Podcasts about marriage communication

Nicole Gebhardt: Turning Trauma into Purpose Through Sobriety, Support, and Community Trigger Warning: Episode will cover topics of loss, rape, addition and suicide. On A Ruck Up Buttercup Podcast, host Ashley interviews Nicole Gebhardt—2026 National Guard Military Spouse of the Year, best-selling author, mother, and recovering addict—who shares her “pain to purpose” journey and the importance of community for military spouses. Nicole recounts childhood sexual abuse by her father, a gang rape in college, miscarriages, and the death of her son Samuel at nine weeks old, followed by being treated as a criminal and enduring an abusive, drug-addicted first marriage before fleeing with her children while pregnant. After remarrying a service member, unhealed trauma led to heavy drinking and a 2019 suicide attempt that she survived, prompting sobriety and intensive healing. She now writes books, coaches women, and starts pregnancy/infant loss and addiction support groups with each PCS, urging spouses to ask for help, practice gratitude, communicate, and build community. 00:00 Welcome and Trigger Warning 03:29 Nicole's Pain to Purpose 05:40 Childhood Abuse and College Assault 06:47 Miscarriage and Infant Loss 07:31 Escaping Abuse and Starting Over 08:54 Alcoholism and Suicide Attempt 09:48 Recovery and Building Support Groups 12:25 Finding Her Voice Publicly 17:01 Military Spouse Community Rally 20:46 Moving to Alaska and Healing Deeper 23:33 Honoring Samuel and Talking with Kids 25:17 Journaling and Daily Affirmations 27:29 How to Support Grieving Parents 32:18 Build Your Community After PCS 37:02 Sharing Support Networks 38:11 Spouse of the Year Connections 40:09 You Cannot Do It Alone 41:44 Books Groups and Coaching 42:53 Hard Topics We Avoid 45:10 Boundaries and Honest Parenting 48:12 Addiction and Healthy Coping 49:58 Healing Habits and Self Care 55:01 Marriage Communication and Love 01:01:16 Find Your Community 01:04:22 Closing Encouragement Connect with Nicole Website: http://www.nicolebgebhardt.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/nicolebgebhardtofficial Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegebhardtheals IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.gebhardt Email: nicolebgebhardt@gmail.com Books: Broken Wings Broken Dreams: A Mother's Life After Infant Loss and Miscarriage The Healing Cocoon : A Mother's Emergence After Infant and Pregnancy Loss A Queen Saves Herself: A Story of Triumph and Transformation The Queen's Companion Book: Rule Your Throne. Own Your Queendom Purchased here: https://nicolebgebhardt.com/bookstore/ Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: ashleybrown@deployedlove.org

Why does a small comment from your spouse sometimes set off a reaction that feels way bigger than the moment calls for? Todd Creager, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience, breaks down what's actually happening when your partner triggers you.In this solo episode, Todd explains that the size of your reaction is the clue. When your heart races, your jaw tightens, and you're three steps into an argument before you've decided to have it, it's rarely the grown-up version of you responding. Todd describes a protector — the part that goes on offense with anger, blame, or distance — and an exile, an older wound in you that once felt dismissed, controlled, criticized, or abandoned. He uses a familiar example: a partner forgetting something at the grocery store, and the anger that follows feeling out of proportion to what actually happened.Todd offers a question you can ask yourself mid-fight: how old does this feeling actually feel? That question alone can change a conversation, because it helps you see you're not really fighting your spouse — you're reacting to a moment from long ago that just got pressed again. Todd is careful to note this isn't about excusing a partner's behavior, and it isn't about blaming yourself either. It's about recognizing which part of you is driving the reaction so you can respond instead of react.If you've ever wondered why you overreact to your partner, or why the same argument keeps repeating with more heat than it deserves, this episode gives you a way to slow down and understand what's underneath it.Listen to this episode to learn how recognizing your own triggers can change the way you and your partner talk to each other, and subscribe for more honest, practical guidance from Todd Creager on love, sex, and building the relationship you actually want. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who could benefit and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more couples who are ready to transform their lives.Check out my complete program "From Bickering & Escalating to Connecting & Loving" for more in-depth guidance: https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/loving-connecting-masterclassTodd Creager, LCSW, LMFTTodd is a sex expert and therapist in Huntington Beach.  He provides relationship coaching to couples throughout the world and in Orange County including Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach.  (714) 848-2288.You can find more tips and resources from Todd Creager at:  https://toddcreager.com  HELPFUL LINKS:Get your FREE copy of Healing Infidelity From The Inside Out https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/heal-infidelity Secrets to a Sexy Marriage:  https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/sexy-marriage-secrets7 Ways to Divorce Proof Your Marriage: https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/optin-DPYMBe...

Tommy and Desnekka Taylor, creators of The NeuroGenesis Protocol™ and Marriage 2.0 program, have become two of the most trusted voices in modern marriage restoration.   Their work blends biblical truth, neuroscience, and identity transformation, bringing profound simplicity and depth to an area where most couples feel overwhelmed and hopeless.   To get 1on1 mentorship from Tommy and Desnekka apply & book a free call now:   https://howtofixmymarriage.com/podcast    Our Website https://www.tommyanddesnekka.com/   Instagram:   / https://www.instagram.com/tommyanddesnekka/  Facebook:   / https://www.facebook.com/tommyanddesnekka  TikTok:   / https://www.tiktok.com/@tommyanddesnekka 

Marriage: Communication, Conflict, & Rhythm by Christ Community Church of Magnolia

What if the thing you've been doing to fix your relationship is actually what's keeping it stuck?Most couples hit a wall. You've read the books, planned the date nights, promised to listen better — and somehow you're still in the same spot. More exhausted, more frustrated, and further apart than before. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.In this solo episode, Todd Creager — licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years working with couples — explains why trying harder rarely works, and what's actually happening beneath the surface when your best efforts fall flat.Todd introduces a way of thinking that goes deeper than most couples therapy advice: the idea that we're made up of different parts — and that the real reason relationships stall isn't lack of effort. It's that one part of you is trying to fix things while another part — a wounded, scared, or quietly resentful part — isn't on board. No amount of willpower gets through to that part.He walks through a real couple he's currently working with: a woman who never felt seen as a child and erupts when her husband gets defensive, and a husband who grew up with an aggressive father and shuts down the moment conflict starts. Neither is the villain. Both are being driven by protective parts that took shape long before they ever met.What they're learning — and what Todd wants you to take away — is the difference between a protective relationship and a self-led relationship. A self-led relationship doesn't come from trying harder. It comes from getting curious about the parts of you that keep showing up in the same painful patterns, and learning to lead from a place of clarity, compassion, and genuine connection.This episode won't hand you a quick fix. It will give you a different way of seeing yourself, your partner, and the cycle you keep getting stuck in — and that shift is where real change in a relationship actually begins.If you're in a long-term relationship and feel like you've tried everything, start here.Subscribe to Todd's podcast for honest, practical guidance on the relationship challenges that matter most. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who could benefit and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more couples who are ready to transform their lives.Check out my complete program "From Bickering & Escalating to Connecting & Loving" for more in-depth guidance: https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/loving-connecting-masterclassTodd Creager, LCSW, LMFTTodd is a sex expert and therapist in Huntington Beach.  He provides relationship coaching to couples throughout the world and in Orange County including Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach.  (714) 848-2288.You can find more tips and resources from Todd Creager at:  https://toddcreager.com  HELPFUL LINKS:Get your FREE copy of Healing Infidelity From The Inside Out https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/heal-infidelity Secrets to a Sexy Marriage:  https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/sexy-marriage-secrets7 Ways to Divorce Proof Your Marriage: https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/optin-DPYMBe...

Marriage communication is shaped by the small moments you create every day, including the texts you send. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell shares simple, heartfelt ways to bring more playfulness, intimacy, and authentic relationship communication into your messages so you can nurture a marriage that feels warm, connected, and fully alive.Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.alignedhotmarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights, and opportunities to learn with her: 
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Marriage communication is shaped by the small moments you create every day, including the texts you send. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell shares simple, heartfelt ways to bring more playfulness, intimacy, and authentic relationship communication into your messages so you can nurture a marriage that feels warm, connected, and fully alive.Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully: 
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.alignedhotmarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights, and opportunities to learn with her: 
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simplified Impact⁠⁠

In Part 2 of this Heavyweight Collective series, the crew continues unpacking the idea that peace isn't the absence of conflict—it's the presence of order. This time, the focus shifts from avoidance to action, exploring what healthy conflict resolution actually looks like when emotions, relationships, and pride are involved.The conversation dives into strained relationships, unresolved tension, and the reality that being polite isn't always the same as being at peace. The crew discusses practical tools for navigating disagreements, including how to argue without attacking, stop circular conversations, and create environments where people feel heard instead of judged.The episode also explores parenting, accountability, and the role consistency plays in creating security. From difficult conversations with children to procrastination, fear of failure, and everyday distractions, the discussion keeps returning to a simple but powerful truth: order requires honesty.This episode is a reminder that real peace is built, not avoided.Tap in With US! Thanks for tapping in with The Heavyweight Collective! Make sure you follow, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this convo. Catch us on all socials for clips, updates, and more behind the mic. https://linktr.ee/TheHeavyweightPodcast

Send us Fan MailYou want to be vulnerable… but what do you actually say?In this episode, Chelsey gives you the practical framework to express hurt, loneliness, rejection, overwhelm, and disconnection in a way that creates intimacy instead of conflict.If you've ever found yourself blaming, shutting down, over-explaining, or hoping your spouse can just “figure it out,” this episode will help you move from self-protection to clarity, ownership, and connection.Because vulnerability isn't about saying more.It's about revealing what's true—and offering a path forward together. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

Send us Fan MailWomen often think they're being vulnerable because they're talking.Explaining.Processing.Venting.Sharing every detail.But sometimes all those words are keeping the real heart hidden.In this episode, Chelsey unpacks the feminine side of vulnerability and why so many wives communicate around the wound instead of revealing it. You'll learn how self-protection can show up through over-explaining, how to identify what's actually happening underneath the words, and why emotional intimacy grows when we stop hiding behind information and start telling the truth.Because your husband doesn't need more details.He needs access to your heart. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

Send us Fan MailLearn how male vulnerability often shows up in unexpected ways—and how understanding the heart underneath your husband's behavior can help rebuild intimacy, connection, and oneness.What if your husband is more vulnerable than you think… you just don't recognize it?In this episode, Chelsey breaks down the masculine side of vulnerability and why many men reveal their hearts differently than women expect. From silence and sarcasm to frustration, joking, or withdrawal, you'll learn how self-protection often masks deeper fears, longings, and needs for connection.Because vulnerability in men doesn't always look soft.Sometimes it comes out sideways.And if you can learn to hear the heart underneath the behavior, it can change the way you respond—and the intimacy you build. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

Send us Fan MailDiscover why vulnerability feels so difficult, what you're actually protecting, and how trusting God allows you to move toward deeper intimacy, healing, and connection.If vulnerability is the pathway to intimacy, why is it so difficult?Why do we want connection but pull away? Why do we long to be known yet struggle to reveal what's really happening inside of us?In this episode, Chelsey explores the real reason vulnerability feels so hard: self-protection. Drawing from Genesis, Colossians, and everyday marriage dynamics, she unpacks how old hurts, fear, and past experiences often teach us to hide, control, defend, and protect ourselves from further pain.You'll learn why self-protection and intimacy cannot coexist, how old receipts influence present reactions, and why true vulnerability isn't ultimately about trusting your spouse perfectly—it's about trusting God completely.Because healing begins when we stop asking, “What's wrong with me?” and start asking, “What am I protecting?” Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

Send us Fan MailDiscover why vulnerability isn't sharing more information- it's revealing what's true, and why that is the foundation of intimacy, connection, and oneness.You can talk for hours and still feel disconnected.You can share your schedule, your plans, your frustrations, and everything that happened during your day… while never revealing your heart.In this episode, Chelsey  unpacks one of the most misunderstood concepts in marriage: vulnerability. Learn why intimacy requires more than communication, how hiding began in the Garden, and why vulnerability is less about sharing everything and more about revealing what is true.Because information doesn't create intimacy.Revelation does. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

Send us Fan MailMost couples think conflict is what destroys intimacy.It's not.Self-protection is.A husband jokes instead of admitting he feels rejected.A wife withdraws instead of admitting she feels hurt.One pursues. One avoids.Different behaviors. Same root.Self-protection.In this episode, Chelsey unpacks the hidden ways self-protection shows up in marriage, why God often uses marriage to expose the wounds and fears He wants to heal, and how our identity in Christ gives us the security to stop hiding and start moving toward one another.Because intimacy was never built on performance, control, or self-preservation.It was built on vulnerability, truth, and trust.And self-protection and intimacy cannot coexist. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

Send us Fan MailMany couples think they have a communication problem when they actually have an ownership problem.When hurt, frustration, loneliness, and disappointment go unnamed, it's easy to fall into blame, defensiveness, criticism, and distance. But emotional intimacy grows when two people learn to take ownership of what they're feeling, anchor themselves in truth, and move toward one another with a shared path forward.In this episode, I'm sharing a simple framework to help couples reignite emotional connection through honesty, responsibility, repentance, and oneness.Because emotional intimacy isn't built through winning arguments.It's built through being known, speaking truth, and choosing to move toward one another again. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

What do you do with all the emotions that linger after a fight with your spouse? Even when the argument is over, the hurt, disappointment, frustration, and unmet expectations can continue to swirl around in your mind and heart. In this episode, I sit down with Dave and Ann Wilson from FamilyLife Today to talk about what happens after marriage conflict and how to process those emotions in a healthy, Christ-centered way. We discuss recurring arguments, unmet expectations, disappointment in marriage, and practical ways to bring your emotions to God so resentment doesn't quietly take root. If you've ever felt stuck in the same marriage conflict over and over again, this conversation will remind you that healing and hope are possible. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN [00:00] Why Marriage Often Brings Our Deepest Emotional Triggers to the Surface [04:00] How to Find the Real Issue Underneath the Argument [15:00] The Hidden Wounds We Bring Into Marriage [20:00] Grieving the Marriage You Thought You Would Have [27:00] Help for Managing Emotions in Marriage: Tip #1: Asking God Before You Speak [32:00] Help for Managing Emotions in Marriage: Tip #2: Own Your Mistakes [35:00] What to Do When You Feel Hurt But Your Spouse Doesn't Understand [40:00] Protecting Hope During Long-Term Marriage Struggles [44:00] Using the A.D.D. Method to Process Marriage Emotions RESOURCES: Vertical Marriage: The One Secret That will Change Your Marriage by Dave and Ann Wilson How to Speak Life to Your Husband When All You Want to Do Is Yell at Him by Ann Wilson FamilyLife Today Podcast RELATED EPISODES: Ep 299: Emotions in Marriage: When Should You Share (and When Should You Not)? Ep 301: What to Do When Your Husband Shuts Down Emotionally with Sathiya Sam Ep 342: Help for Emotional Overreaction in Relationships Ep 328: When Your Husband Is Driving You Crazy with Ann + Dave Wilson   Send us Fan Mail

Rev. Grace explores how communication in marriage often breaks down under stress, leading couples into conflict or silence. She encourages intentional conversations, patience, and creating space to truly hear one another while trusting God for healing and restoration.#citamchurchonline #ChurchEverydayGet in touch with us:http://www.citam.org/churchonline@citam.org(+254) 784 277 277(+254) 728 221 221

Amy & Kat go over some listener questions and emails. First, a listener is trying to conceive while three family members are pregnant at the same time. The jealousy is real and so is the guilt about feeling jealous. Then a blindsiding breakup over text after six months of dating. He's 39 with two kids. A TEXT. Amy and Kat have feelings about that. Another listener asks for marriage communication advice so we break it down the only way that actually works, explained like toddlers. And when is the right time to introduce your kids to someone new after divorce? Amy & Kat get into the general guidelines and the book recommendation Mix, Don't Blend. Plus two listener emails that could not be more opposite about “passing gas,” but honestly both of them are completely valid. Get some Feeling Things merch by clicking HERE! (FeelingThingsPodcast.com) Sign up for the Feeling Things newsletter HERE! Watch us on Youtube HERE! Call and leave a voicemail: 877-207-2077 Email: heythere@feelingthingspodcast.com HOSTS: Amy Brown // RadioAmy.com // @RadioAmy Kat Van Buren // threecordstherapy.com // @KatVanburenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really take to keep intimacy alive after years together? In this episode of hol+, Dr. Taz sits down with Caitlin V, sexologist, educator, coach, author, and host of Good Sex, for a candid conversation about sex, connection, hormones, communication, and the relationship patterns that quietly shape long-term intimacy.Together, they explore why many couples start to feel disconnected over time, especially through the pressures of marriage, parenting, midlife, stress, changing bodies, shifting hormones, and unspoken resentment. Caitlin explains why intimacy is not something couples are simply supposed to “know how to do,” and why learning to talk about sex, desire, needs, and repair can completely change the direction of a relationship.Dr. Taz and Caitlin also discuss the role of men's health, testosterone, cortisol, perimenopause, menopause, performance pressure, emotional shutdown, and the invisible load that many women carry. They unpack why both men and women can check out of a relationship, how resentment builds, and why emotional distance is often one of the earliest signs that a couple needs support.This conversation offers a grounded and hopeful look at how couples can rebuild closeness, not through pressure or blame, but through communication, curiosity, physical connection, appreciation, and a willingness to keep learning each other.If you're listening to this and thinking, “I know something is off in my body, but I don't know where to start,” join the Circle here:

Marriage communication is shaped by the small moments you create every day, including the texts you send. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell shares simple, heartfelt ways to bring more playfulness, intimacy, and authentic relationship communication into your messages so you can nurture a marriage that feels warm, connected, and fully alive.

Marriage communication is shaped by the small moments you create every day, including the texts you send. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell shares simple, heartfelt ways to bring more playfulness, intimacy, and authentic relationship communication into your messages so you can nurture a marriage that feels warm, connected, and fully alive.

We need to be careful over the things that come out of our mouths

Send us Fan MailYou study business.You study parenting.You study nutrition.But do you intentionally study your husband?In this episode, I'm teaching wives how to become students of their husbands—not to control them or fix them—but to understand, support, and build the kind of marriage where both people flourish.You'll learn practical ways to understand how your husband thinks, what creates safety and connection for men, and how intentional curiosity creates stronger marriages than assumption ever will.Because high level marriages are built by spouses who never stop learning each other. Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."Ready for a next step? If this episode stirred something deeper and you're ready to move from insight into surrender, I created a short guided experience called From Awareness to Surrender.

In this episode, Rev. Grace explores how financial strain can impact communication, trust, and unity between spouses, and offers guidance on how couples can respond with honesty, prayer, and intentional budgeting. This is a timely reminder that even in the midst of pressure, marriage can be strengthened when God is invited into the center of it.#citamchurchonline #ChurchEverydayGet in touch with us:http://www.citam.org/churchonline@citam.org(+254) 784 277 277(+254) 728 221 221

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.He gets anxious every time his wife goes out on Saturdays. She had an affair. He's 2 months into the program. He brushes off her "are you OK?" with "I'm fine." And he wants to know: do I bring it up now, wait, or just push through? Cass's answer: first, stop calling it being triggered. You're insecure. Name it for what it is. In Ep442 of the Morrow Marriage Q&A, Cass coaches Chris through one of the most common patterns men get stuck in after betrayal — and breaks down the exact tools to stop it. 

This episode centered around a simple but uncomfortable reality: a lot of families are moving fast, staying busy, and still feeling disconnected. Pastor Q breaks down how survival mode slowly becomes normal when the pace of life starts setting the pace of the family. This conversation is packed with practical leadership for the home, from setting rhythms to learning how to say no before culture decides your priorities for you. CONNECT WITH US Mark Q | Instagram JUST LEAD | Instagram JUST LEAD | TikTok JUST LEAD | YouTube WATCH & SUBSCRIBE If you haven't yet, make sure to tap subscribe on your favorite podcast platform — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. JUST LEAD is now available on YouTube! We release NEW episodes on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month. Turn on your notifications and you'll be the first to know when new content drops. LEAVE A REVIEW If you love the show, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a 5-Star Review! This is one of the best ways to help other people find us and join the JUST LEAD community. Seito Sushi Orlando

Sometimes the argument is not really about the dishes, the video game, the slow text, or the family event. Sometimes the reaction is just the part your partner can see, while the real issue is feeling unheard, unsupported, or taken for granted.In this episode of Life After I Do, Nesha G and Moelethal unpack what men and women overreact about in relationships and marriage. Their conversation moves from funny everyday triggers like chores, football, gaming, and getting ready to deeper truths about emotional safety, communication, intimacy, and the difference between joking to lighten the mood and joking to avoid accountability.The Our 2 Cents segment brings three strong dilemmas into the room: a husband who told his mother-in-law she could not visit the hospital after the birth, a boyfriend who cannot move past cheating that happened early in the relationship, and a grandmother who refuses to keep babysitting toddlers while working from home. Through each story, the episode keeps asking the same question in different ways: are you overreacting, or are you finally respecting your own boundary?Send us Fan MailMessy Midlife: Honest conversations about hormones, identity, and change.Three naturopathic doctors. One therapist. Unfiltered talks about the midlife transition.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show Thanks for rocking with us! Don't forget to follow Life After I Do so you never miss an episode. Got a relationship situation you want us to weigh in on? Hit us at https://beacons.ai/laidpodcast — we just might talk about it in a future episode. 

Marriage will make you ask a hard question: are we both sacrificing, or are we just keeping score? In this episode of Life After I Do, Nesha G and Moelethal use their real twenty-year chemistry to unpack the invisible weight behind marriage, parenting, provision, career pauses, and the emotional labor that often goes unnamed. In this episode, we discuss whether men sacrifice more in marriage, whether women carry the heavier emotional and mental load, and why “50/50” rarely tells the whole truth. The conversation moves from provider pressure and financial responsibility to motherhood, identity loss, postpartum emotions, career sacrifice, and the quiet cost of being the default parent.Nesha opens up about what it feels like to think about returning to the workforce after almost seven years away, while Moe reflects on the pressure to provide, protect, and keep the household stable. Together, they land on a mature truth: healthy marriage is not about proving who has it harder, it is about recognizing what your partner carries before resentment starts talking for you.Send us Fan MailSupport the show Thanks for rocking with us! Don't forget to follow Life After I Do so you never miss an episode. Got a relationship situation you want us to weigh in on? Hit us at https://beacons.ai/laidpodcast — we just might talk about it in a future episode. 

A couple's game sounds harmless until the answers start telling the truth. In Finish the Sentence: Marriage Edition, Nesha G and Moelethal use humor, honesty, and twenty years of chemistry to unpack the small marriage moments that reveal bigger relationship dynamics.The episode begins with love notes, birthday reflections, gym wins, and the kind of tired-parent banter that feels real because it is real. But once the sentence prompts begin, the conversation opens up into affection, money pressure, procrastination, parenting fatigue, deep cleaning, quality time, and the question of whether both people are truly carrying their part of the marriage.What makes this episode work is the balance. One minute they are laughing about lunch notes and corny habits, and the next they are debating what it means to be a provider, whether staying out of the way counts as support, and why invisible labor can become a source of resentment when it is not acknowledged. The “Our 2 Cents” segment closes the episode with a staycation dilemma that will definitely start a conversation.Send us Fan MailSupport the show Thanks for rocking with us! Don't forget to follow Life After I Do so you never miss an episode. Got a relationship situation you want us to weigh in on? Hit us at https://beacons.ai/laidpodcast — we just might talk about it in a future episode. 

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 Do I Create A Safe Space For Us To Communicate Better?Kayla called in with one question: how do I create a safe space in my marriage so we can communicate better without him blowing up?Cass flips the frame immediately: a safe space starts with you—with identity and self-worth—not with managing your partner's emotions.What we cover:The safe space formula: when you stop depending on your partner for your worth, you become steadyThe “fat purple cow” test: is it true? (and why some words hurt even when they're unfair)How to own what's true without absorbing what isn'tWhy saying “it's going to be OK” often isn't support—it's discomfort managementEmpathy as regulation: how to not get pulled onto the “crazy train”Communicating when a partner has a clinical diagnosis (and why it can require a different level of love)If you or your partner are dealing with schizophrenia or any mental health condition: this episode is not medical advice. Please work with qualified professionals for diagnosis, medication, and treatment support.

In this episode, I talk with Jason VanRuler about why we keep missing each other in conversation and what's actually going on beneath the surface. We explore the five communication types - peacemaker, advocate, thinker, harbor, and spark - and how our upbringing, attachment styles, and even shame shape the way we speak and listen. Jason offers a practical way forward: growing in self-awareness, understanding the person in front of you, and shifting from trying to win or convince to actually connecting.​​Jason VanRuler, MA, CSAT, is a psychotherapist, author, and nationally recognized speaker specializing in communication, attachment, and relationships. He's the author of Discovering Your Communication Type and Get Past Your Past and founder of a thriving private practice. Known for blending insight, story, and strategy, Jason leads workshops, retreats, and intensives that explore the patterns shaping how we connect, lead, and thrive. His work creates space for clarity, growth, and lasting change. He lives with his wife and three children and enjoys travel, cycling, and fly fishing.Jason's Book:Discovering Your Communication TypeConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below NEW PODCAST: American Evangelicals - A History PodcastA thoughtful, deep dive into one of the most talked-about movements in American history.Support the show

Why Is My Spouse Becoming Cold and Distant from Me?When a spouse feels cold or distant, it is easy to react with more pressure, more honesty about frustrations, or repeated attempts to fix the problem. Those responses often increase defensiveness and emotional distance instead of rebuilding closeness. In this episode, Coach Jack helps listeners look at what may be driving the distance and how to replace unhelpful patterns with behaviors that create safety, connection, and steadier progress.What You'll Learn:How to tell whether the distance may be tied to stress, substances, health issues, an affair, unavailability, or needy behaviorHow to identify relational blind spots that may be pushing a spouse further awayHow to replace criticism and arguing with behaviors that protect closeness while still addressing problemsHow to make gradual, practical changes that help a spouse feel more loved, valued, and emotionally safeBuild a Closer Relationship With Your Spouse: The Re-Connections Coaching Package helps you respond to distance in ways that can improve connection, rebuild emotional safety, and create more closeness in your marriage. It is designed to help you know what to say and do to increase your spouse's desire for you.Emotional distance often has more than one possible cause.Waiting passively rarely improves disconnection.Criticism and arguing can reduce love and closeness.Positive requests, validation, and boundaries are stronger alternatives.Small, consistent changes can create meaningful improvement.Additional Resources:Overcome Neediness and Get the Love You Want, by Jack Ito PhDCoaching ConsultationsContact PageWork one-on-one with Coach Jack to repair your relationship using small, easy steps that rebuild connection quickly. Visit CoachJackIto.com to learn more about relationship coaching.

Send a textWhat does it really mean when Scripture says a man who finds a wife receives favor from the Lord?In this episode of Marriage Mondays with The Kings, we dive into Proverbs 18:22 (NLT): “The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.”Many husbands pray for favor, opportunities, and blessings from God, yet overlook the very favor that may already be sitting beside them. A wife is not simply a partner in life—Scripture calls her a treasure and a sign of God's favor operating within a man's life.In this conversation, we explore what biblical favor truly means and discuss the ways some husbands unknowingly fight against the blessing God placed in their marriage. We also highlight the many ways a wife's wisdom, discernment, encouragement, and spiritual covering can positively impact her husband, family, and legacy.This episode encourages husbands to pause and reflect: Are you recognizing and honoring the treasure God gave you, or have you begun to take that favor for granted?Join us for a meaningful discussion that challenges husbands to recognize the value of their wives and learn how to work with the favor God has already placed in their lives.Support the show

Parenting changes everything, including your relationship. In this episode, I sit down with therapist and author Eli Weinstein to talk honestly about why couples feel so disconnected after kids, what actually fuels resentment, and the small shifts that bring you back to each other. We cover expectations, invisible labor, communication traps, and why the first year with a new baby can shake even the strongest partnership. Eli also walks through practical tools like the five-minute check in, full communication, and his favorite phrase for opening up hard conversations without them turning into fights. This episode is real, relatable, and grounding. If you've ever thought, “We love each other, so why does this feel so heavy?”, you're not alone. Eli shares stories from his own marriage, the couples he supports, and the tiny moments that rebuild connection when life feels chaotic. Whether you're new parents, in the thick of it, or years past the baby stage, this is a conversation that brings clarity and hope. What we talk about: Why the first year after a baby strains even healthy relationships Expectations vs perception vs reality The invisible load and why it feels so uneven How resentment quietly builds The five-minute daily check in Full communication (and why hints don't work) Rhombus moments for airing feelings safely Fighting fair and repairing in front of kids Why couples don't need perfection, just honesty Small gestures that matter more than grand romantic moments To connect with Eli Weinstein follow him on Instagram @thedudetherapist, check out all his resources at linktr.ee/dudetherapist and buy his book “From I Do To We Do”: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book  TBD Chapters Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parenting changes everything, including your relationship. In this episode, I sit down with therapist and author Eli Weinstein to talk honestly about why couples feel so disconnected after kids, what actually fuels resentment, and the small shifts that bring you back to each other. We cover expectations, invisible labor, communication traps, and why the first year with a new baby can shake even the strongest partnership. Eli also walks through practical tools like the five-minute check in, full communication, and his favorite phrase for opening up hard conversations without them turning into fights. This episode is real, relatable, and grounding. If you've ever thought, “We love each other, so why does this feel so heavy?”, you're not alone. Eli shares stories from his own marriage, the couples he supports, and the tiny moments that rebuild connection when life feels chaotic. Whether you're new parents, in the thick of it, or years past the baby stage, this is a conversation that brings clarity and hope. What we talk about: Why the first year after a baby strains even healthy relationships Expectations vs perception vs reality The invisible load and why it feels so uneven How resentment quietly builds The five-minute daily check in Full communication (and why hints don't work) Rhombus moments for airing feelings safely Fighting fair and repairing in front of kids Why couples don't need perfection, just honesty Small gestures that matter more than grand romantic moments To connect with Eli Weinstein follow him on Instagram @thedudetherapist, check out all his resources at linktr.ee/dudetherapist and buy his book “From I Do To We Do”: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book  00:00 Intro: When Partners Start Feeling Like Roommates 02:35 Meet Eli Weinstein and Why This Topic Matters 03:53 What Inspired From I Do to We Do 05:13 Why the First Year After Baby Can Hit a Relationship Hard 08:06 Why Your Relationship Is the Foundation of Family Life 12:11 Expectations, Perceptions, and the Dishes Problem 14:11 The 5-Minute Daily Check-In That Prevents Resentment 18:14 Making Communication Work With Opposite Schedules 22:09 Mental Load, Invisible Labor, and Why Scorekeeping Fails 26:09 The "Rhombus Moment" for Hard Conversations 32:31 Pillow Talk 2.0, Curiosity Over Criticism 43:57 Letting Kids See Repair, Not Perfection 49:14 Why Real Love Is Not Disney, and What Teamwork Really Looks Like Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most men know they're "supposed to be vulnerable." Almost none of them know what that actually means in practice... what to say, how to say it, and why it works.In this episode, I break down what real vulnerability sounds like in a relationship and what it does to your partner when you show up that way.Then you'll hear directly from Danny, a guy who'd been with his wife for 24 years, ended up in a sexless marriage with her, and turned everything around in five months without ever hiring a coach.This is what doing the work actually looks like!Apply for 1:1 Coaching: https://stephanieganowski.typeform.com/to/Fm6LGfa9?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=1on1_coachingShow your woman some love right now: https://stephanieganowski.com/lp/texther.html

In this episode of the Operation: Thriving Marriage podcast, Bryon and Jennifer Harvey continue their series on healthy communication in marriage by addressing a skill most couples overlook: emotional regulation before conflict. Many spouses know the right communication tools for conflict resolution—use “I” statements, listen well, avoid interrupting—but struggle to apply them when emotions run high. The truth is, you cannot have healthy conflict resolution in marriage if your body is in fight-or-flight mode. Telling your spouse to “calm down” rarely works and often feels dismissive, yet calming yourself down is essential for productive communication. Emotional maturity means recognizing when you are escalating and taking responsibility for regulating your own response. The Harveys introduce the concept of a “tactical pause”—a purposeful break taken not to avoid the argument, but to prepare for it. Just as high-stress environments require intentional pauses to restore safety and clarity, marriage sometimes requires couples to unplug before continuing a difficult conversation. This kind of pause is not abandonment, avoidance, or going to bed angry in a destructive way. Instead, it's a strategic step toward healthier communication. Couples can move their bodies to lower stress hormones, practice slow breathing to regulate the nervous system, and engage in prayer or Scripture meditation to re-center emotionally. These practical tools help calm anger in marriage and create the physical readiness needed for respectful dialogue. Healthy marriage communication doesn't start with better words—it starts with a regulated body and mind. By learning how to calm down before conflict, couples can prevent destructive arguments and build a pattern of biblical conflict resolution rooted in responsibility, self-control, and commitment. In this episode, Bryon and Jennifer make it clear: unplugging from the argument is not walking away from the marriage. It is preparing to return to the conversation in a way that strengthens trust, deepens connection, and protects the long-term health of your relationship.

Today, I'm sitting down with Lori Harder, powerhouse entrepreneur, bestselling author, and Founder & CEO of Glōci, a daily skin routine you can drink. Lori opens up about her journey from a restrictive upbringing and early “rejection therapy,” to rebuilding after 2008, when she and her husband faced $300,000 in debt and had to become entirely new people to rise. We talk about the “Death Valley” season, the space between who you've been and who you're becoming when it feels isolating, uncertain, and wildly uncomfortable. Then we go deep into power couple dynamics: the boundaries, the off-limits language, and the agreements that keep love safe while building big lives. If you're becoming the woman who can hold more money, more success, and more love, this conversation will support you.Follow Lori Harder here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriharder/Website: https://loriharder.com/Listen to the Earn Your Happy Podcast here: https://loriharder.com/podcast/Use the code: HAPPY and get 40% off when you purchase Glōci products - a skin routine you can drink! https://getgloci.com/Join us for the 3 Steps to a Self-Image Upgrade Masterclass on March 3rd, as I teach you how to embody your next-level identity so you can attract money effortlessly! Register here: https://empress.danielleamos.co/3-days-to-a-self-image-upgrade/I am inviting you to the Momentum Summit on April 15th at Hamilton (Toronto), Canada - a full-day, high-touch experience for women who are building businesses, leading teams, and carrying real responsibility and are ready to stop operating from pressure, proving, or perfectionism. https://empress.danielleamos.co/momentum/Get exclusive access to powerful behind-the-scenes riffs I only share with my inner circle. SUBSCRIBE to unlock it now and go deeper with me here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/818893/subscribeThe Success Society is your gateway to an elevated life - an empowering community for driven individuals who are ready to align with abundance, success, and purpose. Join us for less than a cup of coffee per month! https://empress.danielleamos.co/the-success-society/Want to start working with me? Book a complimentary strategy call with The Success Society Team. We're here to support you. https://danielleamos.as.me/consultationYou can catch the video version of this episode on my YouTube channel. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@thedanielleamosOne conversation with me can change your life. Access my free gift, Success Mindset Workshop, here: https://successmindsetworkshop.danielleamos.co/If you love this episode, please share it on Instagram, tag me, and send me a DM @TheDanielleAmos; I'd be so grateful if you could leave me a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Support the show

 How To Talk To Your Spouse About Problems Without Starting A Fight When every attempt to bring up a problem turns into defensiveness, arguing, or shutdown, it's easy to stop trying or to push harder and make things worse. Common “clear communication” tactics can backfire in a strained relationship because they feel like criticism or control, even when they're meant to help. In this episode, Coach Jack explains a calmer, more effective way to raise issues while protecting emotional connection and increasing cooperation over time.What You'll LearnHow to bring up a problem in a way that reduces defensiveness and keeps your spouse emotionally engagedHow to prepare the relationship so requests land better and don't trigger a fightHow to choose the right timing and wording so the conversation feels natural instead of threateningHow to use a simple win-win method (and a Plan B) so problems actually get solved instead of repeatedWant to Work With Coach Jack?If you want step-by-step help applying this approach to your specific situation, Coach Jack can help you build healthier connection, improve communication, and address hard issues without escalating conflict. The best starting point is the Difficult Partner Coaching Package, which focuses on ending a spouse's damaging behavior and building respect.Key TakeawaysDirect “I statements” can still trigger defensiveness when the relationship is strained.Strengthening everyday connection often needs to happen before problem talks.Talk about problems when both of you are relaxed, not while the issue is happening.Lead with validation and keep the conversation natural and low-pressure.Solve one issue at a time using a win-win plan, and use boundaries when discussion won't work.Additional ResourcesOvercome Neediness and Get the Love You Want, by Jack Ito PhDConnecting Through "Yes!" by Jack Ito PhDLove Language Quiz12 Ways  to Revive Your Love for Your SpouseWork one-on-one with Coach Jack to repair your relationship using small, easy steps that rebuild connection quickly. Visit CoachJackIto.com to learn more about relationship coaching.

We welcome Sam and Dan Loomis to the podcast to talk about life and worship. You’ll be encouraged as they share their stories and offer practical wisdom from the thick of life. 00:00 Meet Sourdough Royalty 02:05 How We Met 03:36 Dating, Proposal, and Marriage 06:12 Sam’s Story 10:35 Dan’s Story 12:38 Marriage Communication 101 19:36 Parenting as a Team 26:00 Youth Ministry 43:27 Hobbies 47:32 Missing Worship Segment 52:35 Beyond Sunday Segment 57:21 Pray for Youth Leaders 01:05:06 Wrap-Up with the Kids

We welcome Sam and Dan Loomis to the podcast to talk about life and worship. You’ll be encouraged as they share their stories and offer practical wisdom from the thick of life. 00:00 Meet Sourdough Royalty 02:05 How We Met 03:36 Dating, Proposal, and Marriage 06:12 Sam’s Story 10:35 Dan’s Story 12:38 Marriage Communication 101 19:36 Parenting as a Team 26:00 Youth Ministry 43:27 Hobbies 47:32 Missing Worship Segment 52:35 Beyond Sunday Segment 57:21 Pray for Youth Leaders 01:05:06 Wrap-Up with the Kids

BJ and Kara go on a date, and they invite you to listen in. This week on Draw Near, Kara is joined by a very special guest: her husband, BJ!! Join a recorded at-home date centered on one of the most important (and challenging) aspects of marriage: communication. The date follows one of the intentional at-home dates from Draw Near's soon-to-be-released marriage resource, Near to You, a collection of ten guided dates designed to help married couples draw nearer to God and to one another at any stage of marriage. Set at the kitchen table (in sweats, with homemade cocktails), Kara and BJ invite you into a relaxed evening that includes prayer, Scripture, reflection, meaningful conversation, and a goofy game to close the night. Along the way, they talk honestly about how communication styles develop over time, how conflict and silence can affect intimacy, and how words or actions can become instruments of love within marriage. Whether you're newly married, years into marriage, or simply curious about building a healthy faith-filled relationship, this episode offers encouragement, honesty, and practical ideas you can bring into your own relationship. For more information on this resource or to Pre-Order "Near to You" today CLICK HERE! Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! "Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram! Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

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.When Words Don't Match Actions: Marriage Communication Mistakes!Struggling with mixed signals in your marriage?Cass and Kathryn Morrow dig into why words and actions often don't align—and how that destroys trust, triggers resentment, and sabotages communication.Learn the most common marriage communication mistakes, the truth about validation, and how to break the cycle of misalignment. Get raw, real advice to help you rebuild connection and communicate with honesty and empathy.Tune in to The 'NEW' Marriage for practical steps that actually work.

Relationships often strain under pressure when one person carries the emotional clarity. In this episode, we explore what changes when you stop explaining yourself — not as withdrawal, but as identity-level alignment returning to the relationship.There comes a moment in many relationships when explaining yourself no longer feels supportive — it feels exhausting.Not because you don't care. Not because you're shutting down. But because clarity no longer needs performance to feel safe.In this episode of The Recalibration, we explore what actually changes in a relationship when you stop over-explaining, over-functioning, or smoothing the emotional moment. Especially for high-capacity humans and deeply responsible people, explanation often became the bridge — the way connection stayed intact, misunderstandings were prevented, and closeness felt secure.But over time, that bridge can quietly become a burden.This episode sits in the Reinforcement stage of Identity-Level Recalibration, where alignment isn't built through insight alone — it's built through repetition. Not rushing to manage the moment. Not rescuing the space. Practicing steady presence without self-erasure.We explore:Why over-explaining was never about communication, but about safetyWhat “clean discomfort” feels like when you stop managing connectionHow nervous system regulation shows up as steadiness rather than silenceWhy consistency — not intensity — is what rebuilds relational trustThis is not about becoming distant or withholding. It's about allowing your presence to speak without justification.Unlike mindset work or communication strategies, Identity-Level Recalibration (ILR) doesn't ask you to perform differently — it helps you be differently. When identity realigns, behavior follows naturally. That's why this work feels quieter, slower, and more embodied — especially inside intimacy.This episode is part of a week-long relational arc exploring how recalibration unfolds in real relationships — and why stopping explanation isn't abandonment, but alignment practicing itself.Today's Micro RecalibrationNotice where you feel the urge to explain yourself — even when you already know what's true. Don't stop it. Don't act on it. Just stay present and see what steadiness communicates on its own.Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Take your listening deeper! Subscribe to The Weekly Recalibration Companion to receive reflections and extensions to each week's podcast episodes. → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things

Send us a textIf you've found yourself thinking, “We really need to communicate better,”but you also feel a quiet tightening inside when you say that…this one is for you.Most couples don't stop talking because they don't care.They stop because talking started to feel costly.Costly emotionally — it leads to reactions that stir more feelings.Costly energetically — you walk away drained, with nothing resolved.Costly relationally — it feels like every attempt pushes you further apart.So avoidance slowly becomes protection.And over time, that protection turns into distance.This week's podcast episode is an invitation to start again —not by pushing harder or having a big talk —but by making communication simpler and safer.

We've had Eli Weinstein on the podcast before (episode 182), where we focused on the postpartum period. Today, we're talking about the next phase of parenthood—one that brings its own growing pains, relationship shifts, and a whole new set of expectations.In his new book, Eli introduces the “holy trinity” of relationships: expectations, perception, and reality. He walks us through how easy it is for these three to get misaligned. One example almost every parent can relate to: when one partner works from home, the expectation is that more will get done around the house. When it doesn't happen, the perception becomes that the partner is lazy, when the reality is that no one ever clearly set the expectation in the first place.If you've been here for a bit, you know about Amy and Drew's weekly meetings. Amy is honest—she doesn't always look forward to them—but they've drastically improved clarity around roles and tasks. If you're trying to bring something like this into your own relationship, Eli shares one simple 15-minute daily practice that can soften resistance and rebuild connection.We also get into a feeling many of us have had at some point: “Why does my spouse feel like another child I have to remind all the time?” Eli normalizes the frustration. Giving your partner direction—even if it seems obvious—is better than simmering in resentment later. Think of it as a reset: just like teaching a child how to walk, sometimes our partners have never been taught certain systems, and clarity is an act of kindness.Eli also breaks down his “import and export” lists. This framework helps families intentionally remove what no longer serves them while protecting what does. And of course, gratitude comes up—Eli shares why small, frequent expressions of appreciation might be the most powerful shift you can make in your marriage.Eli closes the conversation with a grounding reminder: every couple is navigating this same transition. You are not alone. It's never too late to reset, reconnect, and focus on your relationship with more compassion and clarity.LINKS AND RESOURCES:VUORI: 20% off first purchase at: http://vuoriclothing.com/herself Listen to episode #182 - Eli Weinstein with a Male's Perspective on Partnership After Kids and Sharing the Mental Load: https://www.herselfpodcast.com/listen/eliweinsteinmentalloadPre-order his new book "From I Do to We Do" AND get a free workbook: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/bookEli's Website: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/The Dude Therapist Podcast: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/podcastFollow Eli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/Let's connect!HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcastMEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskieferMEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

Join Dave and Bethlie discuss as they discuss part 2 of thei 4th book in this series. Solving Marriage Problems by Jay E. Adams. Part 2 Chapter 5 - More Unbiblical concepts about marriage One's priorities must change radically with marriage.   Marriage is a commitment to become a new person.   Chapter 6 deals with handling Stubborn Habits that wreck a marriage A habit is dislodged only by crowding it out with its biblical alternative. No change commanded by God is unrealistic for those who know Christ as their Savior and are willing to do things His way.   Chapter 7 deals with communication Communication is essential for developing and maintaining the deep intimacy that God designed for the marriage relationship. The Christian walk (subject of Ephesians 4-6) is not a solitary walk.  Harmony in walk requires harmony in talk. Mishandled anger is one of he biggest hindrances to communication Clamming up Blowing up Truth may hurt, but in the long run it will not hurt like a lie And truth can be told to another, if it is relevant and spoken in the right manner   Chapter 10 The parent-child relationship is temporary: God says it must be broken.   The husband wife relationship is permanent.  

Join Dave and Bethlie as they discuss the third book in this series entitled Books That Can Help and Why. This series they'll be discussing Sheet Music by Dr. Kevin Leman. About the author Dr. Leman is a psychologist and best-selling author He is also a radio and tv personality  He is a speaker About the book Dr. Leman says that sex is about the quality of your entire love life His book is a challenge to give your spouse the best gift ever—a sexually enthusiastic mate Not just a how to book but a do it yourself look at why to do it and how to do it better He writes about what goes on in our brains and in our relationship with our spouse and how to overcome some errors and also to use what we learn to our advantage A few good points “The physical aspect will usually take care of itself if the relationship is healthy. If you decide to become sexually adventurous as a couple, you're not going to do things perfectly, anyway; you're going to fail, and hopefully, you'll laugh about it when you do. Nobody's sex life is such that every experience is a ten. You may have to be satisfied with regular eights or sixes and even an occasional three. P 10 This book is written “to hep you understand what a unique and wonderful gift you are to each other, as well as the unique and wonderful ways you can express your love in a very physical and pleasurable sense.” P 10 “Sex is part of a relationship.” P 12 “Why do you think that God reserves sex for marriage? I believe that one of the reasons (which gets very little attention, unfortunately) is that good sex is not easy and it's very personal.” “Abstinence doesn't make the loins grow hotter, it just begets more abstinence.” P 184 “We live in a world that glorifies youth, uncommitted sex, and bodies that require a ridiculous amount of self-serving time in the gym. Let's turn that around. Let's reaffirm the bodies of women who have generously and selflessly produced life for one, two, three, or four babies. Let's appreciate those men who work hard to support their families and who don't have time to stop off at the gym and lift weights because they're eager to get home and play with their kids” p 238[‘;;  A  few challenges from the author about reading the book One to you who are living together but not married - this book is not for you “If you are living with someone outside of marriage, I suggest you move out and start over. The two of you may still make it work, but if you can't make it work outside of marriage without being sexually active, odds are that the marriage will soon fall apart anyway.” p. 19 One for those who are uncomfortable talking about sex in a forthright manner. He is rather frank. So be warned! So some good quotes: Good lovers learn to know their lover better than they know themselves. You've got to stop viewing sex through your perception alone and start viewing in through your spouse's eyes.” P 32 Great marital sex is about learning to love someone else the way he or she wants to be loved. p. 33 Some recommended chapters Learning to make music, the first night and beyond Very good for those about to get married Very good in preparing for the honeymoon For women only For men only 31 flavors (not ice cream) 31 suggestions for keeping your love life exciting and fresh Turning off the turnoffs Sex's greatest enemy For women - weariness Chapter 14 is called “too pooped to whoop” It gives practical advice for dealing with weariness For men - lack of pursuit on the part of the wife A man wants to be needed and wanted and prized Sex in the Winter - about getting older and how to face it and handle it well and enjoy sexual relations as you do

In this candid episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I'm joined once again by my wife, Jessica, for a raw and relatable conversation about marriage, parenting, and family dynamics. Together, we dive into the often-unspoken expectations that can trip couples up—from finances and chores to parenting roles and communication.   We unpack stories from our own journey, including how we've learned to navigate paying bills vs. investing, handling family dinners without resentment, and even the role each of us plays in talking with our boys about tough subjects like sex and relationships. Jessica also shares her gift for approaching conversations with grace and timing, while I reflect on my more reactive nature. This episode is packed with practical takeaways for couples who want to strengthen teamwork, avoid resentment, and lead their families with intention.     TIMELINE SUMMARY [0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge movement and today's focus on roles in marriage [1:01] - Defining who does what in parenting, finances, and chores [2:06] - The hidden danger of unspoken expectations [3:30] - Behind the scenes: energy, stress, and real-life struggles [5:10] - Midwest float trip stories and creating family traditions [9:27] - Why shared memories matter more than perfection [11:16] - Breaking down marriage roles: paying bills vs. investing [15:23] - The early financial mistakes that created stress in our marriage [18:05] - Why swapping roles can sometimes create resentment [21:16] - How Jessica manages bills and accountability with confidence [24:19] - Investments, risks, and learning to stomach financial swings [27:15] - Family dinners: why they often cause conflict and how we shifted the burden [29:03] - The turning point when Jessica admitted she hated cooking [31:36] - Why meal planning is harder than it looks (and how we simplified it) [34:47] - Balancing preferences, health, and kids' picky eating habits [39:11] - Parenting roles: who has the sex talk with the kids [41:12] - Creating safe, open conversations about sex, porn, and relationships [44:12] - How to approach hard conversations with timing and grace [47:26] - Why gentleness and patience often lead to better results [50:18] - Picking the right time and tone to address conflict at home [53:03] - Dividing responsibilities with kids' sports and activities [56:08] - Communication as the glue that keeps roles balanced [57:12] - Closing reflections and an invitation for listener topic suggestions     5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Unspoken Expectations Create Resentment Most marital conflict stems not from tasks themselves, but from unspoken roles and assumptions. Clarity prevents conflict. 2. Play to Your Strengths Dividing responsibilities based on natural strengths—like Jessica handling bills and me handling investments—makes life easier and reduces stress. 3. Dinners Are About Connection, Not Perfection Family meals can quickly turn into a source of resentment. Sharing the load and letting go of perfection creates a healthier environment. 4. Hard Conversations Require Timing Approaching difficult topics at the right time and with the right tone changes everything. Grace and patience often achieve more than urgency. 5. Parenting Is a Team Effort From sex talks to sports practices, showing up as a united front teaches kids stability, respect, and the value of shared responsibility.       LINKS & RESOURCES   21 DAYS TO EXTRAORDINARY MARRIAGE - https://thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage/ Share your topic suggestions: info@thedadedge.com 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance Dad Edge Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools       If this episode gave you practical tools for marriage or parenting, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Together, we're creating stronger marriages, stronger families, and stronger futures.