ERP 500: The Practice of Us: Living the Skills That Keep Love Alive

This episode marks an incredible milestone—the 500th episode of the Empowered Relationship Podcast. To celebrate, Dr. Jessica Higgins and her husband, Reid Peterson, sit down for a heartfelt and revealing conversation about what it really takes to cultivate a truly empowered partnership.

If you've ever wondered why, despite your best intentions, emotional honesty and vulnerability can feel so risky—or why differences and conflict so often create distance instead of closeness—you're not alone. The path to authentic connection is filled with challenges that test even the strongest relationships.

In this special episode, Jessica and Reid open up about the principles and practices that have helped them build a foundation of trust, love, and growth throughout their years together. They share personal stories, practical strategies, and honest reflections on navigating tough conversations, supporting each other's emotional needs, and finding clarity in uncertain times.

Whether you're learning to handle conflict, embrace vulnerability, or co-create a meaningful vision for your life together, you'll discover insights and tools to transform relationship challenges into opportunities for deeper connection and lasting love.

Episode Highlights

04:58 Building safety and trust through honesty in partnership.

09:15 Jessica shares how vulnerability early in dating deepened their intimacy.

11:47 How honest conversations help reduce shame and strengthen connection.

14:11 How different personalities shape communication in relationships.

19:52 Strategies to navigate conflict with calm and empathy.

35:51 Building clarity, connection, and purpose through joint visioning.

44:08 Strengthening relationships through further exploration and resources.

Your Check List of Actions to Take

• Practice speaking honestly about your core feelings, emotions, and needs—even when it feels risky or uncomfortable.

• Pause during moments of tension to take a few deep breaths, center yourself, and check in with what you're feeling before responding.

• When conflict arises, communicate the need for space calmly and agree on a time to revisit the discussion to avoid sweeping issues under the rug.

• Seek reassurance or a quick check-in from your partner during periods of disconnection to help reduce anxiety and foster trust.

• Cultivate attuned listening—focus on truly understanding what your partner is expressing beyond the words, and ask clarifying questions when needed.

• Name whether you're seeking comfort or solutions in conversations, so your partner knows how best to support you.

• Regularly engage in shared visioning exercises together to clarify mutual values and dreams, and support each other in the process—even when values differ.

• Download and use the "12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love" guide to gain clarity and practical strategies for your relationship.

Mentioned

12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free relationship guide) (pdf)

Relational Health Assessment (quiz)