POPULARITY
In this episode, Kyle Hunt sits down with Dr Joshua Straub, founder of Famous at Home, for a conversation about emotional safety in marriage, understanding pain cycles, and what it truly means to be "famous at home" as a remodeler. This is a preview of what Joshua will be teaching at the Remodel Your Marriage, Life and Business retreat on February 10, 2026 in Franklin, Tennessee. Kyle and Josh talk about how emotional safety shapes communication, why many couples get stuck in the same conflict patterns, and how rightly ordering your life at home actually strengthens your business. They also share simple ways to reconnect with your spouse and approach your relationship with more intention. If you want a healthier marriage, a calmer home, and a stronger foundation for your business, this episode is a great place to begin. Learn more and register for the February retreat here. ----- Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights! ----- Takeaways Emotional safety is crucial for healthy relationships. Couples need to prioritize their marriage amidst business pressures. Communication is key to resolving conflicts and deepening connections. Understanding pain cycles can help couples navigate challenges. Being a student of your spouse enhances understanding and connection. Positive reinforcement can transform relationships. Stress management is essential for maintaining emotional health. Authenticity in relationships fosters deeper connections. Taking responsibility for one's actions is vital in conflict resolution. Creating an emotionally safe environment benefits both partners. ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Joshua Straub 10:24 The Importance of Emotional Safety in Relationships 15:34 Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Parenting 16:14 Understanding Emotional Control in Relationships 17:27 The Importance of Emotional Awareness 19:25 Navigating Vulnerability and Authenticity 22:21 Living Authentically in a Fishbowl 24:08 Taking Responsibility in Relationships 25:25 Prioritizing Your Spouse's Heart 28:27 The Impact of Emotional Health on Business 30:22 Practical Steps for Relationship Improvement 32:33 The Power of Positive Communication 34:27 Identifying and Addressing Relationship Opponents
Many of us believe that holding an avoidant accountable means talking to them like they are an idiot and we are their parent. How many of us liked it when our parents, or anyone in authority held us accountable? No one! We revelled and worse, you ignore and avoided as much as we could. Yes- my anxious attached friends. Even you did that.Most people are online telling us that we need to hold avoidant attached persons accountable and that is true. However, what we think is "holding them accountable" is actually coming across to them as "control."Let's sort out this messy issue but highlight what we think is an ultimatum, what the avoidant hears and how we can do "accountability" right.I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Support the show
Delight Your Marriage | Relationship Advice, Christianity, & Sexual Intimacy
What Turns Her Off — and What Godly Husbands Do Instead Have you ever wished you could just…get inside your wife's heart for a moment? Not to manipulate, but to genuinely understand her. To love her in a way that makes her feel safe and wanted—not pressured or confused. My husband Darrow and I sat down to talk through something men rarely get honest insight about: Her biggest turn-offs. And not because we want to shame or scold—but because clarity brings freedom. When you finally understand what shuts her down, you also discover what opens her heart. So take a deep breath.You're not in trouble.You're learning—and that already makes you a good man. Let's walk through these turn-offs together, with God's kindness leading us all the way. 1. When Affection Feels Like a Transaction One of the most common complaints I hear from wives is this: "Every time he does something sweet, it feels like he's trying to get sex." A back rub, a coffee, a hand on her waist, a date night—beautiful gestures—become tainted when she senses they come with an expectation. When affection is only a bridge to the bedroom, she feels: Used Not loved for who she is Like her worth is tied to her sexual availability God never intended marital intimacy to be a negotiation.Love her without a scoreboard. Bless her without an agenda. 2. Grabbing, Pinching, or Smacking Her Body When She's Not Comfortable Yes…wives talk about this. And I know many husbands mean it playfully.But if she doesn't feel safe—emotionally, spiritually, or physically—this kind of touch feels like entitlement, not affection. Her body is not something to be "snatched."She needs room to open, not pressure to surrender. When she feels cherished—not grabbed—she wants to share her body freely. 3. Taking "Not Now" Personally If she says she's tired, overwhelmed, stressed, or simply "not right now," it's almost never about you. But when a husband interprets it as: Rejection Lack of desire "She doesn't love me" …it puts enormous emotional weight on her shoulders. Instead, respond with: "No worries, sweetheart. Another time would be wonderful." That confidence and peace will draw her toward you—not away. 4. Moping After She Says No Emotional sulking is not harmless. Moping communicates: "You disappointed me." "Now I have to punish you with sadness." "You're responsible for my emotions." This shuts her heart down.Fast. Your steadiness and joy—even when she's not available—makes her feel safe. And safety is the soil where desire grows. 5. Punishing Her for Not Wanting Sex This is one of the deepest wounds wives carry. Punishments include: Silent treatment Withholding affection Moving to another room Being cold or distant Only being "nice" when you want intimacy These behaviors feel manipulative and honestly frightening. Your wife is not the enemy. She is the assignment God entrusted to you. Lead with love, not consequences. 6. Lack of Playfulness Playfulness is essential to intimacy. If everything feels heavy, serious, structured, pressured…then her nervous system never relaxes enough to enjoy being sensual. Silliness is holy ground for a woman's heart. Laughter lowers her guard.Playfulness creates connection. If you want her to be playful in the bedroom, she needs to experience playfulness outside the bedroom. 7. Not Feeling Emotionally Safe Women cannot separate emotional connection from physical intimacy. I'll say that one more time. Women cannot separate emotional connection from physical intimacy. When she feels emotionally unsafe, her body shuts down. Emotional Safety looks like: Listening Compassion Being slow to speak and quick to understand Responding gently Supporting her heart, not "fixing" immediately When she feels heard, she opens. 8. Being a "Negative Nellie" (or Negative Ned!) Constant complaining is exhausting and not attractive. It pulls the atmosphere of the home downward and makes her feel like she has to carry your emotional weight. There is space to process hard things—but constant negativity drains the joy God wants in your marriage. Rejoice. Notice blessings. Bring hope into the home. 9. Bitterness and Resentment Long-term resentment is a marriage-killer. Bitterness communicates: "I haven't forgiven you." "You owe me." "I'm still keeping score." This is the opposite of Christlike love. Your wife cannot relax into intimacy with a man who holds her mistakes over her head. Forgiveness clears the ground for closeness to grow again. And if you need a little extra inspiration, let us turn you to Matthew 6:15 (NIV): "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." 10. Being Too Serious All the Time Intensity has a place—but not every moment. When a man is always stern, rigid, perfectionistic, spiritual-but-heavy…it makes her feel like she can never fully exhale. If she can't be herself around you, she won't be vulnerable with you. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit—not an optional extra. 11. Using Slang or Sexual Words She Doesn't Like Words matter. Some husbands use slang affectionately or playfully.Some wives love it.Others absolutely don't. If slang or sexual language makes her uncomfortable, embarrassed, or unsafe, it becomes a turn-off—not a turn-on. Honor her preferences. You're not losing freedom—you're gaining connection. Final Thoughts: So What Do You Do with All This? If reading this stirs conviction…good. Conviction is not condemnation.The enemy heaps shame.God invites repentance—and repentance leads to freedom. Your wife is God's daughter. And He entrusted her to you. Every shift you make toward loving her well brings you closer to His heart and closer to hers. We're rooting for you! Blessing, The Delight Your Marriage Team PS - If you want help walking this out in real life—not just head knowledge—that's exactly why our coaching and in-person training programs exist. Men who were separated from their wives…Men in sexless marriages…Men whose wives felt unsafe for years……have seen transformation they once thought impossible.For more information on our In-Person Training programs, launching January 2026, check out delightyourmarriage.com/ipt If you're ready to dive into the Coaching programs, please feel free to schedule a free Clarity Call at delightyourmarriage.com/cc PPS - Here is a quote from a recent In-Person Training pilot program graduate: "My wife and I have been separated for 6 months, and the same day as our [IPT] graduation, she chose to and began moving back into our matrimonial home. I also told her about our [IPT] program that same day. Up until then, I had said I was attending a men's bible study. All praise be to God."
At first, he was open to communicating about their needs. He seemed keen on trying to be better. They were great together - both feeling safe to be vulnerable for the first time, then something changed. He started to feel pressured and needed space. She gave him that space only to have a conversation later that confused her. Join me as I discussed with Sarah what are some of the red flags she might be missing right now and how she can navigate working with someone she is no longer in a relationship with but also hopes to get back together with...someday. What does she need to do differently should they get back together. I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Support the show
What if the patterns you're trying so hard to change didn't start with you — but they can end with you?In this powerful, heart-opening conversation, I'm joined by Alyssa Scarano, LPC, NCC, founder of The Collective Therapy & Wellness and a deeply compassionate guide for anyone navigating the terrain of trauma, relationships, and emotional healing.Together, we explore the tender, transformative work of breaking generational cycles — the subtle ways childhood wounds shape our relationships, the urge to overexplain in order to feel understood, and the craving for validation that so many high-achieving women silently carry.Alyssa beautifully unpacks how environments that didn't feel emotionally safe can echo into adulthood, influencing how you parent, communicate, and relate to yourself. We talk about the difference between fear and intuition, how to listen to your body instead of just your thoughts, and why pain often becomes the invitation to rise into a new chapter of self-trust.You'll hear us dive into:Generational patterns passed down through silence, survival, or emotional chaosThe longing to feel seen, and what happens when you stop overexplaining and start honoring your truthReparenting yourself while parenting your kidsTrauma-informed ways to rebuild safety in your own bodyWhat it really looks like to cultivate relationships that feel aligned, not drainingThis episode is an invitation to soften into your own healing, rewrite what love looks like, and become the cycle breaker your lineage has been waiting for.If you're ready to step into a life rooted in self-trust, emotional safety, and authentic connection — this one will land deeply.Connect with Alyssa: website: www.collective-therapy.comInstagram: @live.collective.wellnessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/collective.therapy.wellness/✨ Sacred Boundaries: Scripts for Saying No with Love ✨If you've ever felt the pressure to say “yes” when your whole body was begging you to say “no,” you're not alone. So many high-achieving, heart-centered women struggle with guilt, fear of disappointing others, or worry that boundaries will push people away.But the truth is: boundaries don't break relationships—they strengthen them.
Send us a textIn this powerful continuation of last week's conversation, we go deeper into the truth many couples avoid: unhealed childhood wounds don't stay in childhood— they grow up with us, and they show up in our marriages as patterns, reactions, and emotional habits that quietly damage connection.In Part II, we walk listeners through the real-life behaviors that come from unresolved pain: overreacting, shutting down, controlling tendencies, people-pleasing, hyper-independence, defensiveness, and emotional avoidance. These patterns aren't random. They are learned survival responses from childhood that become destructive communication styles in adulthood.Through vulnerable insight, biblical grounding, and practical tools, we explore how to recognize these patterns, interrupt them, and begin creating a safe emotional environment in your marriage. Healing doesn't happen by accident— it happens by intentional reflection, accountability, and allowing God to deal with the roots, not just the symptoms.If you're ready to stop repeating cycles, stop reacting from old wounds, and build a marriage that reflects healing instead of survival mode, this episode is for you. Your marriage can't transform until you do.Tune in, grow, and begin the work that leads to real restoration.Support the show
Confidently Balance Your Hormones Podcast — with Dee Davidson, FDN-PIn this powerful episode, Dee sits down with Sherry Crowley, LICSW, for an honest and deeply validating conversation about honoring boundaries during the holidays—and in everyday life.If you struggle with:✔ protecting your energy✔ feeling anxious around family gatherings✔ food judgment or pressure✔ guilt for saying “no”✔ emotional overwhelm✔ fear of disappointing others✔ staying regulated in uncomfortable conversations✔ or simply putting yourself first……this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.Sherri and Dee discuss how to calm your mind, regulate your nervous system, and show up as the truest version of yourself—without apologizing for your choices.You'll learn how to:Set grounded, loving boundariesProtect your peace in high-stress environmentsNavigate food comments without explaining anythingBreak free from people-pleasing patternsReduce anxiety before gatheringsHonor your emotional and physical wellbeingChoose yourself—especially when it feels uncomfortableThis is the ultimate preparation for the holiday season, but these tools apply to everyday life. Healthy boundaries are an act of self-respect. Prioritizing your wellbeing is the highest form of self-love.If you're ready to walk into family events confident, calm, and grounded—this conversation is for you.Connect with Sherry Crowley, LICSWLearn more about Sherry's work:
The results are in! More than physical features, more than financial resources, people are looking for Kindness and Emotional Safety in potential partners and within committed relationships. Matt shares the results of our recent survey taken by many podcast listeners, and Sheri reveals her answers to the research questions. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.
There's a reason female orgasm is still so misunderstood... and Dr. Robert King is here to explain why. In this episode, Dr. King unpacks the evolutionary purpose of female orgasm, what scent reveals about sexual compatibility, and why most people misunderstand female pleasure. From the truth about pheromones to the science of squirting and the psychology of mate selection, this conversation challenges long-held myths with real research and insight.OUR GUESTDr Robert King is a lecturer at University College Cork (Ireland) where he co-runs the Master's Course in Mental Health. His lab has PhDs and others studying access to health care in trans populations, and Spree Killers. He has a recent book out called Naturally Selective, Evolution, Orgasm and Female Choice, which synthesizes and explains the last fifty years of research (including his own) into fertility related functions of female orgasm, much of which has been woefully misrepresented.DR. ROBERT KING
If you've ever wondered which relationship skills actually make non-monogamy easier, healthier, and less chaotic, this episode is your new favorite deep dive.Today I'm talking with couples therapist Dr. Dan Sneider, who works with both monogamous and non-monogamous partners and brings a grounded, compassionate, very human approach to communication, trust, and emotional safety.We get into the skills that truly make the biggest difference, including:• How to communicate without spiraling• How to know when you're going too fast• How to tell old baggage from a real relationship issue• The 5 to 1 positivity ratio and why it matters• What emotional safety feels like in your body• How to navigate the sex and feelings part of non-monogamy without gaslighting each other• Why “go slow to go fast” works every single timeWhether you're opening up, rebuilding trust, or trying to deepen connection, this episode gives you practical, usable tools you can apply right away.
Struggling with relationship anxiety and fear of intimacy or rejection? This episode will guide you through anxious and avoidant attachment patterns, to the core healing that can help us find confidence and security in relationships.I'm joined by Trevor Hanson, a marriage and family therapist who has helped thousands of individuals and couples heal attachment wounds and build secure, connected, confident relationships. His work has been featured by the Gottman Institute, and he's the founder of The Art of Healing, where he teaches frameworks for transforming insecurity into emotional safety.We break down the real reasons we often feel insecure, anxious, avoidant, or fearful in relationships… and how to finally feel secure, grounded, and confident in love. You'll learn the tools, communication shifts, and emotional skills that create safe + connected relationships.In this episode, we cover:How to build real confidence in relationships (and the cost of not working on your confidence)Why insecurity, fear, and jealousy appear — even in good relationshipsPractical tools for anxious attachment self-soothingWhy fear is the #1 killer of relationships and how to move through itHow avoidant partners can build emotional intimacy without feeling overwhelmedFear-based motivation vs love-based motivationHow to navigate communication “landmines'How to support a partner who feels fear or anxiety in the relationshipThe TEMPO framework and how it interrupts anxious spiralsFollow Trevor on InstagramTrevor's website: https://theartofhealingbytrevor.com Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube
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 2809: Dr. Mariette Jansen unpacks the subtle signs of narcissistic abuse in relationships and the psychological toll it takes on victims, from diminished self-confidence to emotional isolation. Her insights encourage listeners to question not only their partners' behavior but also their own patterns, especially those rooted in unresolved trauma. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drdestress.co.uk/how-spot-narcissist-relationship/ Quotes to ponder: "It is tough to break the silence. But the first step is a recognition of what is happening by acknowledging your feelings and behaviour." "The victim of the narcissist desensitizes to the nastiness and will come up with excuses for unacceptable behaviour." "You start to feel a bit lonely and alone and where you had strong and close connections in the past, these have all subsided." Episode references: Cognitive Dissonance (Verywell Mind): https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-dissonance-2795012
Lisa Feldman Barrett is a Canadian-American neuroscientist renowned for her pioneering work on how the brain constructs emotion through prediction. In this Moments episode, she explains how the brain doesn't simply react to the world but continually anticipates it, drawing on past experience to shape what we feel, perceive and fear. She reveals why anxiety is often a replay of old predictions - and how to rewire meaning and ease the learned patterns that keep us stuck. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify: https://g2ul0.app.link/nCVkRtwSrYb Apple: https://g2ul0.app.link/Ozv6oJzSrYb Watch the Episodes On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/%20TheDiaryOfACEO/videos Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/
Step into this calming Inner Child guided meditation designed to help you overcome the fear of the unknown and restore deep emotional safety - with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees.When the fear of the unknown rises, the mind tightens and the body moves into protection. This soothing Inner Child guided meditation helps you release emotional tension, calm survival-driven thinking, and reconnect with a deep sense of inner safety. You'll gently explore the root of uncertainty, soften old conditioning, and create space for trust, clarity and courage to emerge.Through grounding breathwork, visualisation, and compassionate Inner Child work, this meditation guides you back to your natural state of ease and flow. You'll learn to meet fear with presence, restore emotional balance, and align with the Taoist principle of allowing rather than resisting. Use this practice whenever uncertainty feels overwhelming or when you want to strengthen your ability to move forward with confidence, peace, and self-trust.⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILE DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERYThis meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy:Untangling Fear of the Unknown: Taoism, Flow & Inner Child Healing https://youtu.be/TxWWryjPOK0?si=PKX3uvvBDgHnbWcXINNER CHILD PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qq&si=7TkslLfvthRWePOIGUIDED MEDITATION PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35&si=bWWub6YyoZpXhFubIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Book an online Golden Thread Process & Inner Child Consultation with David: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/therapies-for-body-mind/ Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup -Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.Music by Earth Tree Healing
CHRISTIAN LIFE COACH COLLECTIVE- Change Your Life, Start a Coaching Business, Walk in Your Calling
PEOPLE HEAL WHERE THEY FEEL SAFE. You can't rush transformation; you can only make it safe to happen. Emotional safety isn't soft—it's strategic. Clients won't explore what feels dangerous, but they will open up where peace is modeled. Key Takeaways: Safety begins with your tone, pace, and posture. A calm presence regulates the entire session. Validation is more powerful than advice. Action Guide: In your next session, slow your pace and soften your tone. Ask yourself, “Would I feel safe being coached by me right now?” Read the Life Coach Blog Become a S&S Life Coach Join the Coaching FB Community —> HERE Find me @coachlauramalone on IG —> HERE Your 5 star review on Apple Podcasts means a ton✨
New from Sober and Unashamed: “Emotional Safety is a Dying Fad” We have published hundreds of essays on alcoholism, recovery, sex and intimacy, underlying issues, growth and progress. Maybe you love to read, but just don't seem to find the time. We hope you'll listen to this audio version of our latest written offering titled: “Emotional Safety is a Dying Fad” To read this and much more, check out or Sober and Unashamed Blog.
Transform Your Life and Relationships This Black Friday! Get 14 Days Free Inside the Personal Development School's All-Access Pass — including 65+ courses, live webinars, and a thriving global community: https://attachment.personaldevelopmentschool.com/black-friday?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=black-friday&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=pod-11-10-25&el=podcast When someone you love suddenly shuts down and says “I'm fine,” it can be confusing, painful, and triggering — especially if you know something's off. In this episode, Thais Gibson and Mike de Zio dive deep into what's really happening when a dismissive avoidant (DA) or fearful avoidant (FA) pulls away. They explore how shutting down is rarely about spite or indifference — it's a subconscious protection strategy. Through personal stories and actionable steps, Thais and Mike explain how to understand these patterns, respond without pushing your partner away, and create safety for honest reconnection.
Is your wife saying she doesn't feel safe with you?Are your kids staying away from you in certain situations?Do your wife and kids shy away from sharing their emotions with you?If so, there's a lack of emotional safety in your family relationships.And, if you want loving relationships with your kids…And an intimate relationship with your wife…You need to create emotional safety.Learn how in today's episode.(And, by the way, it doesn't mean that you have to be “emotionally perfect” to build emotional safety).Watch on YouTube here.Dr. Mike P.S. Apply to be a member of our Founder's Group of Grounded in God in 2026. We're looking for 5-7 men who are ready to move from pressure and performance to peace, power and purpose. CLICK HERE to apply. https://mikefraziermd.mykajabi.com/grounded-in-god
Text us your questions or topics for the show! We got you!Cass Morrow, Author of Disrupting Divorce: The NEW Man. Saving Struggling, Sexless, and Toxic Marriages.Kathryn Morrow, Author of Behind The White Picket Fence.Gaslighting Revisited: What You Need to Know!We brought this episode back because so many of you keep asking about gaslighting, narcissistic behavior, and emotional manipulation in marriage. Gaslighting isn't just lying — it's a tactic that distorts your reality, makes you doubt yourself, and slowly disconnects you from your own voice.In this revisited episode, we break down:What gaslighting actually is (and what it isn't)How narcissistic patterns show up in everyday marriage conflictWhy emotional manipulators rely on confusion and self-doubtThe subtle signs that you're being conditioned to question yourselfHow to rebuild confidence, clarity, and emotional safetyIf you've ever felt like you're “too sensitive,” “misremembering,” or “the problem” — this episode is for you.
Welcome to the Heal and Restore Podcast with Randy and Cathy Boyd—where we dive into real conversations that help you heal, grow, and strengthen your relationships.In today's powerful and deeply personal episode, we're exploring Emotional Safety—the cornerstone of every healthy relationship. Without it, love struggles to take root. With it, trust, vulnerability, and connection can truly flourish.We'll talk about how unhealed wounds from the past—abuse, shame, and trauma—can quietly erode emotional safety, making it hard to open up, trust, or feel seen. You'll learn how to identify the signs of emotional insecurity, rebuild trust after it's been broken, and create relationships where both hearts feel safe to be real.Through truth, compassion, and courage, healing begins. By the end of today's episode, you'll walk away with practical insights and a renewed understanding that emotional safety isn't built overnight—it's nurtured through honesty, empathy, and consistency.If this conversation speaks to your heart, be sure to follow, rate, and share the Heal and Restore Podcast. Because when we feel safe to be ourselves, that's when true healing—and true love—can begin.
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 3190: Ellen Boeder explores how emotional safety is essential for deep, lasting connection in romantic relationships. She outlines how nervous system regulation, authentic expression, and trust-building practices create the conditions for vulnerability and intimacy to thrive. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/emotional-safety-is-necessary-for-emotional-connection/ Quotes to ponder: "Emotional safety is what allows us to let our guard down and be authentic with our partners." "When we feel safe, our nervous system is regulated enough to access the higher brain functions necessary for connection." "Without emotional safety, the parts of ourselves that are scared, ashamed, or hurt stay hidden." Episode references: Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges: https://www.amazon.com/Polyvagal-Theory-Neurophysiological-Emotion-Communication/dp/0393707008 Healing Developmental Trauma by Laurence Heller and Aline LaPierre: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Developmental-Trauma-Resolution-Nervous/dp/1583944893 Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Me-Tight-Conversations-Lifetime/dp/031611300X 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 3190: Ellen Boeder explores how emotional safety is essential for deep, lasting connection in romantic relationships. She outlines how nervous system regulation, authentic expression, and trust-building practices create the conditions for vulnerability and intimacy to thrive. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/emotional-safety-is-necessary-for-emotional-connection/ Quotes to ponder: "Emotional safety is what allows us to let our guard down and be authentic with our partners." "When we feel safe, our nervous system is regulated enough to access the higher brain functions necessary for connection." "Without emotional safety, the parts of ourselves that are scared, ashamed, or hurt stay hidden." Episode references: Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges: https://www.amazon.com/Polyvagal-Theory-Neurophysiological-Emotion-Communication/dp/0393707008 Healing Developmental Trauma by Laurence Heller and Aline LaPierre: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Developmental-Trauma-Resolution-Nervous/dp/1583944893 Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Me-Tight-Conversations-Lifetime/dp/031611300X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Text us your questions or topics for the show! We got you!Cass Morrow, Author of Disrupting Divorce: The NEW Man. Saving Struggling, Sexless, and Toxic Marriages.Kathryn Morrow, Author of Behind The White Picket Fence.How Emotional Safety Unlocks Real Intimacy in Marriage!You can't experience true intimacy without emotional safety. Cass and Kathryn explore how creating safety — not just comfort — allows vulnerability, honesty, and physical closeness to thrive. If you've ever wondered why intimacy fades even when everything “seems fine,” this episode explains why safety is the foundation for passion and connection.
In this episode, Heath and Jamie dive deep into the tension between masculinity, communication, and intimacy. They explore how respect, tone, and ego shape connection—and what it takes to rebuild trust when love starts to feel unbalanced. #SaveTheDatePodcast #RespectAndLove #RelationshipRealTalk #HealthyCommunication
Text us your questions or topics for the show! We got you!Cass Morrow, Author of Disrupting Divorce: The NEW Man. Saving Struggling, Sexless, and Toxic Marriages.Kathryn Morrow, Author of Behind The White Picket Fence.Emotional Safety vs. Emotional Comfort: Why Most Couples Get It Wrong!There's a big difference between feeling emotionally safe and just being emotionally comfortable.In this episode, Cass and Kathryn unpack the fine line between emotional safety, comfort, and real connection — and why couples who confuse them slowly lose passion and trust. If your relationship feels “peaceful” but distant, this one's for you.
WelcomeHello, Lovelies. It is Juliette here, and today I am joined by the luminous Dr Deb Barnett. Dr Deb's journey is one of devotion, inner rebuilding, and feminine truth. From decades inside clinical psychology to redefining how women meet love, she discovered that safety in the body, self intimacy, and fullness are what make a woman truly magnetic.In this conversation, we move through the territory of feminine sovereignty, nervous system safety, dating without hunger, and the art of receiving without shrinking. We explore softness as strength, self touch and joy as nourishment, and the power of choosing yourself first so love can rise to meet you.Episode Summary In this episode, Dr Deb and I walk through her profound journey into feminine sovereignty and self intimacy. From decades in clinical psychology to realising that women do not simply need mindset work but nervous system safety, body presence, and self nourishment, she shares how true magnetism begins within. We speak about dating without hunger, the courage to soften without losing power, and how a woman becomes irresistible when she stops performing and starts receiving. Dr Deb also opens up about her work supporting women to cultivate fullness, joy, and emotional safety, helping them not just look confident but live as women who are already chosen by themselves first, and how she continues to guide through embodiment, tenderness, and truth.Key Takeaways A Woman Filled FirstWhen you are sourced from within, you are not reaching. You are not grasping. You are already full. Love becomes a choice, not a lifeline.Safety Creates DesireThe nervous system sets the tone. When your body feels held, you soften. You trust. You meet intimacy without bracing.Self Intimacy Is the BeginningBefore you open to someone else, you learn to open to yourself. Touch, presence, stillness, pleasure that feeds rather than performs.Dating Without HungerYou are not auditioning. You are not proving. You sit in your truth and allow who is meant for you to rise toward you.Softness Holds PowerSoft does not mean small. Soft is honest. Soft is rooted. Soft is a woman who can feel, and stay.Play Brings You Back to Your BodyJoy is medicine. Curiosity is connection. When you delight in your own company, the world feels it.Resources and Links
Is humility making yourself small… or living in the truth? Joe and Father Boniface unpack humility as honesty—seeing ourselves as we are before God—and why that frees us to use our real gifts in service (yes, even taking the seat that has your name on it). We explore self-forgetfulness, how affirmation heals the reflex to self-protect, and practical ways to grow from self-concern into self-gift. Throughout, we keep all three lenses in view: integrity with ourselves, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God.Key IdeasHumility is truth: neither self-inflation nor false modesty, but an honest acceptance of who we are before God—and using our gifts accordingly.Concrete example: sometimes the humble act is to take the role or “reserved spot” that's yours, because it serves the community best.Know your tilt: some of us oversell; others undersell—humility learns our tendency and seeks honest mirrors (trusted people who can praise and correct).Self-forgetfulness grows from being loved and affirmed; emotional safety reduces self-protective focus and opens us to others.A simple path: notice insecurity triggers, share them with someone who loves you, receive affirmation there—and then go build that same affirmation in others this week.Links & ReferencesConrad Baars, affirmation and emotional development — Conrad Baars Institute (official): https://www.conradbaars.comPope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate (On the Call to Holiness in Today's World) — official Vatican text: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.htmlCTA If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.comTags Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, humility, honesty, meekness, truth, sainthood, virtue, self-forgetfulness, affirmation, Conrad Baars, emotional safety, trauma and healing, self-knowledge, self-possession, self-gift, narcissism, ego, vanity, false modesty, discernment, service, vocation, speaking gifts, leadership, community, parenting, children, interior freedom, relationships, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality, growth, healing, gratitude
Text us your questions or topics for the show! We got you!Cass Morrow, Author of Disrupting Divorce: The NEW Man. Saving Struggling, Sexless, and Toxic Marriages.Kathryn Morrow, Author of Behind The White Picket Fence.Asking For Permission vs Begging for Forgiveness!What's healthier in marriage — asking for permission or begging for forgiveness later?Cass and Kathryn dive into this controversial topic to expose the hidden power dynamics behind control, trust, and freedom in relationships. Learn how couples unknowingly create resentment by walking on eggshells, and how to build a marriage where honesty and accountability replace guilt and fear.
Book a Discovery Call for Relationship Renovation CoachingOr email us directly at coaching@relationshiprenovation.com with the subject line “Couples Coaching Application.” Order Relationship Renovation at Home Manual from AmazonJoin Our Patreon CommunityTake the Emotional Safety Assessment QuizHighlights from the EpisodeHow Sex Turns Transactional: Tarah shares a story from a recent couples session: “If you do this and you do it well, I'll give you sex.” Sound familiar? Turns out, it's more common than we think.Both Partners Are Responsible: EJ and Tarah reflect on their own patterns of expectation, let-down, and the rewards/punishments that silently build up over time.Unspoken Stories Drive Anxiety: Ever felt relief when your partner wasn't expecting sex… or disappointment when connection didn't lead there? You're not alone. Opening up those stories, rather than burying them, is the first step to real change.Emotional Safety is Key: The hosts discuss how building a foundation of emotional safety—being able to share, be transparent, and give verbal appreciation—creates true desire and real intimacy.Actionable Tools: From ‘The Frisky Scale' (yes, really!) to conversation starters on how you want to feel valued outside the bedroom, EJ and Tarah give you practical ways to break the transaction cycle.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
In this episode of Dr. Marianne-Land, Dr. Marianne Miller explores one of the most misunderstood experiences in eating disorder recovery: binge eating and shame. She explains why binge eating is not caused by lack of willpower. It develops from deprivation, unmet emotional needs, and internalized shame. You will learn how restriction fuels binge urges, how shame keeps you stuck, and how compassion-based recovery helps you rebuild trust with food and your body. Why Binge Eating Isn't About Willpower Many people believe binge eating happens because they lack control. In truth, binge eating is a biological and emotional response to restriction. When your body senses scarcity, it does what it was designed to do: it pushes you to eat. Dr. Marianne discusses how diet culture and fear-based food rules create deprivation and shame. The body responds to this deprivation by seeking safety through eating, sometimes in large quantities. The solution is not to control yourself more, but to give your body the consistent nourishment and compassion it needs. How Shame Fuels the Binge Cycle Shame is one of the strongest emotional drivers of binge eating. After a binge, thoughts like “I failed again” or “I'll start over tomorrow” appear. Those thoughts lead to more restriction, which triggers another binge. Dr. Marianne explains how shame disconnects you from your body and keeps you in a cycle of punishment and control. The shift begins when you replace blame with curiosity. Asking “What does my body need right now?” helps you reconnect to your needs instead of silencing them. The Biology Behind Binge Eating Binge eating is a predictable response to restriction. When your body does not receive enough food, hunger hormones increase, reward pathways in the brain intensify, and cravings become urgent. Binge eating is your body's attempt to restore balance. Mental restriction has the same effect. When you label foods as bad or forbidden, your body perceives danger and increases urgency around those foods. Regular meals, adequate nutrition, and permission to eat satisfying foods restore body trust and calm the nervous system. Emotional Safety and Recovery Binge eating is often a way to self-soothe when emotions feel too big or overwhelming. If you have been taught that sadness, anger, or fear are unsafe, food may have become your most accessible form of comfort. Dr. Marianne talks about creating emotional safety through self-soothing, sensory grounding, and compassion. When your nervous system feels supported, the intensity of binge urges begins to soften. From Control to Compassion Recovery is not about fighting yourself into change. It begins when you stop using control as protection and start practicing compassion. Dr. Marianne shares ways to replace critical self-talk with kind, curious reflection. Instead of saying “I have no willpower,” try “My body is asking for care.” That language shift helps rewire your nervous system to expect gentleness instead of punishment. Reclaiming Pleasure and Satisfaction Food is meant to be enjoyable, not a test of discipline. When you allow yourself to experience satisfaction without guilt, eating becomes calmer and more connected. Dr. Marianne encourages listeners to practice mindful eating, notice textures and flavors, and reconnect with the sensory experience of food. Pleasure is not indulgence; it is information that helps you understand what your body needs. Content Caution This episode includes open discussion about binge eating and emotional distress related to food and body image. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed. Who This Episode Helps This episode is for anyone who feels stuck in binge-restrict cycles or wants to understand the emotional roots of binge eating. It is also helpful for clinicians supporting clients with binge eating disorder, and for neurodivergent listeners who need a sensory-attuned and trauma-informed approach to recovery. Related Episodes on Binge Eating Binge Eating in Midlife: Why It Starts (or Resurfaces) in Your 30s, 40s, 50s on Apple & Spotify. Binge Eating Urges: Why They Happen & How to Manage Them Without Shame on Apple & Spotify. How to Manage Triggers & Cravings During Recovery From Binge Eating & Bulimia on Apple & Spotify. Join the Binge Eating Recovery Membership If you are ready to heal your relationship with food, Dr. Marianne invites you to join her Binge Eating Recovery Membership at drmariannemiller.com. This membership offers accessible lessons, community support, and practical tools to help you move beyond shame, regulate emotions, and create consistency with food without dieting or control. Inside, you will learn how to rebuild body trust, reduce binge frequency, and practice compassionate recovery at your own pace.
Are you stuck in the cycle of trying to be the perfect parent? In this transformative episode of Live and Be Great, host Latonya McDonald sits down with Todd Sarner, renowned Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Transformative Parenting, to explore how perfectionism, pressure, and digital distractions silently shape family life — and how to break free for good.Together, they unpack what it means to lead with calm, build emotional connection, and raise resilient kids in today's overstimulated world. You'll discover practical, science-based tools for emotional regulation, secure attachment, and conscious parenting — without losing your sanity or yourself.
In this episode of Nope! We're Not Monogamous, relationship coach Ellecia Paine dives into the emotional cost of silence in open relationships and polyamory.If you've ever swallowed your truth to keep the peace, or stayed quiet because you were scared of rocking the boat, this conversation will help you find the courage to speak up with honesty and compassion.You'll learn how to:→ Recognize when you're betraying yourself by staying quiet→ Understand the fears that keep you silent in non-monogamy (rejection, loss, shame)→ Speak your truth without exploding or shutting down→ Create emotional safety for hard conversations with partners or metamours→ Reconnect to your own inner honesty and nervous system safetyBecause pretending your desires don't exist won't protect your relationship, it'll rot it from the inside.Your truth might hurt for a moment, but hiding it will hurt forever.Send us a textFLOW Nitric Oxide BoosterFLOW brings blood where you want it to go — your brain, your heart, and your pleasure zones. Try your first bottle of FLOW FREE — just pay shipping. Experience the results yourself and cancel anytime. We're confident FLOW will reignite your spark! Support the show
In this insightful episode of The Feminine Frequency, Amy Natalie welcomes licensed mental health counselor and best selling author, Jessica Baum, for a deep conversation on attachment, emotional safety, and the path to relational healing.Together, they explore how childhood experiences and early caregiver relationships shape adult dynamics and attachment styles—and what it takes to move toward secure attachment from within. Jessica shares wisdom from her book SAFE, highlighting the importance of insourcing safety, working with protector parts, and recognizing the difference between familiar relationship patterns and those that are truly healthy.The conversation emphasizes that healing doesn't happen in isolation—it happens in relationship. Amy and Jessica unpack the role of co-regulation, the power of nervous system awareness, and how to cultivate emotional safety both within and beyond romantic partnerships. They also introduce listeners to a powerful new tool: The Wheel of Attachment, which offers a fresh and embodied approach to understanding attachment theory.This episode is an invitation for listeners to explore the inner work that allows for deeper connection, self-trust, and conscious love.Themes: Secure attachment as the foundation for healthy, conscious relationshipsHow childhood wounds influence adult relational dynamicsThe importance of co-regulation and nervous system healingReparenting and building internal safetyUnderstanding and integrating protector partsIdentifying familiar (yet unhealthy) patterns in loveSeeking support outside of romantic partnershipsThe Wheel of Attachment as a transformative self-awareness toolSpecial Offer
In today's Monday Meditation, Alison guides you through a calming 5-minute visualization to help you feel safe and connected in love. If you've ever struggled with anxious attachment or felt you had to earn love, this practice will gently remind your body what secure, unconditional love feels like. Perfect for: Anyone healing from anxious attachment, learning to feel safe in love, or wanting to experience relationships from a place of calm confidence rather than fear. Listen When: – You feel triggered or anxious in your relationship – You're practicing self-soothing after conflict – You want to connect to the feeling of secure love before bed Single Women 40+
Being alive at the end of your birth is different than being kept safe. In this episode Mel invites midwife and psychotherapist Dr Athena Hammond to talk about emotional safety during childbirth, how to enhance emotional safety and some strategies for nervous system preparation. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Episode 175 is about the possibility of post-traumatic growth, a helpful discussion for women who feel emotionally and mentally traumatised by their birth experience who are looking for hope. Our guest for this episode is Dr Athena Hammond from @thebirthcounsel. You can learn more about Athena at www.thebirthcounsel.com.au If you have concerns for your well-being there is help for you at: The Gidget foundation Australia COPE This episode has been generously sponsored by Poppy Child from @popthatmumma. She is offering great birth rebellion listeners 25% off the Birth box which includes the oxytocin bubble tracks. This is an example of a nervous system calming technique discussed in our episode today. Use the code “Melanie” at the check out to claim your discount. Just go to hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox You can watch this episode on YouTube here Get more from the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast Join the podcast mailing list to access the resource folder from each episode at www.melaniethemidwife.com Join the rebellion and show your support! Grab your Great Birth Rebellion merchandise now at www.thegreatbirthrebellion.com Follow us on social media @thegreatbirthrebellion and @melaniethemidwife If this podcast has improved your knowledge or pregnancy, birth or postpartum journey please consider thanking us financially by leaving a tip to support the ongoing work of this podcast. Disclaimer The information and resources provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. Instead, all information provided is intended for education, with it's application intended for discussion between yourself and your care provider and/or workplace if you are a health professional. The Great Birth Rebellion podcast reserves the right to supplement, edit, change, delete any information at any time. Whilst we have tried to maintain accuracy and completeness of information, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss, damage or unfavourable outcomes howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content. This podcast is not a replacement for midwifery or medical clinical care. The transcript below was generated with ai and may contain errors.
Every family has its own rhythm. Some love cooking together, some bond over board games and some, believe it or not, enjoy arguing for fun. To them, debating ideas and challenging each other isn't conflict; it's connection.But what feels like playful banter to one person can feel like chaos, criticism, or even emotional danger to another. So how do you know when spirited debate crosses the line? And how do you create a home where everyone feels heard and safe, whether they love to spar or prefer peace and quiet?In this episode, we'll explore why some families naturally fall into patterns of “recreational arguing,” what emotional needs this dynamic can meet, and how to find the right balance between healthy expression and emotional safety.Jennifer's Takeaways:Recreational Arguing in Families (00:00)Neuroscience Behind Recreational Arguing (01:43)Balancing Fun Debates with Emotional Safety (03:39)Teaching Kids Awareness and Respect (06:00)Managing Intense Family Interactions (07:38)Meet Jennifer KolariJennifer Kolari is the host of the “Connected Parenting” weekly podcast and the co-host of “The Mental Health Comedy” podcast. Kolari is a frequent guest on Nationwide morning shows and podcasts in the US and Canada. Her advice can also be found in many Canadian and US magazines such as; Today's Parent, Parents Magazine and Canadian Family.Kolari's powerful parenting model is based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behavior and build children's emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.Jennifer's wisdom, quick wit and down to earth style help parents navigate modern-day parenting problems, offering real-life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies.Her highly entertaining, inspiring workshops are shared with warmth and humour, making her a crowd-pleasing speaker with schools, medical professionals, corporations and agencies throughout North America, Europe and Asia.One of the nation's leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari, is a highly sought- after international speaker and the founder of Connected Parenting. A child and family therapist with a busy practice based in San Diego and Toronto, Kolari is also the author of Connected Parenting: How to Raise A Great Kid (Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada, 2009) and You're Ruining My Life! (But Not Really): Surviving the Teenage Years with Connected Parenting (Penguin Canada, 2011).
In this episode, Ned challenges the destructive cultural narrative that young men need to "get it out of their system" in their twenties, sharing insights from a recent father-son gathering and introducing Adam Lane Smith's transformative framework for masculine leadership based on four areas of safety that men must provide: resource safety, protection, emotional safety, and bonding safety. This episode is essential listening for any father who wants to shape his sons into men of character and teach his daughters what to look for in a partner.(00:00:00) - Father-Son Night(00:02:00) - Challenging "Get It Out of Your System" Mentality(00:03:00) - Working It INTO Your System vs. OUT of Your System(00:05:00) - The Abundance Mindset vs. Hoarding(00:07:00) - Four Areas of Safety Men Must Provide(00:08:00) - Resource Safety and Protection(00:08:00) - Emotional Safety and Bonding Safety(00:09:00) - Teaching These Principles to Family(00:10:00) - Earning the Right to Speak Into Your Children's Lives----------Want to learn more about The Adventure of Fatherhood?https://www.adventureoffatherhood.com/https://www.rebelandcreate.com/Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodfieldnotesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherhoodfieldnotesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandcreate
The Love, Happiness and Success Podcast With Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
If you've ever questioned where you stand with your partner or second-guessed their love, this will help you feel more grounded, connected, and secure. This episode first aired on June 21, 2021 (Episode 251), and I'm bringing it back because so many of you said it hit home. Ever replayed a conversation, overread a text, or felt on edge when your partner seemed distracted even when nothing was “wrong”? That kind of relationship anxiety can keep you chasing reassurance. I'm joined by my colleague Georgi, a marriage and family therapist on our Growing Self team, to talk about why security can feel slippery and what it takes to build emotional safety that lasts. We look at how attachment injuries, big and small, quietly shape how you show up in love. Early experiences, broken trust, and even subtle disappointments can make connection feel risky and drive patterns like jealousy, anger, or withdrawal. Together, we talk about interrupting those cycles, hearing what your anxiety is trying to say, and inviting your partner into repair with curiosity rather than blame. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction: Why It's Hard to Feel Secure in Your Relationship 07:05 How Attachment Shapes Emotional Safety and Trust 10:40 When Insecurity Shows Up as Anger or Jealousy 18:50 What Fuels Insecurity: Attachment Injuries and Unmet Needs 26:25 Inviting Your Partner In and Re-building Connection 30:35 Responding With Empathy Instead of Defensiveness 35:40 The House Analogy: Re-building Trust Brick by Brick 37:15 Emotional Safety as the Core of a Healthy Relationship As you listen, notice what shows up for you. When anxiety spikes, what story starts running—and how do you usually respond? Do you shut down, reach for control, or start hunting for proof that you're okay? Try pausing to ask what you truly need in that moment: comfort, reassurance, or a steadier sense of safety within yourself. If communication is adding to the tension, try my Communication that Connects Masterclass. It's a simple way to step out of those conflict loops and have conversations that build understanding. It includes a workbook so you can practice right away! You might also like my How Healthy Is Your Relationship? quiz. It's quick, gives you language for what's happening, and points to where your relationship could use more care. Want ongoing support between episodes? Find me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I share fresh tools and encouragement to help you create the love, happiness, and success you deserve. If this episode sparked something, or an idea for a future topic, I'd love to hear from you. Let's talk! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self
Send us a textIf your partner asked for space and your whole body has been bracing ever since, you are not broken. You're in survival mode.On this episode of Love Shack Live, we're speaking directly to you, the partner who's been asked for space.You know that feeling of walking around with your stomach in knots, checking your phone every few minutes, wondering if reaching out will make things worse? You're not crazy for feeling this way. When someone you love pulls away, your nervous system sounds the alarm. To your body, space feels like danger.In this episode, we'll start right where you are, in the middle of the panic and confusion, and show you the first skill that can help you find steady ground again. It's a simple practice we call Sit Your Butt Down and Breathe, and it's how we begin every single day inside the Love in Limbo: 30-Day Roadmap.Before you can repair a relationship, you have to repair your sense of safety. Before you can communicate clearly, you have to calm the noise inside your own body. Until you do, every text, every silence, and every shift in tone will feel like proof that it's either saved or over.The question we'll answer today: How do you give someone space without losing yourself, or the relationship, in the process?You'll learn how to tell the difference between giving space and abandoning yourself, how to quiet the inner chaos, and how to start responding from calm instead of reacting from fear.Episode Resources: If you're ready to stop spinning and start finding your calm again, join us inside the Love in Limbo: 30-Day Roadmap, the step-by-step journey for rebuilding clarity, confidence, and connection during space: https://stacibartley.com/30-day-roadmapNot sure where to start? Take the free Relationship Space Assessment to discover how this space is impacting you, and what to do next: https://space-assessment.scoreapp.com/Timestamps: 01:34 Sit Your Butt Down and Breathe: A Guided Practice04:05 The Importance of Self-Regulation10:31 Emotional Safety and the Roadmap12:19 The Dynamics of Space in Relationships22:05 Anxious vs. Avoidant: Different Coping Mechanisms31:51 Real Questions from Listeners36:47 Addressing Confusion in Daily Activities37:38 Understanding Relationship Drift39:28 The Importance of Relationship Skills39:47 Admitting Wrong and Apologizing41:14 Becoming the Best Version of Yourself42:40 The Lease Option Contract for Love43:28 The Reality of Relationship Entropy45:22 Handling Separation and Emotional Capacity55:19 Deciding on Divorce or Fighting for Marriage58:47 Learning to Let Go and Self-Preservation01:00:07 The Love and Limbo Roadmap01:04:01 Breathe Like a Badass01:06:34 Final Thoughts and Resources
In this episode of the Raising Confident Girls podcast, Melissa Jones shares insight into raising daughters who are deeply empathetic and sensitive.Through personal stories and practical tools, she offers guidance on how to support big-feeling girls by helping them anchor their emotions, validate their experiences, and build emotional awareness. Tune in to discover:How to support sensitivity as a strengthTools to help your daughter manage emotional overwhelmWays to teach self-awareness and emotional balanceIf your daughter feels everything, this short pep talk is for you.If you know a parent who could benefit from this conversation, share this episode with them! Let's work together to raise the next generation of confident girls.Melissa's Links:• Website • Instagram • Facebook• TikTok• LinkedIn
Episode #1044 Feel like every argument with your wife turns into a courtroom battle? You explain, defend, try to fix it, and somehow it only gets worse. In this episode, Doug and Chris answer real questions from men who are tired of walking on eggshells and ready to lead differently. You'll learn what DEER Mode really is and why it keeps you stuck. You'll also get real examples of how to stop reacting and start creating emotional safety so your wife can relax and reconnect. Whether she says she needs space, shuts down for days, or tells you she's not in love with this version of you, this episode shows you how to respond without chasing, fixing, or folding. This is about shifting out of panic mode and into calm leadership. It's about taking full ownership without losing your edge. When your wife feels safe, everything changes. And when you stop letting fear run the show, you finally show up as the man you were built to be. If this hits home and you want to take the next step, check out the free training that breaks down how to fix your marriage without more talking or therapy at https://fixmarriage.thepowerfulman.com/scales.
In this episode we talk about how Letting go of control, comfort, and old coping patterns isn't easy. Change asks us to allow, to trust, and to let in — all things that can feel terrifying if we've spent years surviving by keeping walls up. In this episode, we talk about how to know when it's time to loosen control, why “fine” isn't the same as fulfilled, and what helps us feel safe enough to soften. Because true courage isn't about forcing change — it's about allowing growth to happen where safety and honesty meet. THREE TAKEAWAYS 1. Letting go isn't giving up — it's trusting yourself enough to stop forcing outcomes. 2. Safety comes from consistency, empathy, and ownership — not control. 3. Real courage begins when we allow vulnerability to meet safety. The courage to stop managing everything begins with one brave thought: maybe I'm safe enough now to let go. Get your FREE Boundaries Ebook here! If you're ready to find your voice, set healthy boundaries, and create more fulfilling relationships, this guide is your roadmap! Need more? Check out the Masterclass on Reclaiming Your Voice: https://www.findyourvoicecourse.com/beyond-words Hey! My signature course is live! I am so excited to also offer a free upgrade to the group coaching program. Be sure to click here to check it out: https://findyourvoicecourse.com/ Need coaching? Sign up here for your Power Hour, where you and I can get you started on your confidence journey! https://findyourvoicecourse.com/power-hour Resources: Join the private Facebook group! It's a great group of people working on themselves…and supporting each other. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1212485642262143 Thank you for tuning in to this podcast. Please remember to leave a positive review on your podcast platform and let us know how this episode has been helpful. Also don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or Spotify so you don't miss a thing!
Text us your questions or topics for the show! We got you!Cass Morrow, Author of Disrupting Divorce: The NEW Man. Saving Struggling, Sexless, and Toxic Marriages.Kathryn Morrow, Author of Behind The White Picket Fence.Keep It Clean, Keep It Dirty!In marriage, passion and purity both matter — but too many couples lose the spark trying to stay “perfect.”In this episode of The 'NEW' Marriage, we talk about balancing emotional connection with physical desire — why healthy sexuality is vital to long-term love, and how to keep things real, playful, and sacred at the same time.We dive into how shame, fear, and conditioning can kill attraction, and what it takes to create a relationship that's both emotionally safe and sexually alive.
In this short episode of the Raising Confident Girls podcast, host Melissa Jones kicks off her new series, Parent Pep Talk, with a powerful reminder: parenting isn't about getting it perfect—it's about staying connected.Through personal stories and honest reflections, Melissa shares how being present and truly listening can do more for your daughter's confidence than having all the answers.In this episode, you'll learn:Why emotional safety matters more than perfect parentingThe power of listening without jumping in to fixHow asking the right questions builds trust and resilienceSimple ways to show up with presence and vulnerabilityIf you've ever felt the pressure to do it all “right,” this episode will encourage you to slow down, connect, and trust that being there is more than enough.If you know a parent who could benefit from this conversation, share this episode with them! Let's work together to raise the next generation of confident girls.Melissa's Links:• Website • Instagram • Facebook• TikTok• LinkedIn
This is a special episode because I'm joined by my life consultant, Rachel Hughes, for a rich conversation about the nervous system, trauma, and the journey of healing. Rachel has been a deeply influential voice in my own process—teaching me what it means to feel safe in my body and how to gently restore that sense of safety when it's lost.Together, we explore the importance of understanding triggers, cultivating self-compassion, and practicing emotional regulation in everyday life. This conversation highlights the power of creating safety in small, consistent ways—and the hope that emerges when we begin to truly heal.Rachel created the course reclaimig you alongside Abi Stumvoll: https://justinandabi.com/courses/reclaimingyou/Follow Rachel on instragram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelhughesconsulting/Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyuBook a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.comFollow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper_
In this episode, we dive into an enlightening conversation with Cindy Stibbard, a certified divorce and relationship coach and the founder of Divorce Redefined. Cindy shares her journey of dealing with infidelity, navigating the breakdown of her marriage, and ultimately finding purpose in helping others. The discussion touches on the importance of addressing conflict in relationships, emotional safety, and the value of independence and self-worth. Cindy offers practical advice for both single and married listeners on how to build healthy relationships, whether it involves staying and working through tough times or knowing when to move on.IN THIS EPISODE:- (06:20) Deciding Whether to Stay or Go- (15:09) The Importance of Emotional Safety- (22:21) Cindy's Personal Marriage Experience- (39:19) The Two-Year Rule for Relationships- (43:09) The Dangers of Codependency- (47:16) The Strength of Being Single- (54:28) Dealing with Betrayal and InfidelityRESOURCESCheck out my How to Attract Devoted Masculine Men Masterclass HERE My FREE eBook The Magnetic WomanApp rec: BumbleFeminine Embodiment HERECONNECT WITH CHARLENE On Instagram @mscharlenebyars On YouTube @chosentrainingWork with me HERECONNECT WITH CINDYOn Instagram HEREHis Links HERE
In this episode, our returning guest expert (and favorite friend of the podcast!) Dr. Nacchi Felt joins us to unveil the brand-new Cycle of Accountability—the life-direction loop that helps ADHD brains point their power at the right targets.Inside the loop:Alignment — Name your values (think truth, responsibility, gratitude) so decisions stop feeling random.Accountability — Drop the “shoulds.” Hold yourself to what you care about.Attention — Your attention is your presence. Reclaim it as your birthright.Attachment — Safe relationships supercharge the loop and keep you present.But here's the deeper truth: safety and acceptance are the foundation that make this loop possible. Being “safe” means you can be fully seen and still contained—someone can sit with you in your hardest moments without pulling away. That's a rare experience for many ADHDers, and therapy or coaching can provide a version of that safety while you learn to build it yourself. From playful co-regulation with a child to a friend's honest reassurance, relationships that combine honesty and containment create fertile ground for growth. When you experience that kind of attachment, it not only soothes your nervous system—it also strengthens your alignment with your values and makes accountability feel natural, not forced. You're not going to want to miss this episode!More from Dr. Felt here!Clearheaded: The ADHD Guide for Turning Overwhelm into Clarity, Calm, and Control
How to pass the 4 pillars of manhood to your kids Why celebrating vulnerability matters more than perfect discipline How to normalize hard conversations about sex, money, and struggle The long view: Becoming a tender-hearted grandpa starts now FULL SHOW NOTES LEARN about joining the Fall 2025 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohorts SUMMARY Some days you feel like a C-grade dad, and that's when presence matters most. In this episode, Josh Krehbiel shares how he's learning to create emotional safety for his kids, celebrate vulnerability over performance, and pursue the long view of becoming a tender-hearted grandfather. You'll hear about the four pillars of manhood, why crock-pot freedom beats microwave solutions, and how to get to the rocking chair with love on your heart. TAKEAWAYS Marking moments matter: Creating manhood ceremonies and intentional milestones leaves lasting impressions on your kids, even if the follow-up isn't perfect. Celebrate vulnerability first: When your kids fail or confess something hard, make it about their openness before addressing consequences—this builds emotional safety. Reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, and be fueled by the future: These four pillars of manhood provide a framework for raising boys and girls with character. Pursue purity as a top priority: The war for purity as a father protects your ability to show physical affection and have compassion without contamination. Freedom is crock-pot, not microwave: Breakthrough comes through long-suffering love and staying present, not by trying to manhandle change. GUEST Josh Krehbiel is the lead founding pastor of Every Day Church in Roseville, Minnesota—a community focused on prayer, discipleship, and sending out leaders and movements. Along with his wife Katie, Josh is passionate about raising up the next generation through worship, ministry, and authentic family connection. They have four children: three teenagers and a five-year-old. Josh is also a songwriter and worship leader who believes in the power of declaring truth over families through music and prayer. LINKS Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book Raising Modern-Day Knights by Robert Lewis Everyday Church, Roseville, Minnesota QUOTES "When failure happens we celebrate the vulnerability first because the most important thing is connection and felt safety." "I want to get to the rocking chair with love on my heart and grandkids who say grandpa is kind." "Freedom doesn't happen through manhandling it happens through long suffering love and staying present in the crock pot not microwave." "Your kids don't feel safe because you think they're safe they feel safe when you celebrate their vulnerability over their performance." "The war for purity as a father protects your ability to show physical affection with compassion instead of contamination."