Stronger Marriage Connection

Join in today on the Stronger Marriage podcast as Dave and Liz sit down with Mark Ogletree, a professional marriage and family educator, to guide you through how to not just survive, but thrive in your marriage. Whether you’re a fiance, newlywed, or long-time spouse, these tips apply to all couples and are sure to help you strengthen your relationship.About Mark Ogletree:Mark is a professional educator, having taught for over 20 years in the Church’s seminary and institute program. Since 2010, he has worked as a professor in the department of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. He is also a licensed professional counselor, having worked with individuals, couples, and families for the past 30 years. Mark is the author of books and articles on topics ranging from marriage, family, and contemporary Church history. He has also been a regular presenter at Brigham Young University’s Education Week for the past 20 years. Mark and his wife Janie have been married for 35 years. They are the parents of eightchildren, and 22 grandchildren. Mark and Janie love spending time with their children and grandchildren, traveling, and spending time on the lake.Mark Ogletree’s Links:www.markogletree.comwww.preservingfamilies.orgPreserving Families podcastBooks: Babysitters Are Cheaper Than Divorces and So You’re in Love, Now What?Insights:Dave: Comparison is the thief of joyLiz: It is absolutely normal for engaged couples to get irritated with each otherMark: Anytime a couple can work out conflict, that’s a healthy relationshipInvites:  -   Whether you're engaged or newlywed, sit down with your partner and discuss at least three of the topics mentioned by Mark Ogletree. Examples could be finances, intimacy, or in-laws. Having these conversations will ensure that you and your partner are on the same page.  -   Alone or with your significant other, take the free RELATE assessment on the UtahMarriage Commission website to evaluate and gain a better understanding of yourrelationship. At the end, choose one meaningful discussion question and have aconversation about it with your partner.  -   Never stop dating your spouse! Write notes, surprise each other, send sweet texts,compliment and praise one another like you did before you were married. Keep doingwhat made you fall in love in the first place.  -  Decide with your partner what some good “talk and time together rituals” would workfor you as a couple. Whether it’s going on walks at night just the two of you or havingtime alone in the morning before the kids wake up to plan the day ahead. Make theserituals an important part of your daily connection.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regulVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com

On today’s episode Dave and Liz invite Dr. Bill Doherty, internationally recognized marriage expert, back to the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast to discuss the power of discernment counseling. Join us to learn how couples facing crisis can avoid divorce and strengthen their marriage by utilizing discernment.About Dr. Bull Doherty:Bill Doherty is a Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. A long-time marriage and family therapist, he is an expert on challenges couples face in the modern world, on navigating marital crisis and avoiding divorce, and on using family rituals to enhance the quality of family life. His books for the public include The Intentional Family and Take Back Your Marriage. In recent years, Bill has taken this couple's work to the national level via co-founding Braver Angels, an initiative working to decrease the politicalpolarization that is dividing the country. Among his awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Family Therapy Academy.Dr. Bill Doherty Links:https://www.moderncommitment.comInvites:      ●   If you are the “leaning in” spouse, bring your best self forward to the crisis by really trying to hear and understand the pain your partner is in. Denial, begging, and/or pleading will not work in discernment counseling. To do this, write down one way you can improve conflict with your partner and provide a plan for change.      ●   Sit down with your partner this week and determine the state of your relationship. How are things going? Could they be better? How can you strengthen your current connection?      ●   If you determine you are in need of therapy, choose a therapist or counselor who provides structure and connection and is supportive of marriage and commitment. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:Strongermarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: @strongermarriagelifeTikTok: @strongermarriagelifeDr. Dave Schramm:https://drdaveschramm.comhttps://drdavespeaks.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSUFacebook Marriage Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579Facebook Parenting Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/542067440314642 Dr. Liz Hale:Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com

Geoff Steurer, MS, LMFT joins Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz to discuss betrayal trauma and the three A’s: abuse, affairs and addiction. Geoff shares some great tips to help both partners through the challenges and struggles of the trauma that is often the result.About Geoff Steurer:Geoff Steurer has a passionate commitment to helping couples rebuild theirrelationships from crisis to connection. He specializes in helping couples and individualsaffected by the trauma of sexual betrayal. He understands how exhilarating and stressfulmarriage can be and works hard at his own marriage. His goal is to show couples how his work will pay off in their own lives.Steurer specializes in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, treating pornography andsexual addictions, infidelity, men's issues, anxiety, depression, anger management, andfamily therapy. He is the co-author of "Love You, Hate the Porn", creator of the "TrustBuilding Bootcamp", host of the podcast, "From Crisis to Connection", and author of aweekly online Q&A column.Geoff Steurer Links:https://www.geoffsteurer.com/https://www.geoffsteurer.com/podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/GeoffSteurerMFThttps://www.instagram.com/geoffsteurer/Insights:Dave: Reach out, reach out for help and find someone you trust to speak with.Liz: Hope. There is so much to be hopeful about. Believe in marriage and look at the other side.Geoff: Learn to see the other person as someone who is different than you are.Invites:     - Learn how to stay close to your partner so you can find your way back to each other       when dealing with betrayal and trauma     - Don’t be afraid of the truth, your marriage can handle it     - Recognize that there are a lot of people who struggle with these things, do not feel       ashamed. Get help and know you are not alone.     - Take the 12 week self-guided online course if you have broken someone’s trust.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:Strongermarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: @strongermarriagelifeTikTok: @strongermarriagelifeDr. Dave Schramm:https://drdaveschramm.comhttps://drdavespeaks.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSUFacVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com

On today’s episode, Dave and Liz discuss some New Year’s resolutions that couples can make to intentionally strengthen their relationships. Whether you want to create more fun and adventure in your marriage or slow down and have more alone time with your partner, listen in for some life-changing tips and tools you can use to improve your marriage in 2023.Insights:Dave: The big picture for me is that people are more important than problems.Liz: Regrets are not the end of the world. We don't want to have no regrets, because regrets teach us what we value the most.Invites:   ●    Liz encourages couples to try to put their arguments to rest or at least come to a truce within an hour and certainly within the day. Do not let things go on past the day - the faster the better.   ●    Be less reactive and more responsive. Part of that is watching your temper, your tongue, and your tone. Dave encourages that it’s okay to feel intense feelings but don’t follow them as far as to react to them.   ●    Aim to understand. Even if you don’t agree, try to see the situation from your partner's perspective, creating more compassion. In your mind, try to come up with three reasons why they might be right.   ●    Even if you disagree with someone, you don't have to confront them. You don't have to bring it up. Relationships can significantly improve if one or both partners would leave some things left unsaid.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:StrongerMarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: @strongermarriagelifeTikTok: @strongermarriagelifeDr. Dave Schramm:https://drdaveschramm.comhttps://drdavespeaks.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSUFacebook Marriage Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579Facebook Parenting Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/542067440314642Dr. Liz Hale:http://www.drlizhale.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com

Dr. Wally Goddard joins Liz & Dave to explore how humility, curiosity, and understanding are at the heart of true human connection. As we refine our own character, we perceive our partner with new eyes and experience true joy in our relationship. Listen in to understand how irritation can be an invitation.About Dr. Wally Goddard:After receiving a PhD in Family and Human Development fromUtah State University, Wally was a Professor at Auburn University and later at the University of Arkansas. He created many award-winning programs on personal well-being, marriage, and parenting.Wally created and hosted Guiding Children Successfully, a television series for PBS. He has written, edited, or co-authored several books including Discoveries, Between Parent and Child, Drawing Heaven into Your Marriage, The Soft-Spoken Parent, and Finding Joy in Family Life. In 2010, he won the national award for Outstanding Family Life Educator.Wally and Nancy have three children and 14 grandchildren.Links:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-wally-a-fresh-view-on-gospel-living/id1543963177https://latterdaysaintmag.com/author/wallace-goddard/Insights:Dave: We need to be healers not preachers.Liz: Focus on the eighty percent with HeartWally: The willingness to see goodness in your partner gets you more goodness. Invites:Get curious. Ask your partner in humility why they do something differently. Listensincerely and without judgement.Make a list of 50 different qualities you appreciate in your partner.Decide to stop criticizing a specific behavior, quality, or attribute of your partner.Choose to accept them as they are right now, instead of trying to change them. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:StrongerMarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: @strongermarriagelifeTikTok: @strongermarriagelifeDr. Dave Schramm:https://drdaveschramm.comhttps://drdavespeaks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSUFacebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579Facebook Parenting Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/542067440314642 Dr. Liz Hale:Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com

What are the most important things couples need to know before they get married? Dave and Liz discuss with Dr. Les Parrott advice for newlyweds, engaged couples or married people based off of years of research and working with couples.Time Stamps:About Les Parrott:Dr Les Parrott is a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at Northwest University. He and his wife, Leslie – a marriage and family therapist – are founders of the Center for Healthy Relationships on the campus of Olivet University.Married in 1984, the Parrott’s speak together in a wide array of venues, from churches toFortune 500 company board rooms. The Governor of Oklahoma even appointed the Parrott’s as the first ever statewide Marriage Ambassadors.The Parrott’s have been featured in USA Today and the New York Times. Their televisionappearances include CNN, The View, The O’Reilly Factor, The Today Show and Oprah. Les Parrott Links:https://loveology.org/https://www.betterlove.com/Less Parrott Books Insights:The power of marriage is shown through the dual cooperation, ownership, respect andempathy for the marriage. Each partner must put in the work to grow with the other anddevelop themselves along the way. Doing this can be difficult, therefore, it is imperative to seek out help from researched and valued resources available. Invites:Submit a list of six questions that you would like to answer on Loveology.com.2. Read the Parrott’s book and develop three things you can your partner can do to helpyour marriage continue to thrive.3. Write down one thing about conflict with your partner that you want to improvebecause you feel it is unfair for your partner. Make a plan of how to master it andimplement it in your next conflict Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:StrongerMarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: @strongermarriagelifeTikTok: @strongermarriagelifeDr. Dave Schramm:https://drdaveschramm.comhttps://drdavespeaks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSUFacebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.coVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com

In today’s episode, Richard and Linda Eyre discuss their latest book, The 8 Myths of Marriaging; enlightening relationship truths that dispelling common myths that can harm marital connection. Join the conversation and see how you can strengthen your marital connection by dismissing these myths.About Richard & Linda:Richard and Linda Eyre are the parents of nine children and are among the most popularspeakers in the world on parenting and families. They have presented in more than 45 countries and are New York Times best-selling authors of numerous books on parenting, couples, and families. They have been frequent guests on national network shows such as Oprah, The Today Show, Prime Time Live, 60 Minuets, Good Morning America and more. Their parenting website, valuesparenting.com, provides ideas, guidance, and creative programs for families throughout the world.Richard and Linda Links:https://valuesparenting.comhttps://valuesparenting.com/grandparenting101/The 8 Myths of Marriaging book linkInsights:Dave: Give more and do not keep score within your relationship.Liz: We are powerful, we have the power to hurt or to help our partners.Richard: Commitment, make it total, make it eternal.Linda: Love it, feel the joy of your relationship. Remember that you’re having fun and it is a joyful experience to be committed to someone.Invites:1. Plan a weekly marriage meeting with your partner. Text them right now to plan a timeyou can both sit down each week and connect on what needs improvement.2. Read the 8 Myths of Marriaging book to find out the other three myths of marriaging and how you can safeguard your relationship.3. Take time out for your relationship and enroll in Richard and Linda’s course forparenting and marriaging.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:StrongerMarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: @strongermarriagelifeTikTok: @strongermarriagelifeDr. Dave Schramm:https://drdaveschramm.comhttps://drdavespeaks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSUFacebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579Facebook Parenting Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/542067440314642Dr. Liz Hale:http://www.drlizhale.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com

Betrayal during the holiday season can cause feelings of joy and celebration to turn sour. However, there is hope. Dr. Jill Manning joins Liz to share her expertise in navigating the holidays after betrayal. Get cozy and tune in for a recipe for holiday healing.About Dr. Jill Manning:Dr. Jill Manning is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with individuals who have been sexually betrayed through infidelity or compulsive sexual behavior. For over two decades, her work has been featured in numerous peer-reviewed research journals, television programs, documentaries, radio shows, podcasts, and magazine articles, including The Oprah Magazine. While serving as a Social Science Fellow at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., she was invited to testify as an expert before a US Senate sub-committee about the harms of pornography on the family. She is the author of “What’s the Big Deal about Pornography: A Guide for the Internet Generation” and has spoken out on the harms of pornography on college campuses around the country, including Princeton, Yale, Harvard, and Notre Dame. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Institute for Mental Health Professional Standards based in Denver. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, shecurrently lives in Colorado with her husband and two daughters.Links:http://www.drjillmanning.com/@drjillmanningTo increase access to betrayal-trauma-specific resources, Dr. Manning produces digital downloads that allow therapists, coaches, and individuals all over the world to integrate high-quality and affordable digital resources into their professional work with betrayed clients or their own self-care efforts. Dr. Manning provided us with some of these pdfs but asked that we refer our guests to her site at the linkbelow:Digital downloads, including several free printables, may be found at:https://drjillmanning.com/digital-downloads/Insights:Dr. Jill Manning: There is hope after betrayal.Invites:Think of one holiday tradition or practice that brings you meaning and helps you feel connected and choose two holiday traditions to let go of for the time while you are healing.Start small and customize your self-care by body mapping. Visualize your body head to toe, and ask yourself how is stress manifesting itself in your body? Go through the list and develop a self-care task to address each stress reaction.Download the CALM app and try one guided meditation. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:StrongerMarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com

In today’s episode, Dr. Staley discusses how to develop purpose in life during and after compulsive sexual behavior usage, AKA pornography. Join us today as we discuss strategies of hope in recovery for spouses, parents and viewers of pornography,*Trigger warning* Today’s episode dives into a discussion about the harmful effects of pornography on oneself and the marriage connection. We recognize this topic is sensitive for many and can be triggering for some. We also recognize that professional scholars have differing perspectives when it comes to pornography, or even using the term addiction. Our interview with Dr. Staley is one perspective on pornography and we hope today’s episode will provide you with helpful insights on this issue. About Cameron Staley:Dr. Cameron Staley is a clinical psychologist who is passionate about helping individuals improve their mental and sexual health. In his TEDX talk, Changing the Narrative Around the Addiction Story, Cameron shares details from his research and counseling experience regarding helpful ways to talk about sexuality and how to effectively reduce unwanted pornography viewing through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). To make these principles more accessible to those who are struggling with pornography, he developed the Life After Pornography online program and the Life After Pornography Coach app. Cameron also provides online counseling services to residents of Utah and Idaho and coaching services for individuals seeking additional support in applying the mental and sexual health principles found in the Life After Series programs. Links:The Life After Serieshttps://www.instagram.com/thelifeafterseries/https://www.facebook.com/Dr.CameronStaleyhttps://cameronstaley.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-life-after-series-podcast/id1499393371https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNGg5SMcyhILife After Pornography App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.getyourmarriageon.lap&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1 Insights:Dave: Feel it but don’t follow it –intentionally choosing to not follow the urge. Dave illustrates that pornography users have the ability to overcome the urge and empower themselves to fight harmful behaviors.Liz: Though compulsive sexual behavior is so prevalent hope for healing is still available.Cameron: The things that matter most are just on the other side of discomfort. Putting forth the effort to be uncomfortable and progress will lead to a world of happiness. Invites:   1.   For Parents: Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com

People are more important than problems. In this week’s episode, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz dive into the deep end of the relationship pool. Using the metaphor of a swimming pool, they discuss the importance of maintenance and consistently adding cups of connection. They share 8“D’s of Disconnection”-how to become more aware of these threats to couple connection and how to tackle them with intentionality. Insights:Dave: Remember to be more intentional, think about those things you need to work on and be mindfully aware. Don’t go automatic, be aware of the things that are taking away from your connection.Liz: Put people over your problems, remember what is important.Invites:   -   Talk with your partner about your current relationship pool, what needs maintenance? How can you add more cups of connection?   -   Go over each “D of Disconnection” and discuss where you need work and make note of the places you are doing well.    -   Be mindful in the things you are doing as a couple, stay intentional and remember to put people over the problem. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:StrongerMarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: @strongermarriagelifeDr. Dave Schramm:https://drdaveschramm.comhttps://drdavespeaks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSUFacebook Marriage Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579Facebook Parenting Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/542067440314642Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com