growth, Community, Catholicism, Marriage Analogy, Transformation, Sacrifice, Liturgy, Eucharistic Prayer, Encountering Christ, Holy Communion, Personal Growth, Divine Presence, Christian Values, Faith Obstacles, Spiritual Direction, Handbook to Mass, Engaging Worship, Religious Practice, Catholic Faith, Spiritual Reflection, Deepening Faith, Mass Structure, Spiritual Conversations, Faith and Love, Building Relationships, Finding Purpose, Mass Experience, Christian Life, Spiritual Insights, Worship Guidance, Faith RenewalHashtags: #Mass #Spirituality #Church #God #Eucharist #FaithJourney #ActiveParticipation #Worship #SpiritualGrowth #Community #Catholicism #MarriageAnalogy #Transformation #Sacrifice #Liturgy #HolyCommunion #PersonalGrowth #ChristianValues #FaithObstacles #SpiritualDirection #MassHandbook #EngagingWorship #ReligiousPractice #CatholicFaith #SpiritualReflection #DeepeningFaith #MassStructure #SpiritualConversations #FaithAndLove #BuildingRelationships #FindingPurpose #MassExperience #ChristianLife #SpiritualInsights #WorshipGuidance #FaithRenewalThis line is here to correct the site's formatting error.

There was a season in my marriage when we were having sex… but something still felt painfully off.We weren't fighting. We were doing the “right” things.But emotionally, we were disconnected — and I felt it most clearly in the bedroom.We were going through the motions — like fast food intimacy.It gave us temporary relief but left us hungry for something deeper.Maybe you know what that feels like…Maybe sex has become a routine task you check off the list.Or maybe it's been so long, you don't even know where to begin.Maybe you're wondering: Is something wrong with me… with us?You're not alone — and nothing is wrong with you.AND something different is possible.In this week's episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage, I talk about:Why sex can become a substitute for emotional connection — and how to tell the differenceHow to shift from “performance” to presenceWhat I did in my own marriage to stop blaming and start healingWhy foreplay starts right after sex ends (this insight is a game changer!)And a powerful visualization to help you reconnect with what your heart really wantsIf sex has become disconnected, distant, or just not what you hoped it would be, I invite you to listen in.You are not broken. You're just human. And your desire for meaningful connection is not too much — it's holy ground. Let's honor it.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

We've talked about the cycle before and we're talking about it again. This time we explore what EFT calls Stage 2. Why? because after de-escalating conflict there's more to do to get closer with your partner! Join Laurie and George for this episode to understand how your moves and your partners moves impact one another and the deeper, unseen meanings they have. When we start to understand the good reasons we are missing each other there is opportunity to connect. Does your partner's criticism represent their hope for the relationship? Does their silence mean they are trying to keep the pressure low? Hear how we flip the script to help you keep it hot!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the sacred fire of Phoenix Rising Retreats… comes the Get Your Sexy Back Podcast. In this week's episode, we open up about one of the most tender edges in a relationship: how to invite your partner into deeper intimacy, without nagging, pushing, or trying to fix him. We unpack real examples from our journey and offer grounded, heart-led tools you can start using today. ✨ Here's what we cover:The shift from “I wish he would…” to “Here's what I desire.”Why men often shut down in the face of information overload—and how to invite with embodiment instead.What happens when we respect his pace, instead of forcing a timelineHow the feminine can lead with love without taking on the full emotional load.Why retreats remove pressure and open up space for presence, healing, and connection.Private vs. group retreats: navigating resistance, overwhelm, and finding the right fit. 

In this week's episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage, I'm talking about something most of us have never taken the time to unpack—what we learned about sex… and how those lessons still live in our bodies, our minds, and our marriages today.For many of us, sex was never talked about at all.For others, the messages we received were shame-based, fear-driven, or wrapped in unrealistic ideals.Some of us absorbed confusion or silence. Others absorbed pressure, fear, or even distorted ideas of what it means to be desired.In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about my own early exposure to pornography, the lasting impact it had on my sense of worth, and how that confusion showed up in my marriage. I also talk about the harm of being dismissed by someone I turned to for help—and how our stories deserve to be met with empathy, not judgment.If you've ever felt shut down, ashamed, or like something's “off” in the way you connect with your spouse…This conversation will help you see that you're not broken. You just haven't been given the space to understand what shaped you.✨ There's a journaling prompt at the end to help you reflect, and if you're ready to take a first step toward healing, I'd love to invite you to a free Courageous Love Conversation.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

If sex feels awkward, distant, pressured, or just off in your marriage — you're not alone. In fact, over 50% of married couples say they're dissatisfied with their sex life… and many haven't talked about it in over a year.Not because they don't care.Not because there's something wrong with them.But because sex often carries a lifetime of silence, shame, and confusion.That's why this episode exists.In this kickoff to the Let's Talk About Sex in Marriage series, I'm inviting you into a conversation that's been missing for too long — one that helps you explore your desires, your fears, and your longing for more meaningful connection.We'll talk about:Why sexual disconnection is so common — even in loving marriagesHow emotional safety is the foundation of intimacyWhat it looks like to gently start this conversation with your spouseWhy sex isn't just physical — it's emotional, spiritual, and relationalThis isn't about fixing you or your marriage with a 3-step formula.It's about healing.It's about honesty.It's about reclaiming intimacy that feels true, nourishing, and safe.

You Tube-@billholt8792Neptune Retrograde in Aries for a Pisces Sun (Born March 2, 1954)Since Grandpa Bill is a Pisces Sun, Neptune is my traditional ruling planet. This means Neptune's movements and aspects are particularly potent for myself, affecting my core identity, intuition, and spiritual path in a very direct way.Neptune in Aries, and especially its retrograde motion, will bring a powerful focus on how GB initiates action, assert myself, and define my personal identity (Aries energy), viewed through the lens of my spiritual and intuitive Pisces nature.Understanding the Impact:For a Pisces Sun, Neptune Retrograde in Aries is less about "disillusionment" in the negative sense, and more about a deep, internal refinement of my personal will and spiritual courage.Re-evaluating Self-Assertion and Boundaries: As a Pisces, I naturally tend to be empathetic, compassionate, and sometimes permeable to others' energies. Aries, in contrast, is about bold self-assertion and clear boundaries. This retrograde asks me to go inward and assess where I might be dissolving my own needs or identity in favor of others. It's a call to understand what truly constitutes my individual desire and how to express it with integrity, without losing my compassionate essence.Clarifying My Spiritual Path and Inspired Action: Neptune in Aries encourages Grandpa Bill to take inspired action – to put my dreams and spiritual impulses into motion. During the retrograde, I'm invited to discern which of these inspirations are truly from my highest self versus external influences or fleeting desires. It's a powerful period for refining my spiritual courage and understanding how my intuitive insights can fuel direct, authentic action.Healing Wounds of Self-Expression: With Neptune in Aries, and Chiron (the wounded healer) also in Aries (and going retrograde later in July), this period can bring up old wounds related to asserting my identity, standing up for myself, or trusting my own impulses. As a Pisces, I might have absorbed energies or beliefs that limited my self-expression. This retrograde offers a chance to dissolve these old patterns and heal my sense of personal empowerment.Refining My Dreams and Idealism: While Pisces is known for its idealism, Neptune Retrograde in Aries asks me to ground those ideals in personal truth. I  might be shedding illusions about what "courage" or "leadership" means for me, moving beyond collective fantasies to discover my unique way of embodying these qualities.A Deeper Connection to Inner Guidance: As Neptune is my ruler, this retrograde can intensify my intuitive abilities, but in a way that encourages internal validation. I'll be prompted to trust my inner compass more deeply, especially when it comes to initiating new ventures or standing up for myself. #NeptuneRetrograde, #AriesRetrograde, #PiscesSun, #July2025Astrology, #SpiritualRefinement, #InnerCourage, #SelfDiscovery, #AstrologyByBirthChart, #NatalChart, #NeptuneInAries, #HealingJourney, #AuthenticSelf, #IntuitiveGuidance,Creative Solutions for Holistic Healthcare

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3653: As we navigate midlife, Kerry Ogden invites us to reflect on the transformative shift from external validation to inner truth. Through soulful insights and timeless wisdom, she highlights how releasing outdated roles and ego-driven ambitions opens the door to authenticity, deeper connection, and genuine freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://kerryogden.com/2021/03/spirits-in-a-material-world/ Quotes to ponder: "If it's something we can't buy there must be another way." "The time has come to let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are." "If I had my life to live over again, I'd start barefoot early in the spring and stay that way late into the fall. And I would live each moment more." Episode references: The Gifts of Imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Let-Go-Supposed/dp/159285849X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3653: As we navigate midlife, Kerry Ogden invites us to reflect on the transformative shift from external validation to inner truth. Through soulful insights and timeless wisdom, she highlights how releasing outdated roles and ego-driven ambitions opens the door to authenticity, deeper connection, and genuine freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://kerryogden.com/2021/03/spirits-in-a-material-world/ Quotes to ponder: "If it's something we can't buy there must be another way." "The time has come to let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are." "If I had my life to live over again, I'd start barefoot early in the spring and stay that way late into the fall. And I would live each moment more." Episode references: The Gifts of Imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Let-Go-Supposed/dp/159285849X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3653: As we navigate midlife, Kerry Ogden invites us to reflect on the transformative shift from external validation to inner truth. Through soulful insights and timeless wisdom, she highlights how releasing outdated roles and ego-driven ambitions opens the door to authenticity, deeper connection, and genuine freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://kerryogden.com/2021/03/spirits-in-a-material-world/ Quotes to ponder: "If it's something we can't buy there must be another way." "The time has come to let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are." "If I had my life to live over again, I'd start barefoot early in the spring and stay that way late into the fall. And I would live each moment more." Episode references: The Gifts of Imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Let-Go-Supposed/dp/159285849X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You want to be more affectionate.You want to initiate connection.You want to soften, speak kindly, reach out…But when the moment comes—you freeze, shut down, or hold back.And afterward, you wonder: Why didn't I just do the thing I actually wanted to do?In this episode, we're exploring the emotional tug-of-war that so many of us face in marriage—the dissonance between how we want to show up and how we actually do. You'll learn why this dynamic is so common, how fear and self-protection subtly take over, and what you can do to begin choosing love without losing yourself.If you've ever felt frustrated by your own behavior or stuck in a pattern of emotional standoff, this conversation will bring clarity, compassion, and a new way forward.You don't have to stay caught in that in-between place.Let's talk about how to break through the blocks and start showing up as the partner you truly want to be.

Order my newest book Make Money Easy! https://lewishowes.com/moneyyouCheck out the full episode: greatness.lnk.to/1788"Instead of talking about what the problem was, I would walk around the bushes and come up with all these different examples... because I was conditioned that way." - Martha Higareda HowesMartha Higareda Howes knows what it's like to walk on eggshells in love. After surviving a relationship with someone diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, she found herself so conditioned to fear conflict that even bringing up the smallest concern felt impossible. In her new marriage to Lewis, she'd create elaborate stories with salt and pepper shakers rather than simply say what was bothering her - anything to avoid what she'd been trained to expect: explosive reactions to the slightest issue. Her journey from that hypervigilant state to healthy communication reveals just how deeply past trauma can rewire our ability to be honest with the people we love most.What makes this conversation so powerful isn't just Martha's vulnerability about her past, but the practical wisdom she and Lewis share about creating safety in relationships. They dive into their approach to "conscious conflict resolution" - a way of addressing problems that doesn't put anyone in defensive mode but instead opens the door for real understanding. If you've ever found yourself avoiding difficult conversations, storing up resentment, or struggling to speak your truth in love, their insights about moving from elaborate analogies to direct, loving communication could transform how you connect with others.Sign up for the Greatness newsletter: http://www.greatness.com/newsletter

Have you ever pulled away from your spouse's affection…—even though part of you wanted it?Or maybe they offer something kind—a compliment, a hug, a moment of connection—and your whole body tenses or recoils?You're not alone.And you're not broken.This week on the podcast, I'm exploring a concept that's been deeply eye-opening for me—and for so many of my clients:What if you're not resisting love… you're resisting the pain that once came with it?Maybe “love” used to mean:Pressure to performConditional affectionBeing needed more than being knownOr being told what's “best” for you while your voice was dismissedSo now, even healthy love can feel like a threat.Your nervous system doesn't recognize it as safe—it recognizes it as familiar.And familiar, in this case, feels risky.In this episode, I walk through:Why shame and unhealed stories distort how we give and receive loveHow past experiences can cause us to resist connection—even when we long for itAnd the steps we can take to gently start healing and creating safety againIf you've ever wondered why love feels complicated, this might be the insight you didn't know you needed.This episode is a little tender, a little exploratory, and I truly believe it might unlock something powerful for you—just like it did for me.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

Purchase the Relationship Renovation at Home Online CourseHow do your early childhood attachment experiences shape your physical and emotional intimacy as an adult?What common challenges do couples face when trying to communicate about sex and intimacy?Which actionable steps can partners take to break free from old patterns and foster a more secure, fulfilling connection?In this powerful episode of the Relationship Renovation Podcast, hosts EJ and Tarah Kerwin unpack the fascinating connection between attachment styles developed in childhood and the complexities of adult intimacy. Drawing on real-life examples—as well as their own personal journeys—they demystify the challenges so many couples face in the bedroom and beyond. From anxious and avoidant dynamics to the lasting impact of family messages around sex, pleasure, and boundaries, EJ and Tarah provide valuable insight, practical guidance, and hope that lasting change is possible.Whether you're struggling to express your needs, longing for deeper emotional connection, or simply curious how your past might be affecting your relationship today, this episode is packed with psychoeducation, self-reflection questions, and encouragement. Don't miss the expert tips, relatable stories, and actionable strategies to help you and your partner create more freedom, safety, and satisfaction in your intimacy. Tune in now and take your next step toward a healthier, more connected partnership!Visit relationshiprenovation.com for more tips and resources to elevate your partnership and emotional well-being!Relationship Renovation YoutubeContact UsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Do you ever feel like you're back in 6th grade when it comes to friendships? Are you surprised (and maybe a little embarrassed) by how much drama, insecurity, or awkwardness still shows up when it comes to friendships as an adult? If you've ever cringed at how much this still affects you... you're not alone, and you're in the right place. In this episode, I'm diving deep into adult friendships — the good, the hard, the healing — and how our experiences with friends tie directly into our emotional well-being (yes, even our weight-loss journeys). You'll discover: Why old friendship wounds might still be affecting you today How unresolved trauma can keep you emotionally stuck (and how to begin moving forward) What it really means to be your own best friend — and how that shifts every other relationship in your life Why friendship dynamics can be tricky (especially when people-pleasing or obligation creeps in) The surprising connection between emotional safety and permanent weight loss This episode is full of reflection questions, real-life stories from clients, and actionable takeaways to help you stop feeling like an insecure kid and start showing up as your most confident, connected self.

In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay interviews Dr. James Cordova, a distinguished professor of psychology and author of 'The Mindful Path to Intimacy'. They discuss the true meaning and importance of intimacy beyond just eroticism, exploring how intimacy is rooted in vulnerability met with warmth. They delve into how couples can navigate this delicate aspect of relationships through mindful practices, communication, and emotional vulnerability. Dr. Cordova also touches on the 'porcupine's dilemma' and how intimacy can be built and maintained through mutual understanding and compassion. Listen in for insightful tips on fostering deeper connections and keeping the fire alive in long-term relationships.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Understanding Intimacy00:51 Introducing Dr. James Cordova00:45 Defining Intimacy04:47 Intimacy vs. Eroticism06:59 The Role of Vulnerability16:16 The Porcupine's Dilemma20:29 Relationship Health Checkups23:40 Questions for Couples24:49 John Gottman's Contributions25:09 The Golden Ratio in Relationships25:47 The Golden and Gray Balls Metaphor28:20 The Porcupine's Dilemma31:43 The Importance of Gratitude34:12 Navigating Intimacy and Vulnerability38:51 Improving Your Sex Life44:31 The Practice of Savoring46:42 Final Thoughts and ResourcesHelpful Links:"The Mindful Path to Intimacy: Cultivating a Deeper Connection with Your Partner” BookDr. James Cordova Facebook

Celeste Headlee: journalist, bestselling author, NPR host, and one of TED's most-watched speakers (31 million views+) has spent decades studying the art (and science) of conversation. But she didn't always get it right. In fact, she says she used to be “the worst.” In this episode, Celeste shares how she rewired her communication style, what most people get wrong about connection, and the powerful tools anyone can use to become a better conversationalist. Celeste shares: How to start a conversation when you don't know what to say Why the common advice about conversation (like “maintain eye contact”) doesn't actually work The real difference between debate and discussion + why we're confusing the two The surprising neuroscience behind great conversation (and why voice matters more than words) The truth about curiosity + how to practice it (even if it doesn't come naturally) How neural coupling creates the feeling of being seen and understood What small talk really does for your brain + why it's not so “small” after all The simple trick she uses to diffuse conflict and build connection in just 3 questions How to stop trying to “win” arguments and start learning from disagreement Why younger generations are craving connection more than ever (and what's getting in the way) The power of follow-up questions + how they make people feel heard What we're getting wrong about inclusion and how tiny micro-interactions create belonging Why performative listening is worse than not listening at all How to say “I don't know” in a way that builds trust and authority Why smart people often struggle in conversation and what to do about it Book Rec:  Bleak House by Charles Dickens Follow Celeste Headlee here. Grab a copy of her book We Need To Talk here

Stuart Knight has written, produced and starred in shows that have been seen by over one million people, has written best selling books and is the founder of The Human Connection Group. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. The more that you experiment, the more successful you will become. Throw everything at the wall and see what sticks and if it falls off the wall, figure out a way to make it stick. 2. If it is a feeling , we connect but if it's a thinking, we did not connect. 3. Don't be afraid to ask the big question because those big questions will lead to big answers and big answers lead to big relationships. Deeper Connection. With Others.​ With Yourself. The world's biggest resource for people harnessing the power of human connection - The Human Connection Group Sponsors ThriveTime Show Become the next success story, schedule a free consultation and request tickets to join Football Star, Tim Tebow and President Trump's Son, Eric Trump at Clay Clark's next business conference today at: ThrivetimeShow.com/eofire ZipRecruiter Enjoy the benefits of speed hiring with new ZipIntro! Only from ZipRecruiter. Post jobs today, talk to qualified candidates tomorrow. Try ZipIntro for free at ZipRecruiter.com/fire