Discover why your relationship might feel emotionally flat and disconnected. The hosts explore the hidden layers behind emotional distance, sharing personal stories of their own relationship struggles. They emphasize the importance of reducing screen time to foster genuine connections and suggest practical activities like spending time in nature. Honest communication and embracing mindful living are key to rekindling intimacy. Listeners are encouraged to undertake a transformative 30-day journey to reconnect with themselves and their partners.
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insights INSIGHT
Media Numbs Emotional Growth
Excessive media use numbs emotional growth and limits deep thinking in relationships.
Screens replace real connection, keeping couples stuck in avoidance rather than healing.
question_answer ANECDOTE
No TV for Deeper Connection
Brandon and Caitlyn chose not to have a TV for over 10 years and avoided screens at home.
They played games and connected deeply, which fostered closer relationship bonds early in marriage.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Try 30-Day Media Detox
Take a 30-day break from TV, social media, and mindless consumption to reconnect.
Use the time to invest in yourself, your marriage, your kids, and creativity.
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In this episode of Grounded Union Podcast, we dive deep into why your relationship might feel emotionally dry, disconnected, or just… flat. Brandon and Caitlyn Doerksen unpack the hidden layers behind emotional distance in marriage, including avoidance, passivity, self-protection, and performance. They get vulnerable about the moments their own relationship hit rock bottom—and what it took to rebuild true connection. From understanding the impact of unresolved stress to small, intentional steps like eye contact and getting out into nature, they offer practical shifts that can reignite emotional presence and intimacy. With powerful personal insights and grounded, relatable guidance, this episode helps couples stop drifting and start engaging again. Whether you're just starting your healing journey or feeling stuck in a cycle, this one is packed with real tools to help you reconnect with your partner and yourself.
Our 2025 Grounded Union 2-Day Workshops: 📍 Mesa, Arizona – April 12th & 13th (Registration Closed) 📍 Portland, Oregon – June 7th & 8th 📍 San Diego, California – August 22nd & 23rd 📍 Maui, Hawaii – October 10th-13th (3-Day Marriage Intensive—limited to 20 couples, lodging included!) Workshops for Couples: Tap here to attend one of our 2025 in-person workshops
00:00:28 – Intro & Workshop Announcements: Brandon introduces the topic of emotional disconnection and shares updates about upcoming workshops in Portland, San Diego, and Maui.
00:03:00 – Recognizing the signs of disconnection: The warning signs that show your relationship may be disconnected, based on their own experience at rock bottom.
00:06:25 – How Screens Secretly Disconnect You: The unseen ways constant media exposure creates emotional distance.
00:12:01 – Choosing Connection Over Convenience: The rewards of choosing real-life connection over digital distractions.
00:18:02 – The Impact of Reducing Media Consumption: How eliminating media consumption from their lives created a more positive, present family environment and reduced unnecessary stress.
00:25:40 – Daily habits to stay connected: Simple, achievable practices that maintain emotional intimacy daily.
00:32:36 – The Power of Deep Conversations: How removing distractions allows for deeper conversations about childhood, belief systems, and personal secrets that can lead to a deeper connection.
00:34:16 – Choosing Connection Over Entertainment: The importance of choosing genuine connection over entertainment, offering a challenge to couples to have real conversations beyond TV and movies.
00:35:08 – The Impact of Light on Your Well-Being: How artificial blue light disrupts your circadian rhythm and how to regulate your environment with natural light to improve overall health and connection.
00:42:30 – Why you don't need big gestures: How consistent small actions outweigh occasional grand gestures.
The Grounded Union Podcast