Stronger Marriage Connection

Dr. Talal Al-Saleem breaks down the complexities of infidelity from definition to recovery, offering hope through his specialized Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy approach. He challenges common misconceptions about infidelity causes and provides practical guidance for both healing after betrayal and safeguarding relationships against it.• Understanding infidelity as a breach of the unique exclusivity contract between partners• Recognizing that infidelity stems from three categories: relationship factors, individual factors, and socio-environmental factors• Acknowledging that good people can make awful mistakes like infidelity• Setting the stage for healing by staying together (if safe), avoiding contact with affair partners, and protecting children from details• Safeguarding relationships through introspection, clear partner "job descriptions," and weekly relationship check-ins• Seeing infidelity recovery as an opportunity to make informed decisions about the future, whether together or apart• Understanding that vulnerability to infidelity exists in all relationships, requiring ongoing vigilanceCheck out Dr. Talal Al-Saleem's resources at systematicaffairrecoverytherapy.com for clinicians and Infidelity Counseling Center for clients. His books and YouTube channel "The Infidelity Doctor" offer valuable insights for both professionals and individuals dealing with infidelity.Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit 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. Jeffrey Du shares groundbreaking research identifying four key factors for a stronger marriage: commitment, protectiveness, shared religious attendance, and regular date nights. These factors emerged from data collected from over 2,000 individuals across the United States, focusing specifically on elements within couples' control.• Commitment means intentionally prioritizing your spouse and marriage amid busy lives• Protectiveness involves emotional safeguarding, loyalty, and consistently having your spouse's back• Shared religious attendance creates deeper connection through joint spiritual experiences• Regular date nights (at least twice monthly) significantly boost marital happiness• Shared financial decision-making and joint bank accounts correlate with higher marital satisfaction• Small, daily actions matter more for relationship health than occasional grand gestures• Marriage requires intentionality – like a plant needing daily sunshine and regular water• Premarital education provides couples with important foundations for successFor more information, visit the Institute for Family Studies website or contact Dr. Jeffrey Du directly at jeff_du@byu.edu.Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit 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/

Lisa Valentine Clark shares her extraordinary journey of love and resilience through her husband Christopher's battle with ALS, offering profound insights on how their marriage was strengthened through humor, sacrifice, and intentionally seeking joy amid terminal illness.• Starting as friends performing in a comedy play at BYU—Lisa as a chicken, Christopher as Satan—created a foundation of laughter and friendship for their 25-year marriage• Humor played a crucial role in their relationship, making each other laugh even through the darkest moments• When Christopher was diagnosed with ALS in 2020, Lisa describes entering "go time" mode, committing fully to caregiving while he continued creating art until his final days• During COVID lockdown, Christopher invited friends to entertain him through their living room window, creating unexpected moments of connection and joy• The diagnosis shifted their marriage from equitable to sacrificial, with Lisa caring for Christopher and him focusing on leaving meaningful legacies for her and their five children • Christopher orchestrated a surprise 25th wedding anniversary celebration two days before his death, demonstrating his outward focus even when dying• Lisa emphasizes loyalty to friendship as the key to a stronger marriage—seeing your spouse as your best friend and being their biggest cheerleader• Being fully present in the moment allowed them to find unexpected joy even during the most difficult circumstances• Lisa's advice for couples facing health challenges: "Go all in" on caregiving without worrying about consequences• For those who have lost someone: "You don't honor love by ceasing to exist—you honor it by loving, creating and living"Listen to Lisa's podcasts, The Lisa Show and Council of Moms, wherever you get your podcasts.Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit 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. Steve Harris joins us to explain discernment counseling, a specialized approach helping couples gain clarity about whether to work on their marriage or move toward divorce.• Developed at the University of Minnesota after research showed 30% of divorcing couples had at least one person who didn't want the divorce• Differs from traditional couples therapy by focusing on decision-making clarity rather than relationship improvement• Designed specifically for "mixed-agenda couples" where one partner wants to work on the marriage while the other is considering divorce• Creates a structured space where ambivalence about the relationship is welcomed and explored• Presents three paths: continuing the status quo, moving toward divorce, or committing to six months of intensive work on the relationship• Typically runs 1-5 sessions with both joint and individual components• Helps both partners recognize their own contributions to marital problems, not just their partner's failings• Results show approximately 51% choose to work on their marriage, with 70-75% of those successfully repairing their relationship• Even couples who ultimately divorce benefit from better understanding and communicationVisit MinnesotaCouplesOnTheBrink.org or discernmentcounseling.com to learn more and find trained counselors in your area.Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit 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/

Chad Ford, an international conflict mediator and author of '70 x 7,' joins the discussion to explore how fear drives conflict in relationships. He emphasizes that conflict is natural in marriage and should be handled constructively. Chad introduces the concept of the 'risk of embrace' for deeper connections and highlights the necessity of true reconciliation over mere forgiveness. He also shares practical tips for navigating conflict styles, fostering empathy, and transforming grievances into compassion, ensuring stronger marital bonds.

In this discussion, Dr. Nathan Lenhart, an assistant professor at Brigham Young University and author of "The Science of Virtue," delves into the concept of "capital R Resilience" in marriage. He introduces the ABCX model, emphasizing how stressors and perception shape couples' responses to challenges. Through cross-cultural insights, Lenhart advocates for seeking deeper meaning and flourishing beyond superficial happiness. He encourages couples to build resilience by embracing virtues like humility and gratitude, transforming adversities into growth opportunities.

Dr. Alexandra Stockwell shares her journey from physician to intimacy coach and reveals how couples can create passionately intimate marriages through authenticity rather than compromise. She offers transformative insights on cultivating everyday eroticism, communicating with kindness, and deepening emotional connection to enhance sensual experiences.• Developing "everyday eroticism" by making conscious choices to embody sensuality in daily activities• Distinguishing between "nice" communication that suppresses authenticity and "kind" communication that honors both partners• Understanding how "uncompromising intimacy" creates more passion than traditional compromises• Identifying different types of conversations and framing them clearly for better understanding• Using the question "How old do I feel right now?" to recognize when younger parts of ourselves are driving reactions• Maintaining genuine curiosity about your partner through intentional questions• Focusing on quality rather than quantity for both physical intimacy and date nights• Recognizing that having a fantastic relationship is a learnable skill that anyone can developVisit alexandrastockwell.com to learn about Dr. Stockwell's coaching programs, book "Uncompromising Intimacy," and podcast "The Intimate Marriage Podcast."Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit 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/

Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit 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/

Julie Blackburn shares her expertise on helping couples maintain strong relationships during the challenging transition to parenthood, drawing on her experience as a registered nurse, midwife, and Bringing Baby Home educator.• 67% of couples become unhappy with each other during the first three years of their baby's life• The greatest gift you can give your baby is a happy and strong relationship between parents• Parenting differences stem from our upbringing and personal experiences• The "secret sauce" for healthy relationships includes maintaining friendship, regulating conflict, and creating shared meaning• Criticism can cause partners (especially dads) to withdraw from parenting involvement• When dad is unhappy in his relationship with mom, a gulf often grows between him and his child• Father involvement is crucial for child development, affecting temperament, self-regulation, confidence, and academic performance• Military families face unique challenges requiring extra intentionality in maintaining connection• The Gottman card deck app offers structured ways to maintain meaningful conversations and express needs without criticism• Keeping an emotional "bank account" full through expressions of fondness and admiration sustains relationships through challengesThe key to a stronger marriage connection is friendship and kindness. Remember to remain each other's best friend, hold space for each other, and keep telling your partner how much you appreciate them.Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit 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/

Greg Denning shares his journey from a troubled childhood to creating an extraordinary marriage and family life while traveling to over 60 countries with his wife and seven children. His positive energy and unique ability to inspire others stems from his personal transformation after leaving home at 16 and experiencing homelessness before discovering the secrets to creating a happy life.• Making marriage the true priority by saying no to anything that competes with the relationship• Using micro deposits (daily acts of connection) and macro deposits (regular getaways and annual honeymoon trips) to invest in marriage• Applying the "Silent Film Test" – asking if observers would know your spouse is your priority based only on actions• Working on yourself first – resolving personal issues that create obstacles in your marriage• Understanding that men can increase their capacity to handle pressure through mindset shifts and physical health• Learning to truly listen to your spouse without trying to fix or respond• Strategically creating systems that enable you to manage complex family life without burnout• Remembering the marriage equation: as you improve yourself, the relationship improves even if only one partner is initially working on itWe live at the level of our habits, not our hopes. Don't settle for a mediocre marriage – keep pursuing your dream of a phenomenal relationship through consistent small adjustments that create big differences over time.Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyVisit 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/