Podcasts about your spouse

Hi everyone!In this segment, we explore the upcoming Lunar Eclipse in Leo in Pūrva Phalgunī — an asterism associated with love, romance, creativity, pleasure, and the sacred creative force that flows through us when we are still, present, and at rest.We discuss practical strategies to consciously connect with and utilize this energy:Prioritizing rest as a creative actSoftening into receptivity rather than controlHealing wounds or authority, visibility, and recognitionReclaiming sensuality as ours to experience Meanwhile, Venus shifts into its sign of exaltation in Pisces, heightening emotion and awakening a longing for “higher love.” Romance may feel fated, spiritual, transcendent. But with heightened sensitivity comes potential illusion.There may be:Idealization in loveRose-colored glassesConfusion or mixed signalsKarmic themes surfacing in intimacy and partnershipWith both Saturn and Neptune influencing the field, we explore the tension between devotion and delusion, fantasy and maturity. The invitation is not to reject romance — but to balance it. To enjoy beauty and mysticism while remaining grounded and discerning.With the Leo–Aquarius axis activated, this eclipse also speaks to:Inner authority vs. collective influenceAncestral patterns around visibility and leadershipInvesting in causes we genuinely care aboutImpact doesn't have to be grandiose. It can look like:Small acts of generosityShowing up authenticallyChoosing integrity over applauseTune in to explore how this eclipse may manifest — and how to consciously work with its creative, romantic, and transformative potential.YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Today, Dr. Alexandra and fellow psychologist, author, and podcast host Dr. Tracy Dalgleish are digging into a dynamic that is notoriously difficult to navigate - if, of course, all the stereotypes and jokes and rhetoric are to be totally believed. Except in this conversation, they're handling it with the compassion, nuance, and understanding that all relationships deserve. They are dissecting the dynamic between a woman, her husband and her mother-in-law, and the complexities often found in that triangle.  Dr. Tracy's book You, Your Husband, and His Mother explores this dynamic in such an insightful way and her offerings guide this conversation. She provides tools to help you understand the dynamics at play and to shift those dynamics in the most effective way we can: namely, by seeing our own patterns in relation to others', meeting those patterns with compassion and understanding, and changing up our own dance moves. In this episode, you will learn: Why this dynamic can be so challenging, as well as the ways each vertice of the triangle might show up to shape the dynamic Strategies for prioritizing your relationship amidst family pressures Dr. Tracy's Six Types of Mothers-in-Law and Three Styles of daughters-in-law  About Dr. Tracy's VAULT method, which is an acronym that breaks down the steps you can take with your partner to shake up the dynamics of this triangle Resources worth mentioning from the episode: You, Your Husband, and His Mother: Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Mother-in-Law--and Your Spouse--in Five Simple Steps by Dr. Tracy Dalgleish: https://bookshop.org/p/books/you-your-husband-and-his-mother-create-a-healthy-relationship-with-your-mother-in-law-and-your-spouse-in-five-simple-steps-dr-tracy-dalgleish/ff98565f5a7ef87a Follow Dr. Tracy D on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd/?hl=en Dr. Tracy D's podcast Dear Dr. Tracy: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dear-dr-tracy/id1452433255 Reimagining Love episode, Love, Acceptance, & Growth: The Insights We Glean from Couples Therapy with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish: https://www.dralexandrasolomon.com/podcasts/love-acceptance-growth-the-insights-we-glean-from-couples-therapy/ NYT article on Mankeeping that Dr. Tracy references: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/well/family/mankeeping-definition.html Continue the conversation with Dr. Alexandra Solomon: Ask a question! Submit your relationship challenge: https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274 Access Resources, like quizzes and courses: https://www.dralexandrasolomon.com/resources Order Dr. Alexandra's book, Love Every Day: https://bookshop.org/p/books/love-every-day-365-relational-self-awareness-practices-to-help-your-relationship-heal-grow-and-thrive-alexandra-solomon/19970421?ean=9781683736530 Cultivate connection by subscribing to Dr. Alexandra's Loving Bravely newsletter: https://newsletter.dralexandrasolomon.com/ Learn more on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alexandra.solomon/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send a textCBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what's true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving.Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

*Disclaimer* This episode contains adult content and is not recommended for young listeners.   284. DON'T MISS THIS! Controversial Sex Questions, Answered with Dr. Juli Slattery   1 Samuel 24:19b NIV “May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today.”   *Transcription Below*   Bio: Instagram Facebook Authentic Intimacy Website Java with Juli Podcast   Thank you to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company   Questions and Topics We Cover: As Christ followers, should we use a friend's preferred names and pronouns? If one part of Scripture talks about turning the other cheek, is that the same as saying God expects you to stay in an abusive marriage? Is it reasonable to assume that once they have a smartphone, 100% of kids will be exposed to pornography?   Previous Episodes on Sexual Intimacy on The Savvy Sauce, Including Past Episodes with Dr. Juli Slattery: Fostering a Fun, Healthy Sex Life with your Spouse with Dr. Jennifer Konzen  Ways to Deepen Your Intimacy in Marriage with Dr. Douglas Rosenau  Ten Common Questions About Sex, Shared Through a Biblical Worldview with Dr. Michael Sytsma Hope For Treating Pelvic Pain with Tracey LeGrand Treatment for Sexual Issues with Certified Sex Therapist, Emma Schmidt Talking With Your Kids About Sex with Brian and Alison Sutter Natural Aphrodisiacs with Christian Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Douglas Rosenau Healthy Sexuality, Emotional Intelligence, and Parenting Children with Autism with Counselor, Lauren Dack Pain and Joy in Sexual Intimacy with Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Jessica McCleese Identifying and Fighting Human Trafficking with Dr. Jeff Waibel Bridging the Gap Between Military and Civilian Families with Licensed Professional Counselor, Cuthor, Podcaster, and 2015 Military Spouse of the Year, Corie Weathers Enjoying a God-Honoring, Healthy Sex Life with Your Spouse with Certified Sex Therapist and Ordained Minister, Dr. Michael Sytsma Enjoying Parenting and Managing Conversations About Sex with Certified Sex Therapist and Author, Dr. Jennifer Konzen Conflict Resolution, Infidelity, and Infertility with Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Jessica McCleese Hormones and Body Image with Certified Sex Therapist, Vickie George Passion Pursuit with Dr. Juli Slattery Female Orgasm with Sue Goldstein Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, and Treatments Available with Dr. Irwin Goldstein Turn Ons, Turn Offs, and Savoring Sex in Marriage with Dr. Jennifer Konzen Desire Discrepancy in Marriage with Dr. Michael Sytsma Answering Listener's Questions About Sex with Kelli Willard Anatomy of an Affair with Dave Carder Supernatural Restoration Story with Bob and Audrey Meisner Healthy Minds, Marriages, and Sex Lives with Drs. Scott and Melissa Symington Female Pornography Addiction and Meaningful Recovery with Crystal Renaud Day Building Lasting Relationships with Clarence and Brenda Shuler Healthy Ways for Females to Increase Sexual Enjoyment with Tracey LeGrand Pornography Healing for Spouses with Geremy Keeton Sexual Sin Recovery for You and Your Spouse (Part Two) Personal Development and Sexual Wholeness with Dr. Sibylle Georgianna  Our Brain's Role in Sexual Intimacy with Angie Landry Discovering God's Design for Romance with Sharon Jaynes Sex in Marriage and Its Positive Effects with Francie Winslow, Part 1 Science and Art of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, Part 2 Making Love in Marriage with Debra Fileta Mutually Pleasing Sex in Marriage with Gary Thomas Sex Series: God's Design and Warnings for Sex: An Interview with Mike Novotny Sex Series: Enhancing Female Pleasure and Enjoyment of Sex: An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Degler Sex Series Orgasmic Potential, Pleasure, and Friendship: An Interview with Bonny Burns  Sex Series: Sex Series: Healthy Self, Healthy Sex: An Interview with Gaye Christmus Sex Series: Higher Sexual Desire Wife: An Interview with J Parker Sex Series: Six Pillars of Intimacy with Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo 215 Enriching Women's Sexual Function, Part One with Dr. Kris Christiansen 216 Enriching Women's Sexual Function, Part Two with Dr. Kris Christiansen 217 Tween/Teen Females: How to Navigate Changes during Puberty with Dr. Jennifer Degler 218 Secrets of Sex and Marriage: Interview with Dr. Michael Sytsma 222 Pornography: Protecting Children and Personal Healing, Victory, and Recovery in Christ with Sam Black Special Patreon Release: Holy Sex: An Interview with Dr. Juli Slattery Special Patreon Release: His Desires and Her Desires in the Bedroom with Dr. Jennifer Konzen 224 Surprising Discoveries of Sex in Marriage: An Interview with Shaunti Feldhahn 252 Maximizing Sexual Connections as Newlyweds to Long Term Marriages and Recovering from a Sexless Marriage with Dr. Cliff & Joyce Penner 260 Sex After Cancer with Dr. Kris Christiansen 277 Breaking Through Addiction in Marriage with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:11 – 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 – 2:21) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Today's message is not intended for little ears. We'll be discussing some adult themes, and I want you to be aware before you listen to this message.   Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook.   My returning guest for today is Dr. Juli Slattery.   She has authored another book entitled Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes Everything, and we're going to cover a few themes from this book, but I think what you're going to find most helpful are her candid responses to some really tricky questions related to dating and pornography, technology, thought life, shows that we watch as believers, divorce, and just intimacy in general as married couples.   So, I think this is an episode that you're going to want to learn from yourself, but you'll also want to share with others because Dr. Juli has offered us such a gift as she directs us back to the heart issues and wisely guides us into sexual integrity in our own lives.   Here's our chat.   Welcome back to The Savvy Sauce, Dr. Juli.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (2:21 – 2:21) Thanks so much for having me back. It's always a joy.   Laura Dugger: (2:21 – 2:22) Well, I love that you've been a repeat guest many times. So, we get to just dive right in today because I'm going to link all of your previous episodes in the show notes. But to dive in, I'm just curious, as believers, where does your heart break as you see us compromising on God's design for sex?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (2:22 – 3:31) Hmm. That's such a good question. You know, I think my heart breaks the most in that when we compromise God's design for sexuality, or even when we don't understand it or understand His goodness, it means that there is a breach in our relationship with God.   And so, I am so passionate about what I do, not necessarily because I love talking about sexuality, but because for a lot of people, sexuality represents a wall between them and God, like an issue they can't resolve, or a place of shame that they just can't quite shake free from, or battle with sin that they feel like they're enslaved to. And so, those things mean that there's a limit to how much they invite God into their lives.   And so, for me, that's where my heart breaks the most is, you know, ultimately, we were created for the greatest fellowship with God and anything that gets in the way of that is something that God cares about and something that I care about.   Laura Dugger: (3:32 – 4:03) You say that well, and you've written many books, but in this most recent one, you plainly state one issue when you write, “You will not be able to obey God with your sexual thoughts, while binging shows and music that continually display the exact opposite.”   And I love how practical that is. So, Juli, why do you think this has become so normalized? And I would say, especially in Christian marriages.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (4:05 – 5:58) Yeah, you know, I think a lot of it is that the church has been historically really quiet about sexuality, you know, like we might talk about save sex for marriage, and don't cheat on your husband and that sort of thing. But the gray areas about how we think about our sexuality and kind of what we have the liberty and freedom to engage in, there's kind of silence, or maybe there's legalism.   And I think in that space, what ends up happening is the culture is so forthright with a message about sexuality, like woven throughout every single show that you could stream on any platform, you know, your music on Spotify, even the news you consume, the Instagram feeds, whatever, it's consistently showing you a way to understand sexuality that is contrary to God's design, and the messaging can be so subtle, or so repetitive that we don't even realize we're ingesting it.   And so, it's normal to talk about with your friends, like the latest season of The Bachelor, or, you know, the latest thing that you're streaming that if you really look at it, there's probably 100 references to sexuality that are outside of God's design. And so, we end up just having our mind conformed to this world.   And the scripture says really clearly in Romans 12, that we can't offer ourselves to God while we're still thinking like the world thinks that it requires an act of transformation of our thinking. And I don't know that there's anywhere more than we need this than in the topic of understanding our sexuality.   Laura Dugger: (6:00 – 6:59) Okay, so for I'm thinking of married couples, because I was recently at a wedding shower. And I love a friend from church. Her name is Dawn Karius. And she was giving the devotional and just sharing. You know, it's very easy to get married and fall into this trap. She was talking about what you watch specifically.   And she said, so many couples will watch something together, watch a show before bed, but be really intentional. If that is what you choose to do, then the shows that you're watching, even though you're with your spouse, is that drawing both of you closer to Christ? Because if it's pulling you further away from Christ, it's also pulling you away from one another.   And so, with all of that, and with what you've studied and written about, if a couple's hearing that and or some single person just hearing this, what would be your practical advice or encouragement for them?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (7:00 – 9:29) Yeah, some of it is, we can't live in a bubble. You know, it's, I think that there are some couples will have the conviction that, you know, we're just going to get rid of all of our devices, we're going to get rid of every streaming service. And there's nothing wrong with that decision, you might feel convicted to do that.   But for most couples, I would say, they're like, okay, we live in this world, we need to understand even the world we live in. And so, it's not like we're going to completely be cut off. But are we being discerning about what we consume?   And what are the standards that we might hit where we might just say, “You know what, we don't need to be watching this.” You know, like I can think of one show in particularly that my husband and I were watching. And it was a well-written show. It was exciting. But there was just so much profanity and just gross kind of sexual content that after two or three episodes, we're both just like, “You know what, as good as the show is, we just, this isn't, we're not watching this. Like we need to stop.”   And I think you need to have those discussions and you might have a different level of conviction than your spouse does. And that's okay, but at least have those conversations and you need to follow your conviction.   But then the other thing I would say that is equally important, if not more important, what are you consuming that helps you get God's perspective of sexuality? And what I've found is that a whole lot of Christian married couples know very little about what it looks like to build a healthy sex life in their marriage. And they're not consuming anything that helps them know how to love each other better, how to overcome differences, even how their bodies work, how to focus on one another and enjoy sex in a holy erotic way.   And so, even if you're watching and consuming very little content from the world, but you're not actively pursuing anything that gives you a biblical perspective, you're still going to end up defaulting to what the world says. And so, I think that again, it's equally as important or not, if not more important to be pursuing what's true and what's right and what's good.   Laura Dugger: (9:31 – 9:53) I love that, how you flipped it. And that discernment piece is huge because we don't want to be desensitized to then that we're consuming and we also want to feed on the good. So, I think it even leads to a broader question, again, as Christ followers, how can we recognize if our conscience is being pricked?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (9:54 – 12:05) Yeah, we can start by asking the Lord. You know, I mean, I think it's in, is it Psalm 139, where, you know, David is basically saying, “Search me, oh God, and know my thoughts, you know, show me if there's any offensive way within me.”   I think that's a beautiful prayer as an individual and as a couple, like God, we want to honor you with what we consume in media, with what we think about, would you guide us and would you show us? And then I think we all have that experience of watching something or listening to something or reading something where we're like, “Uh, I don't know, like, this is sort of a gray area. Like, I'm uncomfortable here. I probably shouldn't be watching this.” Or “Wow, that's really, that's really in your face. Like that's really graphic.”   And it's heeding the Holy Spirit when you get those prompts, instead of just pushing through and being like, “Ah, it's not that big of a deal. It's not going to affect me.” Like when you feel that sense of prompting, you respond to it and you say, “All right, I'm going to put this down. I'm going to shut this off.”   And, um, you know, the scripture says that we can become callous to those promptings of the Holy Spirit if we are in a habit of just running right through that. But we become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit when we yield and when we obey.   Um, and so, I think even just keeping track, you know, every day or every week, like where were the times regarding this or anything else that I really felt convicted by the Holy Spirit about maybe something I said about a friend, uh, or about a little white lie I told, you know, where were the times where I really felt the Holy Spirit nudging me and what did I do? Um, where do I need to confess that I didn't respond well? And where do I need to celebrate that? Yes, I listened, I obeyed, I yielded. Um, and so, I think that's a practice we get into of either ignoring that conviction or really yielding to it.   Laura Dugger: (12:06 – 12:28) Hmm. And that gets after the heart issue, which Jesus is so concerned about our heart. And that's a very softened heart approach. Yes. I hope we can have. And as it relates to sexual integrity, then what are some other ways that we need to be on guard so that we're careful not to be misled?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (12:29 – 13:37) Yeah, boy, I think there's just so much conversation. Um, again, even in Christian circles, sometimes around having a negative attitude towards sex, um, kind of accepting some forms of pornography as normal and even good, you know, husband bashing, wife bashing, you know, like complaining, kind of letting the thought feed in your mind of maybe I should have married somebody else.   Maybe that my life would be easier if I, I weren't married to this person. I wish they were this or that. So, sort of that discontent that is natural to feel in marriage. But the question is, what do you do with it? Do you give it space to grow and to nurture, or do you bring that before the Lord?   Um, so, I think those are some of the ways that we want to look at, like, how am I giving the enemy space in my life and in my marriage versus how am I inviting God to really reclaim what's broken here?   Laura Dugger: (13:38 – 14:01) Well, and then even thinking of the other side to guard ourselves from having a critical and judgmental spirit toward others or just having self-righteous pride. Can you educate us on some common reasons why some people may be predisposed to struggle with some certain sexual sins?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (14:02 – 17:20) Yeah, absolutely. I think that's so important, um, because the research really shows that some of us are more, I don't know if I'd say it that way, but we are going to be more predetermined maybe to struggle with things like pornography or same-sex attraction, or even hooking up.   And it's never like a one plus one equals two exactly. But there are what we might say indicators or risk factors that make you more vulnerable to those kinds of sexual struggles. And some of them might be unhealthy family dynamics growing up, you know, none of us had a perfect family, but let's say you grew up in a family where one of your parents was like overtly critical towards you all the time.   Maybe you went through a divorce with your parents where, um, you know, at a certain age, you just, your family fell apart and you're kind of looking for that stability and love. People who have experienced sexual trauma in childhood or the teen years are going to be more pre-dispositioned to want to understand that or act that out.   People who might struggle with anxiety. And, you know, some of it is we got to understand that sex, because it elicits dopamine in our brain and oxytocin and endorphins, which are all really feel good kind of experiences and hormones and neurotransmitters. When we had a sexual experience at a young age, our brain can learn, “Oh, this is how I deal with stress. This is how I deal with depression. This is how I deal with loneliness.”   So, a lot of times when you talk to somebody who has an ongoing struggle with a sexual temptation or sin, it's because they've learned as a pattern from maybe the time they were 10 years old or 12 years old or 15 years old, that this is how I dealt with the stress in my family. This is how I dealt with when my father died. This is how I dealt with when I was sexually abused. Like this was the way that I found to self-regulate and to self-medicate and to find comfort.   And that can be masturbation. It can be pornography or again, you know, acting out sexually. And so, for people who have that kind of story, and this might be your spouse, or this might be against somebody that you're looking at and judging to just say, “You need to stop that behavior,” is often not going to be enough. They need to do the work of really looking at what am I using sex for? What are the wounds that I'm using sex to cover up?   And how do I actually get the healing I need and find healthier and safer ways for me to cope with negative emotions? And that's why groups are really important for people who have sexual struggles. Counseling is really important. And again, that long journey of healing and freedom, not just a one-time decision that I'm going to try to never do this again.   Laura Dugger: (17:21 – 20:19) Love that word freedom, even because that hope is available. And just pointing out how you said this is not deterministic. That's not what we're saying is if you experience something, you will act out sexually. But I agree with you that it is fascinating and helpful to hear the correlation of certain things that happen, especially in childhood, and how that plays out long-term.   And I am blanking on which guest it was on The Savvy Sauce, but somebody was enlightening me. I think it was for females that if they were sexually abused, typically before a certain age, then they were more likely to struggle in marriage with wanting to completely avoid sex. But then if it was after a certain age, that it was completely opposite where they maybe used sex to medicate, or they were very aggressive and even would act out, let's say in single years, that they would sleep around with a bunch of partners if they had been wounded.   And so, I just think it just, it helps us to not be judgmental of one another. We don't know the full story.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (20:20 – 21:09) Yes. Yeah. There's always more there than we usually realize at first. And, you know, this plays out a lot in marriage because there are a lot of women who are married to guys who are addicted to pornography. And that's a deeply painful dynamic. That's really hard.   But to understand that your husband didn't want to have this struggle, often doesn't know how to get out of it, you know, gives you compassion. It doesn't mean that you look the other way, you need to get help, and you need to insist on getting help. But it does give you empathy and compassion that there's something underlying this and feeding it. It's not just, “Oh, I think I'm going to, you know, look at porn and hurt my wife again,” that there's always a deeper dynamic at work.   Laura Dugger: (21:10 – 21:50) Absolutely. And even an example from your book, I'll just read a quote where you said, “I spoke with a man who runs a sexual addiction program. He told me he had never met someone with sexual addiction, who did not also have significant sexual or psychological trauma in their past.”   And I think it goes along with what we're saying. But if we also then flip it and look at more of the positive side, how can we rightly prioritize connection and intimacy in marriage as God intended?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (21:53 – 24:24) I think first of all, we need to be convinced that this is worth it. You know, when we look at everything there is to do in life, there's so many worthy demands on our time. You know, from I want my house to look nice, and we need to make friends and we need to be an outreach to our community. And our kids are taking a lot of time and they should, and they've got all their activities and our church needs our help. Like when do you have time to do all this? And then, oh yeah, prioritize your marriage.   And I think we have to become convinced that if we're not working on our marriage, and specifically if we're not working on the sexual connection in marriage, then all those other things have the potential to fall apart. That the way I've learned it over time is that sex is never going to be a neutral issue in your marriage. It's either going to be something that is bonding you together and causing you to work on the deeper levels of intimacy, even as you talk through sexual difficulties, or it's going to be something not immediately, but over time, that becomes a wedge between you.   It might start as a wedge of resentment of my needs aren't getting met, or I feel like you're objectifying me or you're putting pressure on me. Or it might be a deeper wedge of a pornography addiction or something that's not being addressed. Or I don't trust my husband because of my trauma. And those things don't just stay dormant. The wedge becomes bigger and bigger and bigger until you get to the place where now you're not comfortable being in the same room anymore and you feel like roommates. And then now one of you is attracted to somebody else and the story plays on.   And there are very wonderful godly men and women who have gotten married with every purpose to stay together. But a wedge like this has grown over time to the point where they're now thinking about divorce or one of them has cheated on the other. And so, we have to be convinced that honoring God in our lives means prioritizing our marriage, and it means working on this intimate aspect of our marriage so that we can be a stable foundation for our families and our churches and our communities.   Laura Dugger: (24:26 – 24:39) And so, if we're getting as practical as possible, what are the best practices that you've seen in married couples who are happily married? How have you experienced that?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (24:40 – 28:04) Yeah. I'll put it in kind of like a cliche sort of way because I think sometimes that's catchy. Number one, I would say they're couples who will resist the drift, who will repair the rift, and who will adjust to the shift.   So, I can kind of break that down a little bit. But you know, the first thing is resisting the drift of you can go weeks without meaningfully connecting with your spouse. And I don't just mean sexually, but I mean like eye to eye, you know, just loving touch, just connecting to their hearts. And so, couples who know how to resist that drift, like they have regular times built into their calendar where this is where we connect every day. Like even for 10 minutes, this is where we hold each other's hands, we look at each other in the eye, we really connect with what's in your heart, how are you? And they have regular rhythms of once a week or once every other week, we're going to go out and do something fun together, just the two of us. We've worked through what sex looks like in this season. Like how many times do we want to have sex? Are we scheduling that? How are we making sure that's a priority? And so, that's the resisting the drift.   And the second one is repairing the rift. And at every marriage, there are going to be things that tear you apart. And sometimes those things might be sexual in nature, like a temptation, an emotional affair, pornography use, sometimes it's going to be something else where you have a deep disagreement that you can't resolve on your own. And you need to be courageous enough to reach out for help and say, like, if we don't get help, if we don't address this issue, like it's going to become something that tears us apart. Any couple that you meet who is happily married for like 30 years or more, they can tell you a story of when they had a rift, and the kind of help that really address that.   And then I think the third thing is adjusting to the shift. And in even the normal stages of marriage, there are shifts that happen. Like, you know, I'm in the stage right now where me and the people my age are going through biological changes with menopause and with aging. And, you know, some people are going through becoming grandparents and retirement. And there's all these shifts that are happening even naturally. There's other couples that are younger who are going through the shift of pregnancy and battling infertility. And some people are going through cancer. And there are things that happen that require you to shift your expectations. And to not just wish that it is like it used to be. But this is the marriage we have now. Here are the circumstances we have now. Here are the bodies we have now. How do we learn to love each other and embrace this season, given the changes that we're experiencing?   And so, I think that's a framework that I've seen healthy couples navigate over time that really fosters intimacy.   Laura Dugger: (28:05 – 29:29) That is incredible. I love how you put that. And I've shared with you before that my background is in Christian sex therapy. So, sex is a topic that does come up a lot and people feel comfortable sharing or asking questions. So, just in regular conversation, I want to recap two conversations that kind of show stances on both ends of the spectrum. And I'd love to hear your wisdom on how to respond to each one.   So, first, there was a Christian married woman with children, and she was teaching younger women to say yes to every single sexual advance from their husband. And she said, “If your husband has the higher drive, and he wants to have sex twice a day, then consider yourself lucky. And don't ever say no, because your body is not your own.” Yeah, it's hard to recap. So, this is not my perspective. So, sharing both ends.   So, that was one person. And then on the other end, I've heard a woman tell me, “You know, I just didn't feel like having sex for about a year and a half after we had our baby. So, I just told my husband, you're going to have to wait.”   So, loaded question, but Dr. Juli, how would you respond to each of those?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (29:29 – 32:31) Well, Laura, I feel like you probably would have just as good of response as I would to those. Yeah, I like that you're presenting those as two extremes, because they are two extremes. And I think both extremes kind of miss the heart. We want to be able to say yes to sex and intimacy. And being able to say yes means also being able to say no.   In that first situation, essentially, what is going to end up happening is that that wife is going to start feeling like my husband wants me for sex. And I don't have the capacity to enjoy it twice a day. I'm starting to feel like an object or used. And the husband is never going to learn that covenant love requires self-denial. And at every level, you know, what did, what did Paul say to husbands in Ephesians 5, like love your wife as you love your own body and be willing to lay down your, your life for your wife. And that means being sensitive to the fact that she doesn't have the same sexual appetite as you do. She doesn't have the same biology you do, that it actually can be physically painful, emotionally traumatic for a wife to have sex when she's not physically ready. Really, that couple is not working on intimacy. They're, they're kind of reinforcing a pattern that sex is about the husband getting his needs and desires met only through the wife without considering her. And that might work for short term, but that's not building intimacy in the long term. And it's not teaching either of them. And that wife needs to learn her own sexual desires and patterns and be able to communicate those to her husband. So, that's what I would say in that first one.   And the second one, essentially, you have a wife kind of having that more selfish perspective of, I only have sex when I want it and on my terms, instead of considering the husband. And, you know, how do I focus on him? How do I work on experiencing sexual desire? How do I foster that? Because it's important for my husband, it's important for our marriage. And I don't want to be selfish.   And so, I think both of those situations are kind of approaching sex where one person gets to be selfish, and the other person has to sacrifice. That's ministry, that's not intimacy. And so, we really want to be at a place where both of us, the higher desire one and the lower desire one, are learning what does it look like to really love well, to love sacrificially and to communicate the ways that I feel loved. I don't know, what would you add to that or change?   Laura Dugger: (32:31 – 33:11) That's why I asked you, you said that beautifully, better than I could have responded. And again, you're getting back to the heart of it and pointing us back to Jesus with each answer. And, you know, commonly people do struggle with having a safe place where they can ask candid questions about sex.   So, I am going to throw some more at you. And some of these are ones that you wrote about. But just to give us a little taste, even of the book, or if somebody has a burning question like this, I'd love your healthy response.   So, how do you respond when people ask, “How far is too far to go in a dating relationship?”   Dr. Juli Slattery: (33:14 – 36:32) Yeah, I think people are looking for a line, you know, like, as long as I don't cross this line, are we good? And of course, I think their traditional line would be as long as you're not having intercourse. But I think that misses the larger context of the purpose of sex. I've had to be convicted of this in my own life. And we talked very early in our conversation about how we've just sort of ingested messages from the culture. And the culture says that healthy sexuality is an expression of how I feel, right? So, so if I feel safe with you, if I feel romantically connected to you, if I feel sexually attracted to you, then it would be healthy for me to engage sexually with you. And then Christians would come and say, yes, but as long as you don't cross this line. So, that's sort of the narrative that I think a lot of us have heard in the church.   But if we look at, from a biblical perspective, God did not design sex to be an expression of how I feel. Okay, let that sink in for a minute. God did not design sex to be an expression of how I feel. He designed it to be a seal and a celebration of covenant, of the choice that a man and a woman make to covenant their lives to one another. And for them to say, just like I give you my whole life, I promise faithfulness to you. I promise that we are becoming one as a family. We have now a physical way to symbolize that in becoming one with our bodies. And so, even if I feel romantically attached to somebody I'm not married to, I don't act on that. Or even if I don't feel romantically attached to my husband, we work on our sex life because we're in covenant.   And so, when you begin to understand sex from that standpoint, you answer that question differently of how far can I go? Why are you sharing your body with another person when you haven't shared your life with them? And, you know, I think that the standard is not legalistic, but the heart of the question is a lot, that's a harder question. You know, like it says, and I think 2 Thessalonians or 1 Thessalonians, you know, Paul says, the will of God is that you do not engage in sexual immorality. Don't take advantage of a brother or sister.   And how many times in dating relationships do you look back and you're like, “Wow, I gave too much of myself to that person or I took too much of myself from that person. Like we engaged in things that now we're broken apart. Like I wish I could take back.” And so, what does it look like to honor each other? What does it look like to honor the Lord? So, I think those kinds of questions help you get to the heart of how do we steward dating relationships a lot better than looking for a line we're not supposed to cross.   Laura Dugger: (36:33 – 37:31) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you? Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love? If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world.   So, we need your help.   Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us. Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you.   As Christ followers, should we use a friend's preferred names and pronouns? So, how would you respond to that?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (37:32 – 39:20) Boy, this is a hot topic. There are people who have really strong opinions on this. You're saying, do I use a friend's preferred names and pronouns?   And I think the fact that you have a friendship means that you can have a deeper conversation about the meaning of the names and pronouns. And I think that deeper conversation needs to happen. Because, you know, ultimately we don't like, we don't want to just say, “Oh yeah, whatever you want to call yourself is fine with me. Truth doesn't matter.” But on the other hand, we really want to get to the spiritual issue underneath this. And there's a, there's a big difference between somebody who doesn't know the Lord, doesn't know where you stand on any of this, and somebody that you can engage in a conversation with and seek wisdom on.   I think there, there's probably more latitude to use somebody's preferred name than pronouns. And I think in friendships, sometimes you can work that through and just say, you know, “Hey, I love you. I understand where you're coming from. I'm going to try my best to use the name that you're asking. But the pronoun is something that I'm not comfortable with. And here's why. And just like I'm, I want to understand where you are. I hope that you would have grace and understand where I am.” So, in a friendship, you're able to have those kinds of conversations. Whereas if it's a coworker or it's a stranger or a neighbor, sometimes we can't have that level of conversation. And so, I, we might choose to handle the situation a little differently.   Laura Dugger: (39:21 – 39:36) That's good. A hundred percent truth, a hundred percent love or kindness. And what if somebody asks, how much attention should we be giving these secondary issues as believers?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (39:39 – 41:03) Boy, I, I think first of all, the secondary issues come out of the primary issues. So, the primary issue, and you know, the issue I wrote Surrendered Sexuality is about is if my life belongs to the Lord, then my whole life needs to belong to Him, including how I think about cultural issues, including how I treat my neighbor.   And so, I don't see them as secondary issues. I see them as an outgrowth of the primary issue. I think when they become secondary issues are when we argue with other believers about it and it becomes the most important thing. Like I put you in a category based on, will you use preferred names and pronouns? And then I think we're missing what God calls us to.   The primary issue is that we want to honor God and we want to love each other. And so, let's keep going back to that primary issue. How do I love my neighbor well? How do I honor God's truth well? How do I pursue unity within the body of Christ well, as we're navigating some of these secondary issues? So, you know, like if we're going back to the primary issue, it means that we have to talk about the secondary issues, but we talk about them in light of what's primary.   Laura Dugger: (41:04 – 41:17) I like that. And I just have three more of these kind of tricky questions. So, another one, does pornography addiction qualify as reasons for a biblical divorce?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (41:20 – 42:50) I would say, first of all, technically, if we look at the word for sexual immorality in the scripture, which is porneia, we would say, yeah, you know, pornography does qualify for that.   But for the person who's asking this, maybe the woman who's asking this, I would say, why do you want to get out of the marriage? And what Jesus said is Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of your heart. And I think a more important question is where's your heart and where's your husband's heart? Because I've seen people with pornography addictions who have really open hearts towards healing, and they're willing to get the help that they need. They're repentant. They're willing to do the work. They're willing to go through even a time of separation to show that they're serious about that work.   And then there are people who have very hard hearts of, “This is who I am. I might go through the motions, but I'm really not interested in change.” And so, I think the pornography addiction is less the issue than the posture of the person's heart and their willingness to work. And if your spouse is willing to work, then I think it's on us to have soft hearts too, and to be open to the work that God can do.   Laura Dugger: (42:51 – 43:34) That's good because saying you have to zoom out and see more of the story in that stance, because that's very different. Somebody who's working on it and hates the struggle and is wanting to break free versus being married to a narcissist who is abusing you and treating you in a certain way and addicted to pornography. So, you point out well that all of these questions have more to them.   Okay. So, two more, if a spouse has had an emotional affair in the past with a coworker, but they still work with this person, what is the wise thing to do and how should they handle it if their spouse is uncomfortable with them still working there?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (43:36 – 44:33) Yeah, boy, that's something that I would want to seek counseling on. You and your spouse really need to get with a counselor and talk that through. The generic advice in that situation would be to get a different job, to not have that relationship still a temptation or available.   But there are sometimes very extenuating circumstances where that's not a possibility, or at least for now, that's not a possibility. And so, I would really encourage you to meet with a third party to sort through the details of your particular situation. Because it could be that your spouse isn't willing to take that hard step of cutting off that relationship, or it could be that they're willing, but again, there's extenuating circumstances. And I would really want a wise person who is engaging with you to help you navigate that.   Laura Dugger: (44:34 – 44:44) But I love that, how you highlight that something to look for though, is that you would hope your spouse would be willing to make that right, especially if they were the offending.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (44:46 – 44:46) Okay.   Laura Dugger: (44:47 – 45:00) And then also, Juli, because scripture does talk about turning the other cheek, does that mean it's the same as saying God expects you to stay in an abusive marriage?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (45:02 – 47:41) Absolutely not. If you were in an abusive marriage, you are not doing your spouse any good. You are allowing your spouse to be in a place where they're destroying their own life and they're destroying the people that they love.   Now you say, okay, where biblically do we see this? We see that Jesus, he says in John, he says, “I laid down my life for my sheep. I lay it down willingly. No one has the authority to take it from me. I have the authority to lay it down and I have the authority to take it up again.” And we see Him living that out with religious leaders who were after Him all the time, who wanted to stone Him, who were accusing Him of things. It says over and over again that Jesus escaped from them. He just got out of there until it was time that the Father said, now is the time for you to give yourself for the world.   So, we take that principle and we say, Jesus was not abused. Jesus did not let Himself be abused. He gave Himself as a lamb to the slaughter as a sacrifice for the Father and for the world. But that's very different. Up until that time, we see Him have great boundaries. We see Him not get, it even says He didn't entrust Himself to man because He knew what was in their hearts. I mean, He had boundaries with people that could have hurt Him.   And I also love when we see this in the story of King David and Saul, when Saul is chasing David, Saul is abusive, right? He wants to kill David. And so, David escapes. And there's a situation where David has the power or the opportunity to kill Saul and he doesn't do it. And then Saul just is struck by his conscience, and he comes back to David. He goes, “You're a better man than I am. I'm so sorry. You know, come back with me and I'll treat you well.” And even though David doesn't take revenge, he doesn't go back with Saul. He's still, he's like, “You go your way. I'll go my way. I'm going to let the Lord judge between us.”   And I think that's a great model. If you're in any kind of abusive relationship, you don't take revenge, but you also don't stay in that situation. You go your way, let them go their way, and you let God judge between you. And I think we see that over and over again in scripture.   Laura Dugger: (47:42 – 48:19) I think that is so well said. And it reminds me of a somewhat recent conversation in 2025 with Stacey Womack who's saying with domestic violence, really the way God would see it is child abuse. And that kind of helps our paradigm because we are His child.   And she elaborates on that. So, I said that that was the last one, but I actually thought of one more as it relates to our children.   So, is it reasonable to assume that once a child has a smartphone, 100% of them will be exposed to pornography?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (48:21 – 49:15) Yeah, it is. And I would say not just once they have a smartphone, because I know with one of my kids, we delayed the smartphone decision, but he had a learning disability that required him to have an iPad for school. And somehow, even though we locked down all the apps, somehow he's able to access it through that. Or it can be a gaming system, or it can be a friend's phone. And so, having a smartphone or device like that certainly makes it more probable.   But you know, like our kids are surrounded by screens and technology, not just what's in our home, but in other people's homes and at school. And so, I think it's safe to assume, unfortunately, that yes, 100% of our kids are going to be exposed to pornography, probably by the time they're 13 or 14.   Laura Dugger: (49:16 – 49:31) And sadly, some much younger than that. But even if there's parental controls, or filters put on, it is just something on my heart that we have to be so vigilant against.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (49:32 – 50:12) Yeah, no, I felt like when, you know, I have three boys, and when they were all three kind of in those teen years, I felt like I was trying to plug holes in a boat, and there'd be new ones popping up all the time. Whether it's like apps, or you know, things that you think are completely safe. Somehow, pornography can get through.   And our kids are smart, like they know the workarounds to the parental things. And that's why we just need to have conversation after conversation, just discipling them, not just protecting them from pornography, but discipling them through what they're inevitably going to be exposed to.   Laura Dugger: (50:13 – 51:05) That's a great point that not just being reactive, but proactive. I think why I have such a heart for this is because practicing and doing therapy and having so many people come in those wounds, that if that addiction gets a stronghold, and that pornography use, it just can wreak havoc in people long term. And so, if we can do that hard work of discipling early on, it is such a blessing to our children, to the generation.   So, I'm just so grateful for your candid responses. And I think it's also a helpful reminder just to never take on a burden that was never meant for us to carry. So, are there any ways that God has taught you to not try and do His business?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (51:07 – 52:16) Yeah. Boy, that's such a great question. I've had to come to the conclusion that I can't convince anyone of right and wrong. You know, like, I can't convince anyone that pornography is wrong, or gay marriage is wrong, or you know, like, that's not my job. My job is to walk with the Lord with integrity and faithfulness and to testify as to who He is.   And so much of this work, whether we're talking about marriage or our friends or our children, so much of this work has to be the Lord's work. And you reach a stage with your kids when they hit those teen years, where you realize the things my kids most need, I can't give them. I can't give them a relationship with God. I can't give them the desire to follow and seek the Lord. Like, I can model that for them. I can encourage them. But that is between them and the Lord. And if I try to control that, I'm just getting in the way of the work that God wants to do in their lives.   Laura Dugger: (52:18 – 52:33) Goodness, I will need to write that down and reflect on that. That is so good, Juli. And there's still so much more that you could share with us.   So, where is your preferred place that we can go online and continue learning from you?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (52:34 – 52:48) Yeah, I would say two places. Number one, our website is authenticintimacy.com. And the second one is the podcast that I do called Java with Juli. It goes along with The Savvy Sauce, you know, like they kind of go together.   Laura Dugger: (52:49 – 53:11) Yes, absolutely. We will certainly link to all of that in the show notes for today's episode.   And you're familiar, I've asked you many times before, because we are called savvy, because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge or discernment. So, as my final question for you today, Dr. Juli, what is your savvy sauce?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (53:13 – 53:58) Oh, I don't even remember how I answered this the last few times. I think I may have said this before, but I think reading the dead old guys is one of my savvy sauce, like reading people who didn't live in this generation who loved the Lord.   And learning from them is just, that's probably taught me more discernment than anything, because they just cut right through the cultural noise that I think sometimes can blind us. And they really help me see my heart for what it is and help me really want to pursue God at a deeper level.   Laura Dugger: (53:59 – 54:03) Wow. Any specific recommendations that have been personal favorites there?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (54:04 – 54:22) Yeah, I love A.W. Tozer. I love many of Andrew Murray's books, particularly Humility and Absolute Surrender. And C.S. Lewis is another great one, Mere Christianity. So, those are some that I would recommend you start with.   Laura Dugger: (54:23 – 54:44) That is wonderful. Thank you for sharing that.   And Juli, it's just always such a delight to get to share an hour of conversation with you. And you are just this beautiful mixture of bold and gentle and humble, all combined into one. So, thank you for being my returning guest today.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (54:44 – 54:49) Oh, thank you. And it's such a pleasure to be with you. Thanks for your great questions.   Laura Dugger: (54:51 – 58:33) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Think you're too late to start a business? Think again.In this episode of the Naked Sunday Podcast, Caleb Nelson sits down with serial entrepreneur and business mentor Danielle Lindner to reveal why your 50s might be the BEST time to build a profitable business — and why it has nothing to do with hustling harder.Danielle has built multiple successful companies from scratch — including a global HR firm and a STEM-based preschool — and now helps women 50+ turn their decades of experience into real income.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome03:44 - Who is Danielle Lindner?06:10 - Building a Global HR Firm from a Closet11:35 - Opening a STEM-Based Preschool21:15 - Working with Your Spouse in Business27:00 - Raising Kids in an Entrepreneurial Lifestyle37:00 - The Jewelry Business Story: Turning Rejection into Success42:30 - Rejection is Just Information50:00 - The Importance of Foundation Over Flash58:30 - Why Mentorship Matters1:03:00 - Do Less, Be More Philosophy1:22:00 - Starting a Business After 501:26:00 - Competitive Public Speaking & Playing to Win1:11:00 - Desert Island Question: Love Boat & Goodfellas1:18:00 - Deathbed Meal: Key Lime Pie & Family1:26:00 - Final Words of Wisdom

Hi everyone! In today's segment, we review cosmic energy and how to best navigate the shift of Mars in Aquarius. We also explore the upcoming Mercury Retrograde, the nakshatra it will retrograde in, and how this may impact us on an individual and collective level. YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

If you've ever felt that jolt of panic when your child shares that they've been spending time with "daddy's new girlfriend" or "mommy's new boyfriend"……you're not alone. That moment can trigger fear, jealousy, grief, and of course, a protective instinct that makes you want to react fast.  And sometimes that turns into a moment we later regret.In this episode, we'll help you slow down and respond with wisdom instead of emotion. You'll learn how to make a helpful first impression (even if you don't feel ready), how to reduce tension that fuels loyalty binds, and move toward a healthier co-parenting dynamic without just pretending everything is “fine.” You'll DiscoverWhat to do when you feel unsettled by your ex's “recoupling” How to protect your kids from getting stuck in the middle and stay focused on their well-being How to set a healthy tone with the new partner (and your ex), so you can  avoid common missteps that often strain co-parenting  Resources from this Episode:Episode 229.  The Heavy Burdens Kids Carry:  Loyalty Binds, Parental Allegiance, and How to HelpEpisode 226. How Two Homes Raise Kids that Thrive:  A Co-Parenting Blueprint for Caring Parents [with Jay & Tammy Daughtry]Episode 161.  How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification? [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]Episode 162. How to Healthy Step-Parent/Step-Child Dynamics Avoid the Pitfalls of Step-Parentification [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]For Stepparents:Episode 44:  Why does my Husband's Ex Think I'm the Enemy?Episode 45:  How to Cooperate More with Your Spouse's Uncooperative ExEpisode 91:  Is Your Husband's Hostile Ex-Wife Invading Your Life, Stealing Your Joy and Confidence? Episode 170. Co-Parenting Pitfalls for Bio and Step Parents:  How to Avoid "Milestone Mishaps"Ready for some extra support?We're here to help.  You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home.  Schedule your free call here:  https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesessionLeave a Review in Apple PodcastsIf you're feeling extra helpful, we would be so grateful if you left us a review over on Apple Podcasts too. Your review will help others find our podcast — plus they're fun for us to read too! :-)  Just click here to Review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and then select “Write a Review” — let us know what your favorite part of the podcast is.  Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback!

Send a textMany couples aren't in crisis — they're in a quiet middle space.Not deeply connected. Not fighting constantly. Just… living around the ache.In this episode, Christine explores the subtle pattern where one partner reaches for change while the other avoids it — and how resignation slowly replaces longing.If you've ever told yourself, “We're okay,” while something inside you still feels distant or unfulfilled, this conversation will help you reconnect with your honesty — gently and without pressure.You'll learn:Why couples get stuck in emotional limboThe hidden cost of living in resignationThe subtle lies we tell ourselves about wanting moreReflective questions to help you reconnect with what you missHow to take a next step without forcing an outcomeIf this resonates, consider scheduling a Courageous Love Conversation — a space to gain clarity about where you are and what support might help.And if someone came to mind while listening, share this episode with them. It may be the nudge they need.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what's true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving.Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Today we discuss the upcoming solar eclipse on February 17th in the nakshatra of Dhanishta. We begin by doing a brief recap of some current affairs - we get into more personal astrology around the 9:45 mark with horoscopes coming at the end, per usual. This solar eclipse activates the Leo–Aquarius axis in a way that feels deeply personal and profoundly collective.Ketu in Leo indicates challenging celebrity worship, hierarchy, and the illusion of kingdoms and regimes. Who have we placed on pedestals? Where have we given our power away?Rahu in Aquarius brings a focus shift toward collective advancement - especially in health, innovation, and systems that serve humanity at large.We discuss:ReceptivityAbundanceWealth consciousnessMoney as energyShifting from being an audience to participant We break down horoscopes for all 12 signs while exploring the brilliance of Dhanishta - the nakshatra of radiance, rhythm, and remembering what makes us bright.YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Send a textValentine's Day expectations in marriage often go unspoken — and that's where disappointment begins.In this episode, Christine explores how waiting for your spouse to meet expectations without clear communication can create quiet resentment. You'll learn how to examine what you truly want, share your desires with clarity, and use Valentine's Day as an invitation for deeper connection rather than pressure.Christine also discusses how to express love without conditions, take care of your own heart when expectations aren't met, and start honest conversations that build intimacy over time.Resources mentioned:– Gentle Start Guide to Better Communication– Courageous Love Conversation

Today Dr. Carol is joined by Lindsey Maestas, a writer and podcast host known for saying the hard things gently, and for telling the truth about love with honesty, depth, and compassion. Together, we talk about what happens when the feeling of being "in love" begins to fade, and why romance alone is never enough to sustain a relationship. Lindsey shares vulnerable stories about her own marriage, including a season when she was ready to call it quits, and the inner shifts that led her to choose staying, growth, and daily faithfulness instead of walking away. We explore common relational patterns that quietly erode intimacy over time, including attachment dynamics, icing one another out, and making a partner responsible for needs only God can truly meet. She also speaks candidly about phone addiction, modern distraction, and the ways divided attention weakens connection and intimacy. And there's plenty of hope and practical wisdom, contrasting grand gestures with the power of daily consistency. We talk about habits, self-discipline, and small, repeated investments that keep love alive over the long haul. This conversation invites listeners to embrace a deeper, steadier vision of love, one rooted not in fleeting feelings, but in presence, intention, and choosing one another again and again. Connect with Lindsey Maestas on her website or Instagram. Find Lindsey's book Don't Burn Your Own House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself for a Deeper Connection     Check out the marriage resources at Dr. Carol Ministries Find out more about Dr. Carol Ministries in-person intensives - a safe place to unpack your story around intimacy and relationships, and experience Jesus coming into your story to bring healing and wholeness.        Find out more about individual coaching with Dr. Carol        Dr. Carol loves to hear from you. You can send a confidential message here.

Hi everyone! Our segment is a little less conventional today. There has been so much information coming out that it is challenging to keep up with, analyze, and consider! The Epstein files were recently released (though many still are not and much of this information is heavily redacted) and it has catalyzed a shift in collective conscious. Who are our leaders really? Who are they affiliated with? What secrets are our favorite celebrities harboring? This is a topic that I care about deeply! I hope you find the connections to astrology interesting.FOUNDATION COURSEhttps://www.innerknowing.yoga/vedic-astrology-foundational-courseYOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Send us a textWhy do the same conflicts keep showing up in marriage — even when both partners care?In this episode of Awaken You in Your Marriage, Christine explores how personality styles show up during conflict and why understanding these differences can dramatically shift communication and connection.You'll learn how different personality styles respond under stress, what each type needs most in conflict, and why couples often clash not because of the issue itself, but because of how they protect themselves emotionally.This episode offers a compassionate, practical lens for understanding yourself and your spouse — without labeling or blame — and includes tools to help couples stay emotionally connected even during difficult conversations.Christine also shares how listeners can explore their personality style further using the Live the Life app, of which I am NOT a paid sponsor, and invites couples to continue the work together.

In this episode, we dive into the upcoming eclipse season on the axis of Leo and Aquarius. This eclipse cycle amplifies power-to-the-people energy which can create a tension between individual sovereignty and the powers that be. There will be powerful movements but also continued clash between person and state.We explore the combustible conjunction of Mars and Rahu, a transit that brings intense heat, passion, and ambition, but also raises the potential for conflict, attacks, impulsive actions, and major blow-ups if energy isn't consciously directed. Venus's involvement with Rahu highlights karmic themes around love, desire, and attachments. Relational patterns may resurface demanding clarity or release.Later in the month, Mercury retrograde under these conditions is especially disruptive, increasing the likelihood of miscommunications, travel delays (at worst, major issues or accidents involving travel) tech issues, and messages going sideways. Stay abreast to cosmic matters by taking notes on your calendar throughout the segment. BEGINNER CLASSInnerknowing.yoga > offerings > Beginner CourseYOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Send us a textIn this episode of Awaken You in Your Marriage, Christine explores how understanding personality can bring clarity and compassion to communication struggles in marriage.Rather than focusing only on what couples fight about, this conversation looks at how personality and stress responses shape conflict. Christine introduces a simple, accessible personality framework and explains how different wiring can lead to misunderstanding — even when both partners have good intentions.You'll learn:Why communication breaks down even when couples care deeplyHow personality influences conflict and stress responsesWhy self-compassion is the starting point for healthier connectionHow shared language can reduce blame and increase understandingChristine also invites listeners to explore the free personality assessment inside the Live the Life app, which includes tools, conversation starters, and date ideas for couples.

On today's segment, we have a laid back conversation with Daniel about astrology, karma, and past life regression. When I met Daniel, we immediately clicked on metaphysics, time, alternate realities, death, and most importantly - child like humor. Periodically, we like to sit down and explore the cosmos in laid back and communal fashion. We hope you glean sparks of insight, inspiration, or feel a shift in perspective while listening to our banter. To Book with Daniel: https://www.thepastliferegressionist.comhttps://www.instagram.com/thepastliferegressionist/?hl=enYOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Send us a textAt the start of a new year, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you should be working on in your marriage. In this episode, Christine offers a gentler and more sustainable approach.Instead of fixing all the things or waiting for the “right time,” you're invited to slow down, listen, and choose one internal shift that could begin changing the dynamic in your relationship. Christine explores why readiness often comes after the noise settles, how accountability supports real change, and why communication is often the place where small shifts make the biggest difference.This episode is a practical and encouraging follow-up to Episodes 247 and 248—helping you move from awareness into meaningful, supported action.In this episode, you'll explore:Why waiting for perfect timing often keeps couples stuckHow choosing one focus can change the tone of your marriageThe role of accountability in creating lasting changeHow to communicate more gently and effectivelyNext steps:Download the Gentle Start Guide to Better CommunicationBook a Courageous Love Conversation for clarity and accountabilityShare this episode with your spouse or a friendYou don't need to work on everything—just the right thing.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. Subscribe to the podcast here! Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.Instagram...

My book, Don't Burn Your Own House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself for a Deeper Connection, will be here in ONE WEEK. (AHHH!!!) Please pre-order today!!!  Barnes & Noble: Buy from B&N! (Preferred

Hi everyone!In this segment we discuss the upcoming new moon in Uttara Ashadha in Capricorn. We explore how becoming truly aligned with our values or morals can sometimes feel isolating. As we refine our convictions - certain relationships, identities, and paths may crumble as a natural consequence of our own commitment to our life. Uttara Ashadha teaches us that loneliness can be a rite of passage on the way to inner authority.YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Send us a textCBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. Subscribe to the podcast here! Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.Instagram...

In this episode, we explore the "boss energy" of Capricorn season. With four planets shifting from Sagittarius into Capricorn, we are prompted to explore where discipline replaces impulse, commitment gives more reward than convenience, and long-term goals are more prevalent than fleeting satisfaction.We talk about how the Sun in Capricorn highlights responsibility, leadership, and taking the reins of life. Mercury in Capricorn supports strategic spending, planning, and pragmatic conversations. Venus in Capricorn slows love down - prioritizing loyalty, maturity, and relationships that are built to last rather than quick sparks. Mars in Capricorn rewards taking initiative, hard work, following passion, and allowing confidence to overshadow fear of the unknown. Economic themes of Capricorn include: money systems, taxes, government structures, corporate power, and the real-world consequences of long-term policy and financial decisions. This is a transit that confronts the collective to be honest about resources, accountability, and where we're investing our time, energy, and money.YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

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.

Hi everyone! FIRST - skip to 19:22 if you want to skip review. Second, this is an *over view*. It is impossible to cover each month in total nuance without creating a 10 hour long podcast. But I wanted to share the main takeaways of the year to come. Most importantly: I wanted to give you dates that I am personally using on a daily basis to plan my year... so I hope this helps! Transits: Eclipses 2026 Feb 17, 2026 at 6:01am: 4 degrees Aquarius in Dhanishta (Annular)March 3, 2026 at 5:38am: 18 degrees Purva Phalguni in Leo (total)August 12, 2026 at 12:37pm: 25 degrees Ashlesha in Cancer (total)August 27, 28, 2026 at 23:18: 10 degrees Shatabhisha in Aquarius (Partial)JupiterJupiter in Cancer June 1 - October 31; January 24, 2027 - June 25th, 2027Jupiter in Leo October 31 - January 24th, 2027JUPITER RETROGRADEJupiter RX December 12, 2026 at 2 degrees Leo - April 12, 2027 at 22 degrees of Ashlesha Rahu and Ketu Rahu in Cap/Ketu in Cancer: November 25, 2026 - May 24, 2028Mars/Jupiter/Ketu ConjunctionNovember 12, 2026-Nov 25, 2026 Mars/Rahu ConjunctionFebruary 23rd - April 2ndMercury Retrogrades: Feb 26 (28 Aquarius) - March 20 (Aquarius 14 degrees)June 29th (2 cancer) - July 23rd (22 Gemini)October 24th ( 26 libra) - November 13th (10 libra)Venus Retrogrades: October 3 (14 Libra)  - November 13 (28 Virgo)Kala Sarpa: Feb 23 - August 1, 2026YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Send us a textAs the new year approaches, many couples hope their marriage will feel different—but without intention, January often looks a lot like December.In this episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage, Christine invites you to slow down and reflect on who you are becoming and how that inner evolution shapes the way your marriage feels over time. Through a guided visualization, simple habit-setting, and practical tools, you'll learn how to approach the new year with clarity, compassion, and direction.This episode is designed to be one you return to—especially as you begin forming new habits in January and beyond.In this episode, you'll explore:A guided visualization to connect with your future selfHow small daily habits create meaningful change in marriageUsing visual reminders to stay focused on your intentionsThe role of accountability in ongoing growth

In this special year-end episode, we revisit the conversations you loved most in 2025: honest, hope-filled moments about intimacy, relationships, sexuality, and the God who designed us for connection. These clips capture the wisdom, clarity, and compassion that resonated deeply with listeners all year long. Whether you're new to the podcast or want a fresh dose of encouragement, this highlight reel brings together the insights that helped people grow in intimacy with God and with each other.  And here are links to the full conversations from which the excerpts were taken for this episode: - Overcoming Contradictions Between What You "Know" and What You Feel About Love, God, Intimacy, and Sex with Michael J. Cusick - Knowing and Being Known: Fulfilling Your Need for Intimacy with Erin F. Moniz - How to Find True Connection Through Courageous Authenticity with Tom Bennardo - From Criticism to Blessing: Transforming How You Speak to Your Spouse with Ann Wilson - More Than Behavior: What Surrendering Your Sexuality to Jesus Means with Dr. Juli Slattery Relationship Prescriptions is listener supported. That means YOU! Would you prayerfully consider how God might ask you to support this ministry financially? And then make your best year-end tax-deductible contribution today. Dr. Carol loves to hear from you! You can leave a confidential comment here. 

Hi everyone! I have been so busy with the holiday season, planning a new business, and keeping up with current work! I've been having so much fun... and thank you for understanding the late podcast! I thought that sharing some of the MOST EXCITING and supportive transits for 2026 would be a short and sweet way to encourage the biggest New Year's resolutions. Please remember this isn't comprehensive, as I believe we have even more to look forward to. Today we discuss two periods that have a Saraswati Yoga. This is when Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury all transit the same sign. Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, education, music, art, and refinement. Though, because she is a goddess, she also represents wealth and beauty! She is usually depicted riding a swan and holding a veena. This is one of the most auspicious and beautiful yogas, in my opinion!This period of time is BEAUTIFUL for new ventures, launching programs, publishing a good, or announcing good news. Listen to this podcast for more 2026 tid bits... More to come!YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Send us a textCan a marriage really change after years of struggle and effort?In this episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage, Christine reflects on more than a decade of inner and relational work and shares what truly shifts when couples stay committed to the long work of healing. This is an honest, hope-filled conversation for anyone who's been doing the work and wondering if it's worth it.Christine explores the seasons most couples move through—from early attempts to fix things, to the lonely middle where growth can feel one-sided, to the quiet transformation that happens over time when inner work reshapes the relationship from the inside out.If you're feeling discouraged, tired, or uncertain about your marriage, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and a gentle invitation to keep going.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Can your marriage really change?00:35 – Reflecting on over a decade of marriage work07:05 – The early years: when therapy helped us talk, but not heal11:12 – The turning point: when inner work became non-negotiable13:57 – The lonely middle: doing the work before your spouse is ready15:59 – The long view: why inner work still matters17:53 – When both partners begin the work21:59 – A gentle invitation to stay with the work

Are you ready to graduate from the grind in 2026? Then here’s your most important project: Future You. Learn more “Eye opening and provocative.” “Challenged me to get out of the starting blocks and far down the path of really thinking about this next phase of my life in very different ways. I now feel like I have a solid road map.” “I wish I’d taken this program earlier.” __________________________ Start the new year right with new habits. FREE 3 session program – 3 Fridays in January at Noon Eastern January 2, 9 and 16 Sign up here __________________________ What if the most creative chapter of your life hasn't happened yet? Today's conversation is about second acts that arrive not quietly—but boldly. Kim Gottlieb-Walker published her debut novel at age 78 after a 50-year career as a photographer. She also leads the Vintage Writers, a lively weekly Zoom group of women authors over 70. Joining her is Roselyn Teukolsky, a former math and computer science educator who retired and now writes fiction. This conversation explores creative courage, identity shifts, the power of starting something new – and the value of community. Kim Gottlieb-Walker and Roselyn Teukolsky join us from California. _________________________ Planning for retirement? Check out our recommended Best Books for Retirement _________________________ Bios Kim Gottlieb-Walker's  career as a photographer covered a wide range of subjects, from classic rock and roll, reggae, and politics in the ‘60s and ‘70s to major motion pictures and television shows. Now in her late 70s, she has reinvented herself as a novelist. While still at UCLA (where she  received a BA in Motion Picture production) and shortly thereafter, she shot for underground LA newspapers and magazines including Crawdaddy, the Staff, and Music World. She  also shot the stills for John Carpenter's Halloween, The Fog, Christine and Escape from New York and worked at Paramount Pictures for nine years as the production photographer for Cheers, and five years for Family Ties. For three decades she  was an elected representative for still photographers on the National Executive Board of IATSE Local 600, the International Cinematographers Guild. Her coffee-table photo books Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae and On Set with John Carpenter were published by Titan Press (UK) distributed by Random House (USA) and both are now in multiple printing. They have editions in Japanese, Russian and French. She's  had gallery shows in London, Los Angeles and New York. Her novels are  Lenswoman in Love – a novel of the 1960s & ‘70s (her debut) and the not-yet published historical novel Caterina by Moonlight, about a girl growing up in renaissance Florence in the late 15th century. Her short story “Summer of Love – 1967” appears in the multi-award-winning anthology Feisty Deeds. Former math and computer science teacher, Roselyn Teukolsky, is the author of A Reluctant Spy, an unconventional spy thriller, and The Fourth Woman, a cautionary tale about online dating. Teukolsky has long been intrigued by the dilemmas faced by smart women in male-dominated settings. Working as a computer science teacher has given her the familiarity to create an authentic female protagonist, a brilliant computer scientist, who, in the latest novel, must ward off a ransomware attack and an online-dating predator. Teukolsky has a B.Sc. in Math and Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, and an M.S. in Math Education from Cornell. She is the author of the Barron's review book for AP Computer Science, which is currently in its 12th edition. Roselyn's favorite pastime is tournament bridge. She wrote How to Play Bridge with Your Spouse … and Survive (Master Point Press) in 2002. She lives in Pasadena, CA, with her husband, Saul Teukolsky. ________________________ Have a Question You’d Like Answered on the Podcast? Click here to leave a voice message or email me at joec@retirementwisdom.com _________________________ For More on Kim Gottlieb-Walker  Lenswoman in Love www.Lenswoman.com for an overview of her photographic history www.TheRenaissanceWoman.net www.KimGottliebWalker.com – her author website. — For More on Roselyn Teukolsky A Reluctant Spy The Fourth Woman _________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like Why Retirement Was Just the Beginning – Neal Lipschutz A Creative Pursuit with an Intergenerational Assist – Neil & Michelle McLaughlin Edit Your Life – Elisabeth Sharp McKetta __________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You'll get smarter about the investment decisions you'll make about the most important asset you'll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren't quite done yet, discover what's next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn't just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master's degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He's the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. ___________________________ Wise Quotes On a Writing Community “One of the things I’ve loved best about this recreation of my life is the number of people it’s brought into my life because the writers are a very supportive community. And it keeps your brain alive. There’s so much you have to learn with the learning curve of writing a book that it keeps your brain cells going. It stimulates them. I think there are many people out there who, after having had very active careers that are now retired and are feeling at lost ends. Every person has met interesting people during their lives, has had things happen to them, have had tragedies, have had happiness. Everybody has experiences in them that they might want to communicate. And writing, even though it seems like a very solitary occupation, it gives you a chance to put all of your life experience out into the world and to then connect with other people, other writers, to get the support that you need and to learn all of the different aspects of it. So it’s a very satisfying way to spend your retirement. Oh, well, it’s an amazing group of women. They’re all over 70. They’ve all reinvented themselves as writers. Some were writers beforehand, but most have reinvented themselves. And they cover all different kinds of writing of every genre. There’s self-help, there’s romance, there’s mystery, there’s historical fiction, and they’re all very talented, alert, wonderful women. And we meet every Tuesday on Zoom and commiserate and celebrate and give advice. And it has been the most wonderful support group. So we’re not isolated in retirement. We have interactions with people who have similar goals and similar challenges. It’s a tremendous support group.” – Kim Gottlieb-Walker On Age as an Asset ” It is never too late to reinvent yourself. It’s totally within your reach. You don’t have to depend on anyone else. All you have to do is sit down and let your ideas flow. And I wouldn’t worry about ageism because now that we’re in an age where you can self-publish, it doesn’t matter how old you are. And the fact that we have had such rich lives and so many experiences informs the writing and gives the writing depth and gives it reality because it’s based on our real experiences. No matter what you’re writing, you’re bringing your life experiences into it, which is incredibly valuable. So don’t worry about ageism. Don’t worry about the publisher. Just get it out on paper. Do it yourself.” – Kim Gottlieb-Walker On Starting to Write “A lot of my friends have said to me, Oh, they would love to write a book. They would love to write a book. They’re going to write a book. But the point is, if you don’t sit down every day at the same time, backside in the desk, it doesn’t happen. It just doesn’t. Even if you sit and do nothing. I would ask, what are you going to do in the next 10 years? And I say, I don’t know what I’m going to do. And I say, Well, why not write in the next 10 years?” – Roselyn Teukolsky

Hi everyone, In this episode, we review the New Moon in Mula nakshatra—a lunar mansion known for its ability to expose roots, cut away what no longer serves, and its investment to the source of Truth. From there, we move into a conversation about the dashas—the planetary periods that shape the unfolding timeline of your life. We walk through:how dashas reveal your unique life seasonshow to understand what your current dasha is asking from youhow to work with (not against) your planetary periodhow to maximize the gifts, opportunities, and lessons available to you right nowYOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

As the year winds down, the noise of the past year gets louder. We see what we failed at and all that we've achieved. And then as January approaches, the world shouts at us to set our New Year resolutions, to chase fresh starts, to reinvent ourselves, to do more, be better, and try harder. But what if what your soul actually needs isn't a fresh start, but rest and obedience? Jesus doesn't heal through pressure, He heals through presence.  In this episode, Lindsey Maestas shares a gentle, Jesus-centered reflection for the holiday season and end of the year. She challenges herself, and her listeners, to live faithfully this year instead of doing everything to be hotter, richer, more, more, more.  Instead of pushing self-improvement or hustle spirituality, this episode invites you to slow down, breathe, and return to the heart of the gospel: Jesus is faithful, and he doesn't call us to live a burnt out life. Rooted in Scripture and lived experience, this episode speaks directly to women who feel quietly exhausted, emotionally spent, or spiritually worn down—especially those navigating marriage struggles, burnout, anxiety, or disappointment with how the year turned out. Have you already ordered my new book?! Don't Burn Your Own House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself for a Deeper Connection is available for pre-order NOW!  Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes like this! 

Send us a textAs the year comes to a close, this episode invites you to pause and reflect on how your marriage has actually felt—not to judge it, but to learn from it. Christine shares a personal story, practical reflection tools, and simple next steps to help you move into the new year with clarity, intention, and hope for deeper connection.Timestamps:00:00 Reflecting on Your Marriage as the Year Ends01:06 Welcome to AwakenYou in Your Marriage03:01 A Long-Awaited Vacation and Choosing Connection06:55 A Simple Year-End Marriage Reflection Exercise09:37 Understanding Patterns in Your Marriage10:45 Recognizing Seasons of Marriage12:20 Self-Examination and Personal Growth13:11 Practical Steps to Improve Your Marriage14:36 Guided Reflection and Planning for the Year Ahead18:37 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Sheila Walsh’s happy childhood dissolved in an instant when her father suffered a devastating brain injury that led to violent outbursts, and ultimately, death by suicide. Sheila couldn’t understand why her dad hated her, but resolved to do better for her Heavenly Father. Hear why Sheila ended up in a psychiatric hospital at age 34, and how Jesus helped her see her truth worth as His child. Receive a copy of The Six Conversations and an audio download of "How to Have Meaningful Conversations with Your Spouse" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

The final New Moon of 2025 will take place in Mula Nakshatra, a Ketu-ruled lunar mansion of destruction, truth, and radical liberation. In this episode, we explore how this Sagittarius New Moon invites us to confront fear at the root, release outdated beliefs, and confront truths within ourselves... even if it means shaking up our reality. A powerful moon for courage, honesty, and setting intentions that carry us into the freedom and momentum of 2026.YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Sheila Walsh’s happy childhood dissolved in an instant when her father suffered a devastating brain injury that led to violent outbursts, and ultimately, death by suicide. Sheila couldn’t understand why her dad hated her, but resolved to do better for her Heavenly Father. Hear why Sheila ended up in a psychiatric hospital at age 34, and how Jesus helped her see her truth worth as His child. Receive a copy of The Six Conversations and an audio download of "How to Have Meaningful Conversations with Your Spouse" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Send us a textI've been thinking a lot lately about how many couples quietly stop having fun together—not because they don't care, but because life gets heavy and serious and… well, slowly you start feeling more like you're running a household than living inside a relationship.You're managing schedules.Paying bills.Getting through the week.And one day you look up and realize…the lightness is gone.You can't remember the last time you laughed together.Or were silly on purpose.Or even felt playful inside your own body.And if I'm honest, I know this feeling well.Jeff and I lived there for a season—two reserved people doing life side by side, with that quiet spark buried somewhere under responsibility and exhaustion.So this week on the podcast, I'm talking about something that feels tender and hopeful:How to bring fun back into your marriage—even if it's been years,even if it feels awkward,even if your spouse is more stoic than spontaneous.We explore why fun disappears, why it feels vulnerable to bring it back, and the tiniest little ways to reintroduce lightness without it feeling forced or fake.(And yes… I share what my own awkward journey into playfulness has looked like.)If your marriage has felt serious for far too long…or if you've been craving just a little more joy…this one's for you.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. Subscribe to the podcast here! Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.Instagram...

Communication is a key factor in any healthy relationship, especially when nurturing your connection with your spouse. In this Best of 2025 episode, Heather Holleman and her husband, Ashley, join us to share practical insights on communicating effectively within marriage while living out a gospel-centered life together. Their encouragement serves as inspiration to guide you on how to strengthen your marriage through intentional care and conversations. Receive a copy of The Six Conversations and an audio download of "How to Have Meaningful Conversations with Your Spouse" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

In today's episode, I sit down with Marc Cameron, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to explore one of the most influential (and often overlooked) elements of our emotional lives: attachment styles. Drawing from more than 80 years of research, Marc breaks down how our earliest experiences with our families shape the way we connect, communicate, handle conflict, and relate to the people closest to us well into adulthood. This episode offers a compassionate and scientifically grounded roadmap for understanding yourself and the people you love. Whether you identify as avoidant, anxious, vacillating, disorganized, or relatively secure, you'll walk away with clarity, validation, and practical tools for building healthier patterns of connection. Here is some of what we cover:  Why attachment styles are not personality traits, but relational survival strategies formed early in life Why “secure” doesn't mean perfect; it means the relationship feels predictable and safe most of the time How attachment ruptures can be healed in adulthood through awareness and practice Why the holidays amplify attachment triggers—family roles, old wounds and unresolved expectations How to move toward secure attachment by learning emotional language, practicing repair, and using the comfort circle  Connect with Marc Cameron:  Instagram: How We Love (@howwelovebook) Facebook:  How We Love Website:  How We Love – Discover Your Love Style, Enhance Your Marriage Links Mentioned:   How We Love: By Milan and Kay Yerkovich Understanding Your Attachment Style:By Marc Cameron Love Style Quiz – How We Love Freebies – How We Love Related Episodes: Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 1) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 498] Building Healthy Relationships by Exploring Adult Attachment Patterns (Part 2) :: Charissa Lopez [Ep 499] How to Align with Your Spouse in Parenting :: Dr. Kim Kimberling [Ep 491] What Does my Child Need :: Amy and Jeff Olrick [Ep 480] SofM 2024 Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Causemetics:  Complete your holiday look with Thrive Causemetics. Luxury beauty that gives back. Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA Honeylove: Treat yourself or someone you love to Honeylove this holiday season and right now you can save 20% at honeylove.com/DMA Story Worth: Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you'll all cherish for years–Storyworth Memoirs! Right now save $10 or more during their Holiday sale when you go to Storyworth.com/dma. 

Just in time for the holidays, we welcome psychologist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish to talk about her new book: You, Your Husband, and His Mother: Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Mother-in-Law--and Your Spouse--in Five Simple Steps. Tracy gives us the keys to handling this tricky dynamic with the goal of connection. And Lynn (whose mother-in-law does not listen to the podcast) has fun role playing. And check out Tracy's podcast: Dear Dr. Tracy WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest starting with this playlist featuring Lynn Lyons and the 7-part anxiety disruptor series as well as a 3-part series on the skills most helpful in managing anxious kids: flexibility, problem solving, and autonomy. Consult our Spotify profile for the most up-to-date selection.   We will select two listeners who complete our listener survey. We hope it is you!   FOLLOW US Join the Facebook group to get news on the upcoming courses for parents, teens, and kids. Follow Flusterclux on Facebook and Instagram. Follow Lynn Lyons on Twitter and Youtube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the powerful transition of Mars, the Sun, and Venus moving through the Gandanta zone— the karmic knot between water and fire, where karmic matters get pulled apart to offer moments of transformation. As these planets leave the emotional depths of Scorpio and enter the fiery, expansive realm of Sagittarius, we collectively move through an opportunity to face change and witness what is True. Sagittarius is the sign of optimism, expansion, and Truth - but what do we need to face in order to stand in that light?As Mars, the Sun, and Venus pass through the final degrees of Scorpio, we feel intensity around transformation, power dynamics, secrets, and deep emotion. Gandanta exposes what's been buried and forces us into honesty, closure, and karmic completion. Masks slip, characters are revealed, and we have more a moment to witness reality as it is. Sag brings fire, movement, perspective, and the desire to rise above what was weighing us down. It highlights belief systems, spirituality, worldview, teachers, dogma, and righteousness — but it also invites us to embody the higher frequency of Sagittarius: adventure, inspiration, humor, exploration, and the joy of discovering new horizons.This episode breaks down:What Gandanta actually means and why these degrees feel so destabilizingHow Mars, Sun, and Venus each behave in this karmic knotHow to navigate the rise of dogmatic thinking and stay open-minded and curiousThe opportunity to hold power with graceYOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Send us a textThere are moments in marriage when something small hits a tender place inside of us, and suddenly our reaction feels much bigger than the moment itself. If you've ever surprised yourself during an argument or wondered why you “snap,” this episode will help you understand what's really happening beneath the surface.In this conversation, I break down the deeper emotional and physiological forces behind ugly fighting — and why these moments don't mean your marriage is failing. They're signals pointing to a wound that needs tending.We explore:Why your nervous system can hijack your reactionsHow old childhood stories and emotional injuries show up in marriageThe role of shame in escalating conflictWhat your big reactions might actually be trying to sayThe healing power of slowing down and repairingGentle, doable steps to help you shift the patternIf you want to start responding differently — with awareness, compassion, and emotional safety — this episode will give you insight and tools you can use right away.Timestamps:00:00 The Moment That Snaps01:25 Understanding Ugly Fights02:00 Welcome02:59 Common Issues04:06 Normalizing Conflict05:29 Nervous System Hijack09:12 Old Stories Activated11:00 The Shame Loop12:12 Emotional Needs Beneath Reactions14:53 The Power of Repair17:39 Practical Steps24:30 Reflection25:20 Courageous Love Conversation25:41 ClosingIf this episode speaks to you and you're longing for more clarity or direction in your marriage, I'd love to invite you to a Courageous Love Conversation — a one-hour session where we gently explore what's happening beneath the surface and uncover your next steps forward.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. Subscribe to the podcast here! Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.Instagram...

***Please note that I FORGOT to mention Neptune direct in Pisces! On December 10th, Neptune will direct at 5 degrees of Pisces. This will impact oil, gas, water, or illness. There may be ILLUSIONS coming to light or mysteries being uncovered. In this episode, we revisit this Scorpio stellium, a combination of planets amplifying themes of transformation, secrecy, taboo, and the exposure of hidden characteristics. This is the season (in addition to Neptune direct...) where truth may come to light, leaders are unmasked, and we're invited into deeper self-honesty and alchemy.We cover the Full Moon exalted in Taurus, illuminating the balance between grounded security and the discomfort of change. This full moon asks us to reflect on what we cling to for safety and what needs to be released so that we can grow. We then shift into Sagittarius season - radical beliefs, righteousness, and religious or philosophical dogma become prominent. Sagittarius also offers a higher expression — an opportunity to reconnect with adventure, spontaneity, open-minded curiosity, humor, and sharing ideas. YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Feeling the holiday pressure? In this Queen's Corner episode, Snooks shares powerful marriage advice for Thanksgiving: choose connection over perfection, see the goodness in your spouse, and embrace gratitude over stress. Perfect for couples navigating the holiday season together! #MarriageAdvice #ThanksgivingMarriage #RelationshipGoals #ChristianMarriage #HolidayStress #MarriedLife #GratitudeInMarriage #QueensCorner #MarriageCoaching #healthyrelationships 

Send us a textIf it feels like you're the only one doing the emotional work in your marriage—planning the date nights, initiating the hard conversations, circling back after conflict—you are not alone.In this episode of AwakenYou in Your Marriage, I'm unpacking the quiet weight that builds when one partner carries all the relational responsibility. I share a real-life coaching story, offer a playful mindset shift to break the stalemate, and walk you through tools that invite both spouses into the work of connection.Timestamps:00:00 – Are You Carrying the Emotional Weight?00:56 – Welcome to AwakenYou Podcast02:02 – The Burden of Emotional Labor in Marriage03:44 – A Real-Life Example: The Silent Stalemate05:24 – Creating New Habits Together07:10 – The Importance of Shared Responsibility07:44 – Overcoming the Silent Stalemate13:32 – Practical Tools for Shared Investment15:19 – Encouragement and Final Thoughts18:27 – Invitation to Connect and Closing RemarksReady to stop carrying the weight alone?Let's talk. Book a Courageous Love Conversation and let's explore what shared connection could look like in your marriage.CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving RelationshipUnlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings.Book your free Courageous Love Conversation here.InstagramFac...

In this episode, we explore a turning point of fresh air as Saturn and Mercury both direct, liberating us from weeks of fog, delays, heaviness, and confusion. We discuss what it means when the lord of restriction (Saturn) finally moves forward in the whimsical sign of Pisces and how this shift brings a sense of direction, momentum, and invitations to move forward.We also explore Mercury direct in Libra, where communication, decision-making, and relational dynamics begin to harmonize again. This is the moment where we are given an opportunity to find balance in relationship, communicate fairly, and find resolution. It is also an opportunity for collective where information may be shared that is significant when it comes to law and order. Venus in Scorpio calls us into the depths of intimacy, desire, and personal transformation. We discuss how this placement intensifies connection, exposes relational truths, and invites a vulnerability in how we perceive ourselves and others. YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

If you're in the middle of a divorce and constantly asking yourself “WHY is this happening?”, this episode is about to save you money, misery, and a whole lot of emotional tailspinning.This week, Andrea and Morgan dive deep into the question that can either move your divorce forward—or completely derail you: WHY.When is asking why strategic?And when is it a waste of attorney fees (or your sanity)?To help break it all down, we're joined by Cary J. Mogerman, one of the most respected divorce attorneys in Missouri. Cary brings decades of experience, a wise-professor vibe, and a no-nonsense approach to helping clients understand the process clearly, calmly, and strategically.Cary J. Mogerman is one of the most highly regarded divorce lawyers in Missouri and wellknown to other top family law attorneys throughout the United States. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and in 2022, served as President of the national organization. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only assemblage limited to 100 members throughout the United States; Cary is a member of its executive committee. He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.https://carmodymacdonald.com/people/cary-j-mogerman/In this conversation, you'll learn:Why “Why is this happening to me?” is a therapist question—not a lawyer questionHow to ask WHY in a way that strengthens your strategy, saves money, and reveals leverageWhy understanding your spouse's emotional triggers can completely shift mediationThe one communication mistake clients make that drives lawyers insaneWhen your lawyer should break things down in plain languageWhy slowing down your responses (yes, YOU) will prevent disasterHow to stop burning money on the wrong kind of questionsWhy the legal process feels slow, confusing, and unfair—and what to do with thatHow to advocate for yourself without apologizingPLUS: Andrea reveals a HUGE co-parenting milestone (Shabbat dinner with the ex… yes, seriously), and Morgan talks through why listeners were so triggered by last week's episode—and what that means for your own healing.This is the episode you NEED if you're negotiating, mediating, litigating, co-parenting, or just trying to get through the day without rage-texting your ex or panic-emailing your lawyer.Key Takeaways1. Not All “Why” Questions Are Helpful“Why is this happening?”“Why is he acting like this?”“Why is she being crazy?”These are human questions—but not legal ones.They belong in therapy, not in your billable hours.2. Strategic Why's Are POWERFULWhy are we filing this motion?Why is this our mediation plan?Why is my ex reacting this strongly to ONE issue?These help your attorney build a smarter, more effective case.3. Your Lawyer Should Explain Everything in Plain LanguageCary breaks down why attorneys NEED to simplify their communication—and why you should never feel embarrassed asking:“Can you explain that in normal-person English?”4. Your Spouse's Triggers = Your StrategyYou know your spouse better than anyone.Your insights help your attorney negotiate smarter and faster.5. Don't Make Split-Second Decisions During Emotional SurgesYou're not being chased by a bear.Slow down. Breathe. Don't respond immediately.You can literally save thousands of

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

Hi everyone! In this episode, we explore the New Moon in Anuradha, an asterism of devotion, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to what truly matters. Anuradha reminds us that our routines create our life: the things we choose to tend to every single day reveal our real priorities more honestly than anything we claim. No one has to remind us to take care of what our hearts are genuinely devoted to.We dive into how this moon encourages a recommitment to our path, our practices, and the rituals that build a meaningful life. I share how devotion is really about the small, consistent actions that shape our inner and outer worlds.On a collective level, we discuss Pluto in Capricorn and its ongoing restructuring of government, authority, and the bones of society... a slow revolution. Uranus in Taurus continues to rattle the foundations of land, food systems, and the ways we sustain ourselves - urging innovation, resilience, and a return to what is natural and essential.YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

Jupiter and Mercury are both planets of intelligence, wisdom, and discernment — the teacher, the student, and distillers of knowledge. As they move through the water signs - they contrast intellect with intuition, inviting us to explore how we gather, process, and share information OR allow ourselves to be moved by information (whether it be true or false!). This season challenges us to balance logic and feeling, clarity and empathy, so we don't become swept away by the emotional undercurrents of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.Mercury retrogrades through Scorpio, excavating stories and secrets. Its movement may reveal patterns of control, manipulation, or hidden information that distorts communication or cloud perception. Through this process, we are offered the gift of seeing truth beneath illusion and make judgements based on clear perception.Jupiter retrogrades in Cancer, calling us towards the inner compass of intuition and the heart. This transit may slow outward success, but deepened sensitivity, self-trust, and reconnection to what feels safe, nurturing, and authentic. Retrograde Schedule: November 9th: Mercury retrogrades at 12 degrees ScorpioBack into Libra on November 23Direct on November 29th November 11th Jupiter retrograde at 0 degrees cancer until March 11, 2026 YOUTUBE:D9 exploration:https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyasCharacteristics of Your Spouse:https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0Soulmate Astrologyhttps://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUwChristine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

You don't just marry your spouse, you marry into their family. And if you've ever felt trapped in a toxic cycle with your mother-in-law or other family members, doomed to feel like either a victim or a villain no matter what you do, this episode is for you. Join Christa as she sits down with Type 3 clinical psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, author of the brand new book already heralded a best seller even before official launch tomorrow, "You, Your Husband, and His Mother: Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Mother-in-Law – and Your Spouse – in Five Simple Steps." Dr. Tracy introduces the most comprehensive method to date, her tried-and-true VAULT method to help couples break unhealthy patterns, set boundaries, and resolve conflicts with their mothers-in-law for a stronger marriage and happier life. Learn how to identify what type of MIL you have, develop mutual respect for boundaries, and most importantly, feel like you're on the same team with your partner and the larger family. Women, if your mother-in-law is overbearing, critical, or emotionally distant, this conversation will help you reclaim your power, strengthen your relationship, and solve your in-law problems once and for all. While Dr. Tracy's book focuses on women and their mothers-in-law, these principles apply to all in-law relationships. Men - listen to understand your spouse's experience AND to apply these boundary-setting strategies to your own in-law dynamics as well as you too find peace in the home and with those you love so dearly. Watch on YouTube! Get Dr. Tracy's brand new book just for you here! https://a.co/d/9K7h1jB Follow Dr. Tracy's practical tips (and she and her type 9 hubby model it for us) here: https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd/?hl=en Get on Dr. Tracy's mailing list on her website here! https://drtracyd.com/ More show links: Use this brief form to tell us more of what you'd like to hear and see on the pod in our E + M Pod survey! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3QManM8zj6ODWSOAM3BdDLoLh-A4AzUO3zXu5xGq6bjUgsg/viewform?usp=header Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EnneagramandMarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave Christa a podcast question anonymously by sending an MP4 recording to enneagramandmarriage@gmail.com. Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to voices of your village. And today I'm joined by my incredible friend Dr. Tracy. She is a clinical psychologist, couples therapist, and author of the new book, You, Your Husband and His Mother. This was such a fun conversation. We got honest and had just compassionate conversation about what it looks like to show up as both a partner and a parent, while also navigating those tricky extended family dynamics. We dug into the challenges so many of us face with in-laws, with our own parents, and how setting boundaries can actually create more connection, not less. We talked about the pressure to be everything to everyone, and how tuning in to your own needs and voice is a game changer for your relationship, your parenting, and your peace. I loved getting to connect with Tracy, not just as a professional, but as two humans sharing this season of life. All right, folks, let's dive in. Connect with Dr. Tracy: Instagram: @DrTracyD Website: drtracyd.com Order the book: You, Your Husband, and His Mother: Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Mother-in-Law--and Your Spouse--in Five Simple Steps Podcast: Dear Dr. Tracy Alyssa's episodes on Dear Dr. Tracy: Big Kids Bigger Feelings: Parenting Through the Ages 5-12 Shift with Alyssa Blask Campbell Emotional Intelligence: Fostering it in Our Children Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Pre-order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices