Stronger Marriage Connection

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 accountability• consent in conversations and setting parameters• timeouts, check-ins, and nervous system regulation• RLT’s truth with love and compassionate confrontation• inner child work that reframes defensiveness• therapist grounding, client vision, and clear goals• full respect living and everyday repair• where to find Shane’s exercise and resourcesVisit 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 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 without excuses • attachment biology, pair bonding and threat memory • the ick as a distancing threat response • limits of labels and misuse on social media • why “never again” fails and the value of yielding to reminders • PEPPER prevention model and post-mortem revise • social contracts, shared leadership and putting the couple first • daily micro-connection and ongoing courting • stop repetition of injuries with systems and agreementsVisit 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 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 Transformation®, www.marriagetransformation.com. She meets with clients globally via the internet for relationship and marriage preparation and marriage strengthening. Susanne is certified to offer couples assessments and coaching through Prepare-Enrich® and for individuals with the Character Foundations Assessment™. She has completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Susanne has written or co-written over 30 books. Her most recent is “Growing Our Unity: 19 Vital Practices for a Thriving Relationship”, coauthored with Grant Peirce. Susanne is co-lead on Accordia Way, a project to assist couples with excellent communication and decision-making skills, https://accordiaway.substack.com/subscribe.She is passionate about helping individuals and couples make good relationship and marriage choices through knowledge and skill-building and thereby prevent divorces. Susanne has been single, dating, engaged, married, divorced, and widowed. She is a child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, and grandparent. All of this has given Susanne a diversity of experience to share. She is originally from Canada and is married to a wonderful man named Phil Donihe in Tennessee, in the United States. They live on a lake and love to do romantic boat trips together that include nature photography.• how lived experience shapes Susanne’s approach• unity as a shared daily language• 22 virtues that support connection• Unifier 10 choosing to merge in a distracted world• micro practices celebrations greetings and check ins• bids for connection and sunset moments• a commute tweak that transformed evenings• rethinking conflict with the bowl method• appreciation using virtue language to affirm identity• laughter dates and rediscovering fun• service balance and community ties• friendship as the foundation for lasting closeness• learning in action as a lifelong mindsetVisit 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 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 eroticism as life force, not performance• spotting how roles hide the self and stall desire• negotiating roles with honesty and responsibility• understanding desire as freedom plus self-acceptance• better advice for daughters than duty-based sex• helping sons regulate desire without shame• why intimacy feels risky to the ego• becoming more truly who we are in love• first steps for the stuck: curiosity over judgment• resources to grow sexual and emotional intimacyJennifer's Website: https://finlayson-fife.com/Podcast: https://www.finlayson-fife.com/podcastsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/finlaysonfife/?hl=enVisit 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. 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: reflection, risk, release, receive, repurpose• the sound of hope and processing feelings• curiosity and repair during conflict• noticing where we withhold love• letting go to make room for connection• practical steps for singles to position for growth• modeling hope for kids and students• resources to find Julia’s book and podcastVisit 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 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• how a coherent narrative links emotions to needs• why empathy, validation, and clear language reduce conflict• boundaries as doors back into connection• style-specific growth goals and daily practice• co‑soothing before self‑soothing and nervous system regulation• the Comfort Circle listener-speaker tool• research roots from Bowlby, Ainsworth, and Main• resources from How We Love and Marc’s new bookMarc Cameron's Resources and Links:Free How We Love Attachment Style Quiz:https://understandingyourattachmentstyle.com/How We Love: https://howwelove.com/Marc's Social Media:https://m.facebook.com/marc.cameron.mft/https://www.instagram.com/marc.cameron.mft/How We Love Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/howwelovebook?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.instagram.com/howwelovebook?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.love.tiktohttps://www.youtube.com/@HowWeLoveVisit 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 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 spending areas• using price trackers to time purchases• organizing gifts with lists and simple apps• planning for hidden costs and last year’s data• revolving savings that fund December in advance• a mantra to reduce comparison and pressureVisit 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 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 emotions• everyday mindfulness as a fast acceptance tool• the CARE skills to lower arousal quickly• opposite action to disrupt anger-driven habits• validating feelings while holding boundaries• using calm moments for quality attention and reconnection• aligning different parenting styles without blame• book details and where to find resourcesHey, 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 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 labeling or blaming• Mindfulness as embodied awareness for self-regulation• Yoga practices that calm the nervous system• Brené Brown’s values exercise for clarity and alignment• Nonviolent Communication for value-based requests• Gottman love maps to stay current and curious• Compatibility across practical, wavelength, and intimacy• Acceptance over sameness to fuel repair and goodwill• Tools and resources: test links, books, and appsSubscribe to our podcast and the Utah Marriage Commission YouTube channel at Utah Marriage Commission, smash the like button, leave a comment, and share this episode with a friend. Follow us on Instagram at StrongerMarriageWife and Facebook at Stronger Marriage. For more resources, visit strongermarriage.org.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 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/