Men in the Arena - Christian Men's Podcast What Was REALLY Happening in This Husband-Wife Conflict? - Podcast Highlight: Ron Deal EP 942
Dec 10, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ron Deal, a marriage and family therapist, shares valuable insights on resolving conflicts in relationships. He highlights the importance of love and trust while diving into how past wounds can trigger negative reactions. Ron breaks down a four-step repair process that includes naming pain and regulating emotions. He even offers scripted phrases to help couples de-escalate conflicts. With practical, neuroscience-informed strategies, Ron equips listeners with tools for healthier, more fulfilling marriages.
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Airport Pickup That Triggered A Fight
- Jim Ramos describes a pickup gone wrong at a crowded airport after missing his usual curb routine and prioritizing a football game remark.
- The quick exchange led to an hour-long silent drive home that exposed deeper relational triggers between him and his wife.
Conflict Roots: Love And Trust
- Ron Deal explains nearly all relationship conflict boils down to two needs: love (identity) and trust (safety).
- When either is threatened, people revert to survival responses because their brains prioritize safety over reason.
The Brain Ignores Past Goodwill
- Ron Deal highlights that the brain's limbic reactions ignore past positive evidence when triggered and simply reacts as if under threat.
- This explains why a single criticism can override thousands of loving actions in the heat of the moment.