Stronger Marriage Connection

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• Spontaneous versus responsive desire explained• Desire discrepancy as a perpetual problem and acceptance• Why scheduling sex backfires and scheduling connection works• Avoidant dynamic and how rejection spirals happen• Consensual unwanted sex and bodily autonomy• When to involve medical providers and rule out health issues• Friendship, trust, and Gottman’s Magic Six Hours• Weekly State of the Union and sexual communication habits• Prioritization, maintenance plans, and recommended resourcesBe sure to smash the like button, leave a comment, and share this episode with a friendYou can also follow and interact with us on Instagram at StrongerMarriageWife and Facebook at Stronger MarriageVisit strongermarriage.org for free workshops, e-courses, webinars, surveys, and moreSubscribe to our podcast and the Utah Marriage Commission YouTube channel at Utah Marriage CommissionVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

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• words to avoid and what to say instead• talk less, listen more as core support• setting a place at the table in marriage• self-kindness through outsourcing and rest• quiet, social media fasting, grief fasting• building a grief calendar and planning care• finding meaning after acceptanceSubscribe to our podcast and the Utah Marriage Commission YouTube channel at Utah Marriage Commission, where you can watch this and every episode of the showBe sure to smash the like button, leave a comment, and share this episode with a friendYou can also follow and interact with us on Instagram at StrongerMarriageWife and Facebook at Stronger MarriageIf you want even more resources to improve your marriage or relationship connection, visit strongermarriage.org where you'll find free workshops, e-courses, in-depth webinars, relationship surveys, and moreVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

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• antidotes: gentle startup, taking responsibility, repair• permission to pause with a promise to resume• weekly money rhythms with simple prompts• inviting a reluctant partner with humility and tools• healthy boundaries with self, partner, and outside world• money styles quiz: Sidesteppers, Sparrers, Circlers, Builders• building wealth together with clarity and consistencyHey, do us a favor and take a second to subscribe to our podcast and the Utah Marriage Commission YouTube channel at Utah Marriage Commission, where you can watch this and every episode of the show. Be sure to smash the like button, leave a comment, and share this episode with a friend. You can also follow and interact with us on Instagram at StrongerMarriageWife and Facebook at Stronger Marriage. If you want even more resources to improve your marriage or relationship connection, visit strongermarriage.org where you'll find free workshops, e-courses, in-depth webinars, relationship surveys, and more.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

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• communication tools that help partners finally hear each other• the weekend format plus post-sessions for lasting change• how faith roots coexist with open doors to all• ripple effects on children, friends and community• when one partner is hesitant and how to start• success rates, realistic outcomes and co‑parenting skills• forgiveness as a daily practice, including self‑forgiveness• practical links and the invitation to “make the call”Make the call. Do the research. Go to the websites or make the call just to gather information.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

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‑parenting routines that remove contention• group texting with ex and step‑parent for transparency• “kids‑only” communication and gray rocking• dating with intention and keeping a values list• pacing introductions and honoring kids’ timelines• therapy, accountability friends, and honest feedback• books that support self‑trust and discernment• hard conversations as the key to real connectionHey, do us a favor and take a second to subscribe to our podcast and the Utah Marriage Commission YouTube channel at Utah Marriage Commission, where you can watch this and every episode of the showBe sure to smash the like button, leave a comment, and share this episode with a friendYou can also follow and interact with us on Instagram at StrongerMarriageWife and Facebook at Stronger MarriageIf you want even more resources to improve your marriage or relationship connection, visit strongermarriage.org where you'll find free workshops, e-courses, in-depth webinars, relationship surveys, and moreVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

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 with self: sturdiness, humility, owning impact• customer-service rule: turn-taking and sequencing complaints• the feedback wheel: story, feeling, request, future• loving firmness over harshness in tough talks• the adaptive child versus wise adult self• relationship reckoning: grieving the ideal and choosing the real• harmony, disharmony, repair as the normal cycle• questions that open repair and end defensivenessHey, do us a favor and take a second to subscribe to our podcast and the Utah Marriage Commission YouTube channel at Utah Marriage Commission, where you can watch this and every episode of the show. Be sure to smash the like button, leave a comment, and share this episode with a friend. You can also follow and interact with us on Instagram at StrongerMarriageLive and Facebook at Stronger Marriage. If you want even more resources to improve your marriage or relationship connection, visit strongermarriage.org where you'll find free workshops, e-courses, in-depth webinars, relationship surveys, and more.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

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 courses fulfill Utah's requirement for a $20 marriage license discount• Courses cover commitment, communication, conflict resolution, healthy sexuality, money management, and abuse prevention• StrongerMarriage.org offers additional free resources including the Relate assessment, Ready assessment, and over 100 free e-courses• Remarriage Ready addresses unique challenges like healing from emotional wounds and navigating step-parenting• Happy marriages aren't void of conflict but feature consistent repair and abundant positive connections• Dr. Bowden offers personalized premarital counseling through his "Before We Say I Do" programVisit StrongerMarriage.org, HealthyRelationshipsUtah.org, or CenterForMarriagePrep.com to access these resources and strengthen your relationship.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

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 diagnosis that caused memory loss and mood swings similar to dementia• Transitioning from stay-at-home mom to caregiver and sole provider for a family of eight• Experiencing caregiver burnout while working two jobs and coordinating her husband's care• Finding relief and stability when her husband moved to assisted living• Starting to share her story on social media and growing from 1,900 to 420,000 followers• Creating a caregiver support group that grew to thousands of members• Becoming a certified life coach to help others find their smile again• Learning to embrace negative emotions without feeling guilty about them• Setting necessary boundaries, even with family members• Finding gratitude in small daily wins during overwhelming times• Discovering who she is as an individual apart from her roles as caregiver and motherLindsay offers a free masterclass for people who feel lonely within their marriage, teaching them how to reconnect with themselves and find happiness again.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

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 relationship to conflict is conditioned by childhood experiences• The question "Where am I?" helps identify if we're operating from fear or trust• When contracted (even 1%), we're in protection mode and unavailable for authentic connection• Accepting our humanity means acknowledging we get scared, especially in relationships• The check-in process integrates mind, body, and heart intelligence• Breaking generational patterns requires awareness and acceptance without judgment• Connection with others begins with connecting to yourself first• Being willing to "go first" with vulnerability transforms relationship dynamics• Accepting your own humanity and your partner's humanity is key to stronger connectionFor free resources including the check-in process Annmarie mentioned, visit annmariechereso.comVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

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 partners and can turn them into "enemies" rather than allies• Editing words to find truth rather than hiding it distinguishes authentic honesty from reactive "brutal honesty"• Basic self-care practices like sleep, exercise, and nutrition significantly impact relationship quality• Negotiated timeouts provide space to calm down before addressing relationship challenges• Authenticity develops through consistent choices to be reflective rather than defensive• Trust requires consistent effort to build and significant time to repair after betrayal• Small, consistent acts of commitment build trust more effectively than grand gesturesRemember that trust is something that can be grown with consistent effort, and relationships thrive when we prioritize giving them quality time and attention.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/