Stronger Marriage Connection

Dr. Brad Wilcox, a sociology professor and Director of the National Marriage Project, shares valuable insights on the crucial role of marriage in today's society. He highlights key benefits like emotional support, financial stability, and child well-being, while addressing modern challenges such as communication struggles and shifting cultural attitudes. Wilcox emphasizes the importance of commitment and the unique strengths each partner brings to a marriage, offering practical advice for navigating contemporary relationships and promoting lasting connections.

Be sure to watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/tEm34gytP4AToday Laura Heck and Zach Brittle, co-hosts of Marriage Therapy Radio, break down why couples argue and how to navigate disagreements in a healthy way. Drawing from Dr. John Gottman’s research, they explore practical strategies to express needs, take responsibility, regulate emotions, and increase appreciation. About:Laura Heck is a licensed marriage and family therapist and Certified Gottman Therapist, specializing solely in helping couples navigate conflict and intimacy. She co-hosts Marriage Therapy Radio, leads The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work workshop, coaches women in the Epic Wives Experiment, and speaks for The Gottman Institute.When she’s not working with couples, Laura enjoys trail running with her dog, experimenting in the kitchen, and playing (admittedly bad) golf. She’s been married for 16 years and has a seven-year-old son.Zach Brittle is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Gottman Therapist (CGT) with nearly 20 years of experience in evidence-based couples therapy. He co-hosts Marriage Therapy Radio, created Your Marriage Masterclass, and authored The Relationship Alphabet and The Marriage Therapy Journal. His insights have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, and more.Married to Rebecca for 21 of 23 years, Zach lives in Seattle with their two daughters. They own a minivan and still use most of their wedding silverware.Insights:Laura: "Gratitude is a practice that requires reminders. Set an alarm to text your partner appreciation or reflect on what you're grateful for—it’s a simple habit that strengthens relationships."Zach: "Laura and I are transitioning Marriage Therapy Radio, and I’m feeling sad about it. I’ve loved these meaningful conversations, and it’s bittersweet to see this chapter close."Liz: "Timing matters in conversations. If my husband isn’t ready to discuss something, I check in later. It helps ensure we both have the bandwidth for important talks."Dave: "Take responsibility for your emotions. Before reacting, look inward—cultivate patience, compassion, and understanding. It’s about getting your own heart right first."Links: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/

Don and Carrie Cole, experienced licensed professional counselors and experts at the Gottman Institute, delve into the intricacies of relationship evaluations and intimacy in marriage. They introduce a practical 11-point checklist to assess connection within couples. The discussion covers the importance of intentional communication, navigating family dynamics, and rekindling intimacy post-parenthood. They share techniques for managing conflict and emphasize the need for empathy to strengthen connections, ensuring partners thrive together through life's challenges.

Dr. Julie Hanks, a licensed therapist and expert in family dynamics, joins the discussion to tackle the tricky topic of household roles. She emphasizes the significance of valuing unpaid labor to foster equitable partnerships. The conversation highlights the pitfalls of traditional gender roles, urging couples to communicate openly about expectations and contributions. Tips on preventing resentment through shared responsibilities are shared, along with strategies to recognize and appreciate the often invisible work each partner does, ultimately strengthening relationships.

Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship expert and clinical psychologist, shares her insights on nurturing intimacy through small daily acts of love. She emphasizes the importance of relational self-awareness, especially for women, and the need for intentional changes to keep relationships vibrant. Solomon discusses overcoming challenges like uneven commitment and the influence of family backgrounds on relationships. Ultimately, she highlights how curiosity and vulnerability can transform partnerships into deeper connections.

Be sure to watch this and every epsidoe of the podcast on YouTube:https://youtu.be/yoBDCp1li2wToday divorce attorney Padideh Jafari shares invaluable insights from her 22 years of experience. She delves into the common challenges marriages face, including financial stress, in-law interference, toxic positivity, and the seven- year itch. Padideh also provides practical tips for better communication, creating healthy boundaries, and the importance of self-awareness in marriage. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their relationship or navigate marital challenges with wisdom and grace.About Padideh JafariPadideh Jafari, Esq is the founder and CEO of Jafari Law & Mediation Office, APC, with locations in Los Angeles and Orange County. She earned her B.A. in Communication Studies with a minor in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University and her J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.During law school, Mrs. Jafari served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Michael D. Rutberg of the Los Angeles Superior Court and clerked for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, specializing in child abuse cases. She has also been an Adjunct Professor at NYU and the Southern California Institute of Law, teaching Family Law, Community Property, and Real Estate Law.Admitted to the California Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in 2003, Mrs. Jafari has over 22 years of experience handling complex Family Law matters, including high-asset property division, business valuation, cash-flow analysis, and high-stakes custody litigation. She is highly regarded in the Los Angeles and Orange County legal communities as a skilled Family Law litigator.In addition to her legal practice, Mrs. Jafari co-hosts The Narcissist Abuse Recovery Channel (NARC), a weekly podcast focused on navigating divorce involving narcissistic partners. She frequently appears on television, YouTube, podcasts, and other media outlets to share her expertise.Insights:Padideh: "I would say that before you decide to file for a divorce, do everything humanly possible in order to see if you can make the marriage work."Liz: "...turn over every stone. Let's make sure that we have looked at this left, right, upside down, backwards, inside out, to know that we've had [no] doubts there is no other way than divorce. I don't wanFit, 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/

In this engaging discussion, Jason Evert, a renowned author and presenter on purity, dives into the transformative power of chastity in relationships. He defines chastity and its critical role in authentic love, stressing the damaging impact of pornography. Jason provides practical advice for singles and married couples, highlighting the importance of clear communication and shared values. He also emphasizes the significance of cultivating tenderness and patience in modern dating, offering insights that can enhance connections across various faith backgrounds.

Today in this powerful episode, certified sex therapist Natasha Helfer joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to discuss the complex relationship between sexual health, faith, and cultural messages. Natasha sheds light on the damaging effects of sexual shame, the influence of purity culture, and the importance of open communication around intimacy. She offers actionable advice for parents, couples, and individuals to foster healthier sexual relationships, overcome shame, and approach intimacy with compassion and understanding. This conversation is filled with insights to help listeners navigate their sexual and relational well-being.About Natasha:The owner and founder of Symmetry Counseling. Natasha Helfer received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University and her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University. She also received her certifications as a sex therapist and sex therapist supervisor from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Natasha is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Kansas and Utah. She is also an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Insights:Natasha: "Sexual shame is a public health crisis, impacting physical and emotional well-being—causing issues like vaginismus, anxiety, and even immune problems. It runs deep and must be addressed."Liz: "For those waiting until marriage, setting realistic expectations is key. Take time—three to six months—to adjust, communicate, and explore your sexuality without shame or pressure."Dave: "Parents must be proactive in shaping healthy conversations about sex. It’s not a one-time talk but an ongoing dialogue that fosters openness and prevents shame."Natasha's Resources:https://www.natashahelfer.com/  https://symcounseling.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/

Dr. Daniel Carlson joins Dave and Liz to discuss the division of household labor and its impact on marital satisfaction. From managing the mental load to ensuring fairness, Dr. Carlson shares research-backed strategies for balancing responsibilities at home. They explore the effects of the pandemic on gender roles, the importance of communication, and how couples can navigate household responsibilities to strengthen their relationships. This episode offers practical tips and insights for couples at all life stages, helping them foster mutual support and appreciation in their partnership.#marriageadvice #householdchores #genderrolesAboutDan Carlson is an associate professor of Family and Consumer Studies at the University of Utah and a Senior Fellow at the Council on Contemporary Families. He is a public scholar whose research has appeared in numerous television, print, and radio media outlets. Generally, his scholarship examines the causes and consequences of the Second Demographic Transition in U.S. society with a particular focus on the gendered division of labor. Currently, he is conducting an NSF-funded study examining long-term shifts in U.S. parents' divisions of labor since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and their association with parents' well-being.InsightsDaniel: "Don't overlook the division of labor. It may not be exciting, but discussing expectations with your partner prevents misunderstandings and keeps both of you on the same page."Liz: "Instead of work-life balance, think of work-life justice—respect and communication matter. A simple check-in like, ‘I won’t be home much this week, can we plan for it?’ can make a big difference."Dave: "You can divide responsibilities without dividing the relationship—it's all about give and take."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/

Leslie Doares, a marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience, discusses the Hero Husband Project aimed at empowering husbands. She emphasizes building emotional safety, effective communication, and creating a 'marriage blueprint.' Leslie challenges the 'happy wife, happy life' mentality, arguing for balanced partnerships instead. The conversation also explores the importance of intimacy and how small, intentional gestures can enhance marital connections. Her insights offer practical advice for nurturing mutual respect and deepening relationships.