Stronger Marriage Connection
The Stronger Marriage Connection podcast, hosted by USU Family Life Professor Dr. Dave Schramm and Clinical Psychologist Dr. Liz Hale, offers expert advice on strengthening marriages. It addresses common obstacles like busyness, disagreements, and digital distractions that can lead couples to drift apart. The podcast is produced by the Utah Marriage Commission and aims to help couples enhance commitment, compassion, and emotional connection.
Episodes
The One Relationship Skill Every Marriage Needs | Mike Elliott | 190
Men are often expected to be strong, successful, and dependable while receiving little encouragement to express vulnerability or ask for support. Relationship coach Mike Elliott joins Dave and Liz to explore how emotional awareness, presence, and feeling heard and seen can transform relationships. Mike shares his Relational Authority framework, the importance of strong support systems, and a pract
Rebuilding Desire In Your Marriage | Vanessa Cushing | 189
Sexual intimacy can be a powerful source of connection in marriage, but shame, avoidance, unrealistic expectations, and differences in desire can quickly create distance. Licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist Vanessa Cushing joins Dave and Liz to discuss desire discrepancy, performance anxiety, pornography, sexual trauma, and the importance of honest communication. Learn how
The Hidden Link Between Sex, Health, and Desire | Laura How | 188
Sexual intimacy can play an important role in emotional connection, relationship satisfaction, and overall well-being. Relationship therapist Laura How joins Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm to explore sexless marriages, differences in sexual desire, and the physical and emotional benefits of a healthy sexual relationship. Laura shares practical insights for understanding desire, talking openly a
Happy Hacks: 101 Practical Ways To Improve Happiness | Dave Schramm | 187
We flip the mic and let Liz and Rex interview Dave about his new book, Happy Hacks, and the science-backed habits that make joy more durable in real life. We dig into why happiness matters for marriages and families, how small choices build momentum, and why compassion and kindness are the glue of a stronger marriage connection. • why happiness is not toxic positivity and still involves choice thr
The Three Phases To Rebuild Trust After Infidelity | Bill Bumberry | 186
Discovering infidelity can be one of the most painful experiences a couple faces. In this episode, Dr. Bill Bumberry shares practical guidance and hope for couples navigating betrayal trauma and rebuilding trust. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and the Gottman Method, Bill explains the three key phases of healing after infidelity—atonement, attunement, and attachment—and offers actionabl
Why Conflict Is A Cry For Safety And How To Respond | Kirsten Davidson | 185
We sit down with psychotherapist Kirsten Davidson to unpack why couples drift into disconnection and how Internal Family Systems therapy can help us lead ourselves with more clarity, compassion, and courage. We challenge the stories we tell ourselves in conflict, practice speaking from “parts” instead of blame, and lay out simple shifts that rebuild real connection. • assumptions driving communica
Why Trying To Be Perfect Can Ruin Your Relationship | Andrea Dindinger | 184
We sit down with marriage and family therapist Andrea Dindinger to name the repeat fight loops that hijack connection and to practice simple ways to interrupt them before they turn mean. We walk away with concrete tools for calmer conflict, deeper intimacy, and more intentional partnership that ripples into the next generation. • naming the “loop” as the problem, not each other • spotting triggers
Why Embracing Vulnerability Is Key To Rebuilding Trust | Josh Otani | 183
We sit down with therapist Josh O’Tani to talk about pornography use as a couples issue and why secrecy can wound a relationship as deeply as infidelity. We map the shame and anger cycle that keeps partners stuck, then share practical ways to rebuild trust through curiosity, empathy, and consistent repair. • Reframing pornography use as relational and systemic, not just individual behavior • Porno
The Secret of Erotic Blueprints To Revive Your Marriage | Keeley Rankin | #182
Sexual intimacy changes over the arc of a long-term relationship, and treating every lull like a crisis often adds pressure that makes things worse. We talk with sex and relationship coach Keeley Rankin about how to rebuild closeness through curiosity, kinder communication, and a better understanding of what each partner actually desires. • Defining what “sexless marriage” can mean and why the cou
A Strong Relationship Can Outlive Death | C. Ryan Dunn | #181
We talk honestly about grief, loss, and why love can keep shaping us even after someone is gone. We share research and real stories that reframe mourning as both painful and meaningful, then land on practical ways to build a relationship that strengthens you now and later. • why grief is complex across mind and body • what predicts higher grief levels in young widowhood • loss-oriented versus rest
Rebuilding Intimacy In Marriage | Nick and Amy McKinlay | #180
We talk with Nick and Amy about how their marriage nearly ended, and how rebuilding emotional safety brought back real connection and passionate sexual intimacy. They share the simple habits and tools that helped them stop drifting, communicate about hard topics, and create the Ultimate Intimacy app to help other couples do the same. • their turning point after financial stress and burnout • why s
Protecting Your Marriage During The Transition To Parenthood | Sean Brotherson | #179
We welcome Dr. Sean Brotherson to talk about the joys and pressures of becoming parents and how that transition can strain or strengthen a marriage. We share concrete ways to stay connected through fatigue, changing roles, and shifting intimacy while building the stability kids need most. • why the transition to parenthood feels so intense even with preparation • setting realistic expectations thr
How Emotional Closeness Builds Better Sex In Marriage | Chelom Leavitt | #178
We sit down with Dr. Chelom Leavitt to unpack why emotional intimacy is the strongest predictor of sexual wellbeing and what “feeling seen” actually looks like in a real marriage. We share science, stories, and simple daily practices that help us build trust, repair disconnection, and create a safer path to desire over time. • emotional intimacy as being known and accepted, including fears and wea
How Our Counterfeit Emotions Undermine Connection and Intimacy | Curtis Morley | #177
We sit down with Curtis Morley to learn how “counterfeit emotions” quietly disconnect couples and how authentic emotions build peace, clarity, and real intimacy. We dig into practical shifts like choosing curiosity over anger, honoring pain without turning it into misery, and removing shame so connection can grow. • Curtis’s origin story after divorce and the loss of his friend Jerry • Four criter
Reviving Intimacy in A Sexless Marriage: A Path Back To Connection | Ralph Brewer | #176
We sit down with Ralph Brewer to unpack what really sits underneath dead bedrooms, infidelity, and the quiet insecurity that many men carry into marriage. We talk straight about anxious attachment, “Mr Nice Guy” patterns, and how secure, connected couples protect intimacy by building a full life instead of clinging tighter.• Ralph’s turning point after discovering an affair and becoming a single f
How To Help the Next Generation Break the Dating Recession | Alan Hawkins | #175
In this episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast, Dr. Dave welcomes Dr. Alan Hawkins to explore the critical issues surrounding the current state of dating, its impact on marriage formation, and practical solutions to strengthen young adults' dating skills. Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering healthier relationships and addressing the broader societal trends inf
Marriage 2.0: How To Rebuild A Marriage in Crisis | Naomi Light | #174
We welcome UK marriage therapist Naomi Light, who shares how her relationship nearly ended and how couples therapy helped her and her husband rebuild a stronger “marriage 2.0.” We dig into the science and skills behind her Rewiring Love method so you can shift patterns, lower conflict, and create real safety with your partner.• Naomi’s story of slow-building toxic conflict and the turning point th
Five Research-Based Secrets To More Passionate Sex | Emily Jamea | #173
We explore how desire works over time and why many couples crave sex that feels effortless, absorbing, and deeply connected. Dr. Emily Jamea shares research on flow state in sexual intimacy and the five qualities that help couples sustain passion in busy real life. • Dr. Emily Jamea’s journey into sex and relationship therapy • How flow state connects to sexual satisfaction • The five desire “secr
Why Dating is in Decline & How to Fix It | Brian Willoughby | #172
We explore why dating feels harder, how on-demand culture reshapes expectations, and what AI companions and pornography are doing to our ideas of love. Dr. Brian Willoughby shares research, skills, and hopeful strategies for parents, teens, and singles who want real connection.• falling dating rates and fading norms among teens and young adults• benefits and costs of dating apps, including rejecti
Daily Marriage Habits That Can Improve Your Relationship | Meygan & Casey Caston | #171
We explore a marriage operating system built on small, specific habits that strengthen trust, make time for connection, and turn differences into strengths. Casey and Meygan share tools like Love Lists, the KNOWN position, the 60‑Second Blessing, weekly meetings, and a repair-first apology.• origin of Marriage365 and why access matters• building a marriage operating system with habits• tools versu
Pageants, Parenting, And The Power Of Strong Family Connections | Kilie Tomadakis | #170
We share Kilie Tomadakis’s journey from early instability to adoption, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, and why strong families are the foundation for healthy communities. We explore her pageant platform, modern dating, communication skills, and practical steps to reduce distraction and deepen connection.• early childhood instability, adoption, and faith shaping values• lessons from farm work on gr
Understanding Neurodivergent Needs To Deepen Connection | Matt Zakreski | #169
We explore how understanding neurodiversity can strengthen love, reduce conflict, and turn differences into design features rather than deficits. Dr. Matthew Zakresky shares science, stories, and practical tools to navigate communication, sensory needs, and executive function in marriage.• one in five partners as neurodivergent and why it matters• brain differences in form and function backed by s
How Attachment Shapes Desire, Arousal, And Closeness In Marriage | Marc Cameron | #168
We trace how childhood attachment styles shape sexual desire, arousal, and closeness in marriage, and why couples get stuck in the sex standoff. Mark Cameron shares practical steps to earn secure attachment and turn emotional safety into better intimacy.• Key gender differences in arousal and desire• The sex standoff and how it spirals• Quick primer on attachment theory and styles• Avoider pattern
Unpause Your Marriage To Go From Me to We | Lee Baucom | #167
We sit down with Dr. Lee Baucom to unpack the “pause button marriage,” why most couples misdiagnose communication issues, and how small, steady habits and a team mindset rebuild connection. One partner can start the change with curiosity, empowerment, and self-management.• defining the pause button marriage and its slow costs• shifting from me and you to a true we• why connection, not communicatio
Is Ai the New Partner? Ai vs Real Romance | Wendy Wang | #166
We sit down with researcher Wendy Wang to unpack how AI companionship, porn, and endless scrolling are reshaping dating, marriage, and mental health. We share data-backed risks and simple house rules that protect attention, intimacy, and commitment.• one in four young adults saying AI could replace romance• how frictionless AI partners create unrealistic expectations• links between screen time, lo
Untangling Codependency in Relationships: How To Heal and Reconnect | Payton Holt | #165
We unpack how codependency hides inside “helping,” why rescuing backfires, and how to build self-compassion, boundaries, and interdependence. Therapist Peyton Holt shares concrete tools for couples and parents to trade control for empathy and create safer, stronger bonds.• clear definition of codependency and why it’s common• five core symptoms from Pia Mellody’s framework• the fix-it cycle and wh
Premarriage Prep That Actually Works | Les and Leslie Parrott | #164
We welcome Les and Leslie Parrott to unpack how preparation, empathy, and practical tools create stronger marriages, from the origins of SYMBIS to the launch of the four-minute Heart Chart. We explore healthy conflict, invisible rule books, and thought patterns that quietly shape connection.• SYMBIS origin story and why premarriage prep matters• moving from traits to state for real-time insight• t
How Emotional Safety Transforms Your Marriage | Shane Birkel | #163
We explore how emotional safety fuels connection and why consent, validation, and nervous system awareness transform tough talks. Shane Burkle shares RLT’s “truth with love,” a six-hour intensive model, and a simple exercise couples can use today.• connection seekers vs safety seekers and the push-pull loop• what emotional safety looks like in practice• validating language, curiosity, and accounta
Why Relationships Feel Hard And How To Make Them Safe | Dr. Stan Tatkin | #162
We explore how to design a fair, secure-functioning relationship that protects both partners, repairs fast, and prevents repeated harm. Dr. Stan Tatkin explains why instinct fights intimacy and how governance, PEPPER, and daily presence keep love strong under stress.• human nature as difficult and self-protective • difference between difficult and too difficult • clean repair and real apology with
Growing Our Unity: Practical Science For Stronger Marriages | Susanne Alexander | #161
We sit down with Susanne Alexander to explore unity as a daily practice and walk through research-based tools that help couples merge hearts and minds. Small habits, virtue-based praise, and playful rituals turn conflict into clarity and make friendship the backbone of marriage.Susanne M. Alexander is a relationship and marriage educator, coach, author, and publisher with her company Marriage Tran
Sex, Joy, and The Power of Self-Honesty in Marriage | Jennifer Finlayson-Fife | #160
We explore how sexual intimacy becomes joyful and life-giving when anchored in self-honesty, personal responsibility and spiritual growth. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife shares practical ways to move beyond rigid roles, foster freedom and desire, and build a marriage that can hold two full adults.• linking sexuality and spirituality as sources of joy• defining intimacy as being seen and known• reframing
Building The Five Habits Of Hope For Stronger Relationships | Julia Garcia | #159
Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale sit down with Dr. Julia Garcia to explore how hope becomes a daily habit that strengthens love, repairs conflict, and restores self-worth. We map the five habits of hope and show how one small word—maybe—can interrupt despair and create momentum.• defining hope as practice not positivity• Julia’s journey from hopelessness to healthy habits• five habits of hope: re
Understanding Your Attachment Style Can Change Every Relationship | Marc Cameron | #158
We talk with therapist and author Marc Cameron about how childhood bonds shape adult love and how anyone can “earn” secure attachment through story, skills, and practice. Practical tools like boundaries that invite connection and the Comfort Circle help couples move from reactivity to responsiveness.• what avoidant, pleaser, vacillator, and disorganized styles look like in childhood and adulthood•
Choose Intention Over Impulse For A Happier Holiday Budget | Amanda Christensen | #157
We dig into holiday spending habits with Amanda Christensen and show how couples can protect peace and pocketbooks. From impulse triggers to simple tools and a revolving savings plan, we share practical steps to keep joy high and stress low.• impulse buying traps and how to slow down• agreeing a shared goal for the season• setting a total budget and four key categories• choosing cash for high-risk
Regulating Your Emotions As A Parent | Emotion Savvy Parenting | Alissa Jerud | #156
We explore how to handle family “emotional storms” with practical, science-backed tools so parents can stay calm, help kids feel seen, and keep their partnership strong. Dr. Alyssa Jerud shares the ART and CARE frameworks, opposite action, and simple mindfulness moves that work in the real world.• why emotional agility matters for parents and partners• how ART helps accept, regulate, and tolerate
How The Enneagram And Mindful Awareness Strengthen Connection | Amanda Ford | #155
We explore how the Enneagram, mindfulness, and personal values help couples understand patterns, reduce conflict, and build trust. Amanda Ford shares practical tools to translate differences into connection, redefine compatibility, and communicate requests with clarity and care.• Nine types as lenses for patterns and needs• Head, heart, body centers explained with examples• Using insights without
How To Navigate Sexual Mismatch And Rebuild Intimacy | Jordan Rullo | #154
We sit down with Dr. Jordan Rullo to unpack why sexual desire often misfires, how brakes and gas shape intimacy, and why responsive desire is just as healthy as spontaneous desire. We share practical tools to manage mismatch, avoid pressure, and build trust through small rituals.• Brake and gas model of sexual function• Causes of low desire across biology, psychology, relationship, culture• Sponta
How Grief Reshapes Identity, Love, And Daily Life | Alexandra Carroll | #153
We explore how grief moves like a spiral through life, how it reshapes identity and marriage, and why presence matters more than platitudes. Alexandra Carroll shares her story, reframes the stages, and offers practical tools for self-kindness, attunement, and meaning.• stages as observations, not a rigid program• grief as spiral with triggers across the year• why each person grieves differently• w
How To Have Healthy Money Conversations | Dee Zimmerman | #152
We explore why money triggers big feelings, how to spot the Four Horsemen in finance talks, and how to turn weekly check-ins into a simple habit. Money coach Dee Zimmerman shares tools for gentle startups, healthy boundaries, and practical next steps.• different money histories shaping expectations• money as emotional language, not just numbers• Four Horsemen applied to money conversations• antido
Marriage Saving Program: Retrouvaille | Christina Morales | #151
We share Christina Morales’s story of moving from the brink of divorce to two decades of service with Retrouvaille, a couples-led program that turns communication into real change. Hope becomes concrete through a weekend intensive, post-sessions, and a community that protects confidentiality and growth.• what Retrouvaille is and who it serves• why lived experience creates safety and trust• communi
Life and Dating After Divorce | Amber Anderson | #150
A tender, practical look at life after divorce: how to co‑parent without drama, date with intention as a single parent, and rebuild a calm family system where kids feel safe and seen. Amber shares the habits, boundaries, and mindset shifts that turned conflict into cooperation.• early marriage, cross‑state moves, new parent stress• choosing divorce to model a healthy life for children• co‑parentin
Relational Life Therapy | Kristy Gaisford | #149
We explore how Relational Life Therapy helps couples move from harshness to loving firmness, from accuracy wars to curiosity, and from quiet withdrawal to active repair. Kristy Gaisford shares personal lessons, the five dysfunctional patterns, and practical tools for daily change.• the five dysfunctional patterns: being right, controlling, unbridled self-expression, retaliation, withdrawal• start
Marriage Ready: Why Premarital Education Makes All the Difference | Jeremy Boden | #148
Dr. Jeremy Bowden returns to discuss free marriage preparation resources available through the Utah Marriage Commission and Utah State University, including his newly created "Marriage Ready" and "Remarriage Ready" online courses.• Premarital education helps couples understand relationship science, navigate potential challenges, and discuss expectations• Free six-hour online co
Marriage With MS: A Wife's Journey | Lindsay Kelly | #147
Lindsay Kelly shares her powerful journey of resilience as she navigates being a caregiver for her husband with MS, raising six children, and becoming the family's sole provider. Through finding support and learning to embrace hard emotions, she transformed her struggle into strength and now helps thousands of people facing similar challenges.• Discovering her husband's progressive MS di
From Conflict to Connection: Mindfulness in Relationships | Annmarie Chereso | #146
Conscious Relationship Coach Annmarie Chereso shares powerful insights on transforming conflict into deeper connection through mindfulness, vulnerability, and heart-centered awareness. She reveals how asking yourself "Where am I?" can identify whether fear or trust is driving your relationship patterns.• Conflict isn't a problem but a portal to deeper awareness and connection• Our r
A Candid Look at Emotional Reactivity | Jason Whiting | #145
Dr. Jason Whiting explores honesty, emotions, and relationship repair as foundational elements for building trust and connection in committed partnerships.• Honesty is universally valued but challenging to maintain consistently in relationships• Research shows people tell an average of three lies in ten minutes when first meeting someone new• Emotions strongly influence how we perceive our partner
Unpacking Bad Marriage Advice | Monica Tanner | #144
Relationship coach Monica Tanner returns to discuss her new book "Bad Marriage Advice: 15 Myths That Are Keeping You Miserable" and challenges conventional wisdom that may be damaging marriages. She explores how common advice like "happy wife, happy life" and "don't sweat the small stuff" creates imbalanced relationships, poor communication patterns, and prevents
Dating with Purpose: From Single to Successful Couple | Stacy Hubbard | #143
Dating requires intention and skill, whether you're looking for fun or seeking a lifelong partnership. Marriage and family therapist Stacey Hubbard joins us to share her Gottman-based approach for singles navigating the relationship landscape.• Building friendship first is crucial when dating - take things slowly and watch for signs of trustworthiness• The honeymoon phase typically lasts 6-18
Betrayal, Infidelity, and Affair Recovery | Dr. Talal Alsaleem | #142
Dr. Talal Al-Saleem breaks down the complexities of infidelity from definition to recovery, offering hope through his specialized Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy approach. He challenges common misconceptions about infidelity causes and provides practical guidance for both healing after betrayal and safeguarding relationships against it.• Understanding infidelity as a breach of the unique exclus
Four Keys to a Happier Marriage | Dr. Jeffery Dew | #141
Dr. Jeffrey Du shares groundbreaking research identifying four key factors for a stronger marriage: commitment, protectiveness, shared religious attendance, and regular date nights. These factors emerged from data collected from over 2,000 individuals across the United States, focusing specifically on elements within couples' control.• Commitment means intentionally prioritizing your spouse a
Finding Love Through ALS | Lisa Valentine Clark | #140
Lisa Valentine Clark shares her extraordinary journey of love and resilience through her husband Christopher's battle with ALS, offering profound insights on how their marriage was strengthened through humor, sacrifice, and intentionally seeking joy amid terminal illness.• Starting as friends performing in a comedy play at BYU—Lisa as a chicken, Christopher as Satan—created a foundation of la
Discernment Counseling: For Couples on the Brink of Divorce | Steve Harris | #139
Dr. Steve Harris joins us to explain discernment counseling, a specialized approach helping couples gain clarity about whether to work on their marriage or move toward divorce.• Developed at the University of Minnesota after research showed 30% of divorcing couples had at least one person who didn't want the divorce• Differs from traditional couples therapy by focusing on decision-making clar
Transforming Conflict Into Connection and Radical Forgiveness | Chad Ford | #138
Chad Ford returns to share powerful insights from his new book 70x7, exploring how fear drives conflict and how radical forgiveness can transform our marriages and relationships. His work as an international conflict mediator brings unique perspectives on moving from destructive to constructive conflict patterns.• Understanding that conflict is natural and inevitable in marriage—the goal isn'
Resilience in Marriage: Navigating Stressors Together | Nathan Leonhardt | 137
How do you transform relationship challenges into opportunities for growth? What does it mean to truly flourish together beyond mere happiness? When hardship strikes, what separates couples who crumble from those who emerge stronger?Dr. Nathan Lenhart, assistant professor at Brigham Young University and author of "The Science of Virtue," tackles these profound questions with refreshing c
Why Being Nice Kills Passion (And What To Do Instead) | Alexandra Stockwell | #136
Dr. Alexandra Stockwell shares her journey from physician to intimacy coach and reveals how couples can create passionately intimate marriages through authenticity rather than compromise. She offers transformative insights on cultivating everyday eroticism, communicating with kindness, and deepening emotional connection to enhance sensual experiences.• Developing "everyday eroticism" by
Keeping Marriage Strong When Life Gets Tough | Dave and Julie Bulitt | #135
Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book StoreWritten by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduceThe opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendation
Your Baby Deserves Parents Who Love Each Other | Julie Blackburn | #134
Julie Blackburn shares her expertise on helping couples maintain strong relationships during the challenging transition to parenthood, drawing on her experience as a registered nurse, midwife, and Bringing Baby Home educator.• 67% of couples become unhappy with each other during the first three years of their baby's life• The greatest gift you can give your baby is a happy and strong relation
A Great Marriage Starts With a Great You | Greg Denning | #133
Greg Denning shares his journey from a troubled childhood to creating an extraordinary marriage and family life while traveling to over 60 countries with his wife and seven children. His positive energy and unique ability to inspire others stems from his personal transformation after leaving home at 16 and experiencing homelessness before discovering the secrets to creating a happy life.• Making m
Gottman's Science of Love: Practical Tools for Connection | Julie Sharon-Wagschal | #132
Struggling to understand what makes a relationship flourish over time? In this eye-opening episode with Dutch-American psychologist Julie Sharon, we uncover the science-backed secrets that separate thriving marriages from those that falter.When couples find themselves locked in the same frustrating conflict patterns, the answer might be surprisingly physiological. Julie reveals how a racing heart
Navigating Relationship Conflict: Healing Through Connection | Dr. Ryan Seedall | #131
Dr. Ryan Seedall draws on his 20+ years of experience as a therapist to share insights about relationship conflict patterns and the role of attachment in marriage dynamics. He provides practical pointers to strengthen marriage connections, including how to navigate the demand-withdraw cycle and use anger productively.• Healthy marriages require not just absence of negative interactions but presenc
The Imago Connection: Transforming Conflict into Growth | Mary Kay Cocharo | #130
Mary Kay Cocharo shares how Imago therapy helps transform relationship conflicts into opportunities for healing childhood wounds through a structured dialogue process that fosters safety, understanding, and deep connection. • Imago theory suggests we're unconsciously attracted to partners who possess both positive and negative traits of our childhood caretakers• Relationships typically move f
Technology Meets Therapy: How Digital Tools Are Transforming Modern Relationships | Brian Doss | #129
Dr. Brian Doss shares a science-backed digital resource called Our Relationship that helps couples identify relationship challenges and implement effective solutions through a structured framework.• Our Relationship program has been continuously funded by the NIH for 15 years and helped tens of thousands of couples• The DEEP framework helps couples understand Differences, Emotions, External stress
Relationship Churning: The On-Again, Off-Again Cycle | Sarah Halpern-Meekin | #128
Relationship churning—the pattern of breaking up and getting back together with the same partner—affects nearly half of young adults and creates emotional whiplash for couples, children, and their support networks. Dr. Sarah Halpern-Meekin shares her groundbreaking research on this common relationship phenomenon, explaining why couples fall into these patterns and what it means for their wellbeing
Connection: The Core of Human Experience | Adam Dorsay | #127
Connection forms the foundation of mental health and happiness, with disconnection from ourselves, others, the world, and something greater underlying virtually every psychological struggle we face.• Four types of connection: with self (authenticity), others (relationships), the world (nature/art), and something greater (awe/spirituality)• Modern distractions like social media, FOMO, and constant
Betrayal Trauma: Finding Hope After Infidelity | Dave Jones | #126
Betrayal trauma occurs when trust is violated within a relationship, creating a profound alteration of reality for the betrayed partner and causing symptoms similar to PTSD. David Jones, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares insights on the unique challenges of betrayal trauma and offers a three-part framework for healing.• Betrayal trauma is defined as an "alteration of reality&qu
When Marriage Meets Faith | Dr. Loren Marks | #125
Faith and religion shape marriages by influencing beliefs, practices, and community connections that help couples build "championship marriages" through shared sacred purpose. Dr. Loren Marks shares insights from the American Families of Faith Project, featuring interviews with 300 exemplary couples from 20+ faith traditions.• Shared beliefs create a "family vision" that transc
Hidden Toll: How Conflict & Divorce Impact Children | Jenet Erickson | #124
Dr. Liz and Dr. Dave welcome Dr. Janet Erickson to discuss the profound impact of marriage on children and families, exploring how parental relationships shape child development and identity formation.• Strong marriages create a sense of wholeness, identity, and belonging for children• Research consistently shows divorce has significant impacts on children of all ages• Children of divorce often fa
The Art of New Parenthood: Protecting Your Relationship While Welcoming Baby | Joni Parthemer | #123
Dr. Liz and Dr. Dave welcome Joni Parthimer, education director for the Gottman Institute's Bringing Baby Home program, to discuss how couples can maintain a strong relationship while navigating the challenges of new parenthood.About Joni:Joni Parthemer, M.Ed., is a Master Trainer and Education Director for the Bringing Baby Home Program. She is a certified Childbirth Educator and faculty mem
Why Marriage is So Important | Dr. Brad Wilcox | #122
Besure to watch this and every episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/pXpkkT0DyZADr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm talk with Dr. Brad Wilcox, sociology professor and Director of the National Marriage Project, about why marriage matters more than ever. They discuss its key benefits—emotional support, financial stability, child well-being, and community strength—while addressing challenges like cohabit
Why Do We Argue So Much? | Laura Heck & Zach Brittle | #121
Be sure to watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/tEm34gytP4AToday Laura Heck and Zach Brittle, co-hosts of Marriage Therapy Radio, break down why couples argue and how to navigate disagreements in a healthy way. Drawing from Dr. John Gottman’s research, they explore practical strategies to express needs, take responsibility, regulate emotions, and increase appreciation. About:Laura Heck i
Relationship Evaluation | Don & Carrie Cole | #120
Besure to watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/Lk5moCDwYWQToday Don and Carrie Cole return and share with host Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale a unique Relationship Evaluation checklist they created to help couples check up on there relationship connection. Don and Carrie also discuss unique insights and techniques they have learned in practice with couples at the C
Establishing Household Roles: Tips For Couples to Avoid Conflict | Dr. Julie Hanks | #119
Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube:https://youtu.be/IQ3pSyQ-9HYToday on Stronger Marriage Connection, hosts Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm sit down with Dr. Julie Hanks, a licensed therapist specializing in marriage and family therapy. They discuss the challenges couples face when dividing household labor and how to create a fair and equitable partnership. Dr. Han
Daily Acts of Love Build Strong Intimate Marriages | Dr. Alexandra Solomon | #118
Be sure to watch this and every episode of the podcast on YouTube:https://youtu.be/zjuKWgivYNoToday Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a renowned relationship expert, joins Dr. Liz Hale and Dr. Dave Schramm to discuss daily practices for love, relational self-awareness, and fostering intimacy. The conversation dives into overcoming relationship stagnation, understanding family of origin influences, and managi
Avoid Divorce: Expert Tips from a Divorce Lawyer | Padideh Jafari, Esq | #117
Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube:https://youtu.be/yoBDCp1li2wToday divorce attorney Padideh Jafari shares invaluable insights from her 22 years of experience. She delves into the common challenges marriages face, including financial stress, in-law interference, toxic positivity, and the seven- year itch. Padideh also provides practical tips for better communication
Chastity Before and Inside Marriage | Jason Evert | #116
Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube:https://youtu.be/lz5PEu7SOlcJason Evert shares his insights on chastity, self-mastery, and the importance of authentic love in relationships. From defining chastity and its role in dating and marriage to discussing the damaging effects of pornography and the significance of tenderness in relationships, Jason provides actionable advi
Shame and Healthy Sexuality | Natasha Helfer | #115
Today in this powerful episode, certified sex therapist Natasha Helfer joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to discuss the complex relationship between sexual health, faith, and cultural messages. Natasha sheds light on the damaging effects of sexual shame, the influence of purity culture, and the importance of open communication around intimacy. She offers actionable advice for parents, couples, and i
Defining Gender Roles In Marriage | Dr. Daniel Carlson | #114
Dr. Daniel Carlson joins Dave and Liz to discuss the division of household labor and its impact on marital satisfaction. From managing the mental load to ensuring fairness, Dr. Carlson shares research-backed strategies for balancing responsibilities at home. They explore the effects of the pandemic on gender roles, the importance of communication, and how couples can navigate household responsibil
Men Matter: Husbands Need Support Too | Leslie Doares | #113
Lesli Doares joins Dave and Liz to discuss the Hero Husband Project and practical ways husbands can strengthen their marriages. From building emotional safety and communication skills to creating a marriage blueprint, Lesli offers actionable advice for nurturing connection and fostering mutual respect. With over 20 years of experience, Lesli empowers husbands to step into their roles as partners a
A Key To Keep Romance Alive: Married Dating | Brandon Porter | #112
Today Dr. Brandon Porter joins Dave and Liz to explore the importance of intentionality and creativity in keeping date nights alive. Brandon shares practical tips for busy couples, including the role of planning, novelty, and nostalgia in fostering connection. With a focus on affordability and accessibility, the conversation highlights how even small, intentional efforts can reignite romance and s
How To Choose a Therapist | Dr. Liz Hale | #111
Today Dr. Dave Schramm interviews co-host Dr. Liz Hale on the best strategies for finding the right marriage therapist. They discuss what to look for, key questions to ask, and the importance of fit and specialized training in couples therapy. Whether you're considering marriage therapy for the first time or want to ensure you're working with the right professional, this episode provides
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