Stronger Marriage Connection

On today's episode, Dr. Lee Baucom joins us, and we have a great discussion aboutintentionality and actively creating a stronger marriage connection both physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Join Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz in this journey on strengthening marriage connection, relationships, and personal values.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Lee Baucom2:30 – Number one concern for new couples5:12 – Shifts you need to make in the first year of marriage9:08 – Pause button marriage12:52 – Difference in how you communicate vs communication skills14:25 – The arc of disconnection16:14 – Three levels of connection18:58 – Intentionality is important22:14 – What can you do to reconnect?25:51 – Difference between marriage fail point and individual fail point28:30 – Husbands bootcamp31:36 – There is intentionality behind everything35:28 – Key component to a stronger marriage connection38:06 – Resources39:07 – TakeawaysAbout Lee Baucom:Dr. Lee Baucom is internationally known for his methods and approaches to saving marriages. For three decades, Lee has been helping people around the world save, restore, and create the marriage they deserve and desire. He's the author of the book, “How to save your marriage in three simple steps”, in addition to six other books, and he's the creator of the highly effective internet Marriage program. Save the marriage. Lee is also the host of two popular podcast Thrive nation and save the marriage.Insights:Dave: Lack of attention leads to loss of connection. Physical, emotional, and spiritualconnection all have an impact on your partner, what will you do to strengthen those areas?Liz: The key of the “We” and having each other’s backs, we all want someone to get us and know us. You are in this together.Lee: Remember the pause button, did you hit pause and what is it going to take to un-pause it. Get more intentional about connecting from a physical, spiritual, and emotional level. Take action.Invites:   -    Shift from “you and me” to “we”. Remember that you are a team, and it is important to acknowledge those struggles as a team.   -    Mature relationships are not without the feelings of romance and passion but include communications and connection   -    Husband bootcamp is a video bootcamp structured over 30 days to get into shape and address the wounds that men carry around with them that can get in the way ofrelationshipsLee Baucom links:https://savethemarriage.com/https://savethemarriage.com/podcasthttps://savethemarriage.com/books Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:Strongermarriage.orgpodcast.stroVisit 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

Today’s episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection dives into AmandaChristensen’s personal money mission to help couples learn how to manage their finances and build their connection.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Amanda Christensen?2:28 – Why is money such a hard topic to discuss in marriage?5:03 – Dave’s experience: managing a tight budget as college students.6:02 – Liz’s experience: managing money when you are developing financial independence prior to marriage.7:05 – Money autonomy and money wins.10:00 – Learn your money personality.11:26 – What does the research say about how couples manage finances?One spouse handling main finances, trust, communication, chose what kind of accountmanagement works for you, discovering how to communicate about money withoutargument, little or no debt and living within your means.22:40 – Personal finance is personal!23:50 – Amanda’s money management tip #1: Have a money plan25:18 – Amanda’s money management tip #2: Develop financial trust26:16 – Amanda’s money management tip #3: Talk about large purchases26:58 – Amanda’s money management tip #4: Talk about debt28:14 – Amanda’s money management tip #5: What does it mean to live within your means?30:45 – Amanda’s money management tip #6: Work together during challenge34:35 – Understanding your own and your spouse’s money script37:18 – Resources to find out more about Amanda’s work38:36 – TakeawaysAbout Amanda Christensen:Amanda H. Christensen is an Extension Professor and Accredited Financial Counselorresponsible for statewide personal finance education through USU Extension. She’s editor of the Utah Money Moms blog. She and her team are the recipients of two consecutive Best of State awards for efforts to improve financial wellness across the state. You can view their live webinar schedule or request a free class for your group at finance.usu.edu/efw. On a Sunday afternoon you’ll find Amanda sipping a Diet Coke with lime at the kitchen table over a 1000 piece puzzle listening to an audio book.Insights:Dave: Developing trust and communication around money builds connection and allows you tobe on the same page.Liz: The key to a couple’s financial success is about doing what is best for them.Amanda: Even couples in great marriages disagree about money, and that’s okay!Invites:   •    Take the online “money personality assessment” at www.powerpay.org and use thecode “FWFREETANF” for a free e-course and personality assessment. Discuss yourresults with your partner.   •    A money plan with your partner for the next month. See where you are livingwithin your means and may be living outside of your means.   •    Discover what your money script is by asking yourself the questions Amanda outlines in the podcast. Now, discover what your spouse’s money script is.Amanda Christensen Links:PowerPay Money Master Online Course Link: 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

On Today’s episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection, we dive deep into disagreements with our guest, Laura Silverstein, who is a certified Gottman couples therapist. Discover with Dave and Liz all kinds of tips to help couples manage differences in their marriage shared by Laura.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Laura Silverstein 1:47 – Conflict is not a bad thing in marriage 4:00 – The number one communication problem in couple relationships 6:21 – Two parts to establishing new habits 11:11 – Four horsemen – John Gottman 14:55 – What to do when both partners continue to be critical 18:27 – How to repair damages within a partnership 23:50 – Ownership, humility and kindness 27:05 – A little about Laura’s book workbook 29:07 – Key to a stronger marriage connection 31:35 – Takeaway’sAbout Laura Silverstein:Laura Silverstein is Certified Gottman Couples therapist as well as a recognized thought leader in the field of relationship wellness, sought out for her expert advice from media outlets such as, the New York Times and the today's show. In her book, Love is an action verb, Laura helps couples focus on their strengths instead of their problems and guides them with small step by step action plans.Insights:Dave: It takes humility, compassion, understanding and awareness when rebuilding something that has fallen. Take the time to slow things down and really look at things from a wider perspectiveLiz: Take ownership, be humble and stay kind when working through a repair in couple relationshipsLaura: It is important to have humility and stay humble when we enter loving relationships, no matter the challenges at handInvites:   •    Take ownership, have humility and be kind. Those are key things to effectively repair a relationships   •    When things start to escalate, it is good to ask for a break – take a time out and revisit later   •    Two parts to learn – learning how to avoid conflict in the first place, if possible, and understanding how to get out of it once you are stuckLaura Silverstein Links:https://laurasilverstein.coVisit 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/DrDaveUSUVisit 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 this engaging discussion, Mike Foster, a best-selling author and speaker known for his work in personal development, introduces the transformative concept of the 7 primal questions. He explains how these foundational questions influence our emotional needs and adult relationships. The conversation highlights essential topics like emotional intelligence, the importance of open communication in fostering connection, and how childhood experiences shape our current behaviors. Mike offers practical insights for strengthening both marriage and parenting dynamics.

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sitdown with life coach Julie Balkman and discuss the dating game when it comes to relationships and how to get out of the game and develop healthy happy relationships without the runaround.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Julie Balkman?2:01 – Getting into coaching5:47 – Thinking that gets us stuck7:28 – Playing the dating game can be confusing8:30 – Being in a “situationship”9:28 – CCQ: Clear, Concise, Quick14:04 – Largest obstacles for dating today17:36 – Good tips on connecting in dating18:33 – Two things to look for in a partner21:22 – Some practical tips and tools23:22 – Decision making success system25:27 – Dating Interview Project28:42 – Key to a stronger marriage connection30:05 – Where to find more resources31:50 – TakeawaysAbout Julie Balkman:Julie Balkman was trained and mentored by 3 life coaching programs which resulted ineight years and thousands of hours in coaching experience. She is an expert panelistfor the LDS dating app “Mutual” and is currently writing a book about LDS dating. Shewas a former co-host of a three-year international young adult support group and is theowner/operator of the 100 interviews project, a project involving 120 young adultsinterviewed about dating. She is an artist and illustrator and loves to dance!Insights:Julie: Be responsible: being responsible is sexy, romantic, confident, peaceful, and loving. When you are responsible you create a better life for yourself and your significant other.Dave: It is critical to have a willingness to learn. It is ok to accept different things and want tolearn and change, especially within a relationship.Liz: I love the idea of CCQ, clear concise and quickInvites:   •    Invite me to share my Dating Map Presentation as a guest speaker. I love speaking and teaching to any size audience.   •    I have 1:1 coaching packages, plus a VIP acceleration package, which I would love to tell about. VIP: 6 weeks, 6 days a week, 20 minutes each day.   •    Start with love, learn how to be a receiver of love so you can be ready for a realrelationship.Julie Balkman Links:https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=julie+balkman&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8https://www.instagram.com/lifecoach.julie/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-balkman-0898031a5/ Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:Strongermarriage.orgpodcasVisit 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 this episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast, Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black tackles the hard conversation “How do I manage money in marriage.” Join us to learn how conversations about money can connect you and your partner rather than pull you apart.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Ashley Lebaron-Black?1:48 – Is the issue really about money?5:12 – Managing money habits: Family background7:34 – Working together to manage money8:45 – Family financial socialization10:25 – Overcoming discomfort in talking about money12:00 – Money management matters: Debt, materialism, financial deception, etc.15: 35 – Joint bank accounts18:08 – Financial therapy for marriage19:30 – What makes a stronger marriage connection to Ashley20:10 – Ashley’s tools and tips24:50 – How do I bring up money while dating?36:40 – TakeawaysAbout Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black:Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black is an Assistant Professor of Family Life at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She received her PhD in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona. Her research focus is family finance, including finances in couple relationships and financial socialization. Ashley has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Family and Economic Issues. She is Chair of the Family Financial Wellbeing focus group for the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).Insights:Ashley: Don’t let your money control you and your marriage; you can control itDave: There is no right way to manage money in your marriage, but it is so important tounderstand where your ideas of money management are coming from. Take some time to understand and communicate that with your partner.Liz: Talk about money with your partner, be honest.Invites:   •    Sit down with your partner this week and develop a monthly budget together.   •    Talk to your spouse about how you want to manage your money together goingforward. Should we do a monthly meeting, get a joint bank account, etc.?   •    Read a blog post from Ashley’s website to understand a part of money management you and your partner may not understand.Ashley Lebaron-Black's Links:https://lebaron-black.byu.edu/ Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:Strongermarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: @strongermarriagelifeTikTok: @strongermarriagelifeDr. Dave Schramm:https://drdaveschramm.comVisit 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 of the stronger marriage connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sitdown with Dr. Bill Doherty, back from Season 1 due to popular demand, to share how we can all become marital first responders. A long time Marriage and Family Therapist, he is an expert on challenges couples face when navigating marital crisis.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Bill Doherty?2:29 – Where the idea of marital first responders comes from4:42 – First important step in being a first responder.6:32 – Other Do’s and Don’ts9:45 – We can be an influence12:16 – Common complaints from marriages15:26 – Perspective skill technique example19:16 – Learning to protect boundaries21:36 – Unforced error24:12 – You can be a friend to someone and their marriage30:33 – What to say without adding negativity31:14 – Where to get more resources from Bill32:55 – Takeaways About Bill Doherty:Bill Doherty is a Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the Universityof Minnesota. A long-time marriage and family therapist, he is an expert on challengescouples face in the modern world, on navigating marital crisis and avoiding divorce, andon using family rituals to enhance the quality of family life. His books for the publicinclude The Intentional Family and Take Back Your Marriage. In recent years Bill hastaken this couples work to the national level via cofounding Braver Angels, an initiativeworking to decrease the political polarization that is dividing the country. Among his awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Family TherapyAcademy. Insights:Bill: Marriage is existing of social relationships and when people open up, it is a precious gift they are giving. It is good to be mindful and intentional in how we respond.Dave: We can have empathy without agreeing with others perspectives, you can still show compassion and lend a helping hand even if we don’t necessarily agree with what they may be saying.Liz: LEAP: Listen, empathy, affirm and positive perspective Invites:   •    Check out maritalfirstresponders.org and participate in some of the workshops available to you.   •    When giving advice to friends it is important to be a good friend to that person but also their marriage, listen with empathy but don’t rush to give advice. Don’t jump to take a friend’s side without considering the whole picture.   •    Use life experience when giving out advice, you may not be an expert but we all have experiences to take and learn from when helping others. Bill Doherty Links:https://thedohertyapproach.com/about/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

Sam and Ember were on the verge of divorce for several years. They were a couple that Dr. Liz Hale worked with in her private practice, and they are willing to no longer be private but go public and share how they miraculously turned their marriage around from miserable to incredible.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who are Sam and Ember?2:35 – What is something you wish you would have known before getting married?4:51 – Contributors to the breakdown of a marriage9:00 – Sam’s background11:56 – How can two people experience one marriage differently?15:45 – Addressing ‘me’ to fix ‘we’20:00 – Ember’s ah-ha moments toward change26:01 – Sam’s ah-ha moments toward change31:00 – Communication strategies36:43 – The role of forgiveness in healing41:08 – Strategies to maintain connection43:14 – Advice for couples on the brink46:16 – Honesty is a key for a stronger marriage connection. Seek what’s best for the marriage.Insights:Sam: Get help. Some issues may be beyond what the two of you can do together. Be honest. You can decide what kind of spouse you want to be.Ember: Deal with conflict before the weekend. Start your weekend with a clean slate.Invites:   -    Deal with conflict as soon as you can. If there is something bothering you, sit down and have a conversation about it with your partner when you both are in a clear headspace.   -    Take some time today to evaluate yourself. Is there something you need to forgive yourself for?    -    Give your partner a hug, a small peck on the cheek, or a squeeze of the hand today. Just a little physical affection can go a long way. 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/542067440314642Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdaveschramm/ Dr. Liz Hale:http://www.drlizhale.com/ See 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

Do you ever feel like your partner is more like a roommate than a spouse? This isn’t uncommon for couples to experience, and is actually a feature of marriage than a bug. Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz talk with Nate Bagley about “Roommate Syndrome” and discuss how being in this rut can act as a catalyst for growing up our marriage. As something that everyone in a relationship encounters, this podcast is a must-listen-to resource to create a stronger marriage connection!Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Nate Bagley?1:42 – Fear of a mediocre marriage3:59 – Interviewing the most successful and happy couples6:15 – What is “roommate syndrome”?10:20 – How to get the spark back in your marriage12:30 – How to get out of the roommate rut18:01 – Roommate syndrome is a feature, not a bug19:57 – Happiness is a byproduct of growth22:20 – The Eisenhower Matrix27:10 – What do we need to do to have a great marriage?30:10 – Maximize enjoyment for both people32:48 – Nate Bagley resources33:32 – Nate’s takeaway: you have more control over your marriage than you think35:33 – Liz’s takeaway: remember maximum joint enjoyment36:06 – Dave’s takeaway: the pillars of friendship – I like you, I know you, I trust youAbout Nate Bagley:Nate Bagley is a marriage researcher and educator whose mission is to rid the world of mediocre love. His passion is helping people DO the things that make their relationships extraordinary.In 2012, Nate did a cross-country road trip where he interviewed the country’s most madly-in-love couples, and renowned relationship experts to discover the secrets of truly epic, lasting love.Since then, he’s given a TEDx talk, and been published in Business Insider, Thrive Global, The Good Men Project, the Gottman Institute blog, and many other outlets. He always loves hearing from his readers and listeners, so please feel free to reach out to him at his website here.Insights:Nate: Happiness is a byproduct of growth and roommate syndrome is a byproduct, not a bug. Roommate syndrome gives you the opportunity to grow up.Dave: Foster the 3 pillars of friendship: I like you, I know you, I trust you.Liz: Remember to focus on maximum joint enjoyment.Invites:   -    If you feel like you and your partner have roommate syndrome, try doing something out of your comfort zone today (ask a personal question, address a topic that makes you anxious, etc.).   -   It’s the little things that get you out of roommate syndrome. Try making your partner a meal they wouldn’t expect (like breakfast or lunch), or sending them a sweet text while they’re away (even if not for very long).   -    Try to make your marriage enjoyable for everyone. Is there something you grew up doing that your partner doesn’t particularly enjoy? Talk about it with them. What could you do to make things more enjoyable for them?Nate Bagley Links:   -    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

On today’s episode, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz talk with Dr. John Van Epp who brings to light some of the most important things we can do when selecting a life partner as well as how to strengthen those relationships over time. We learn some of the predictors of how long-term relationships will turn out as well as some principles to help navigate both red and green flags within our relationships.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is John Van Epp?2:42 – Life-partner selection process11:58 – Predictors of getting to “know” and getting to “no”13:33 – Media love vs True love16:10 – Let heart and head work together20:00 – Discerning our partner is a process26:16 – 5 ways to notice green flags and red flags31:30 – With definition comes implementation34:02 – Attraction alone is not enough35:04 – Key areas to address stressors and struggles in dating40:43 – Being equally yoked strengthens connection42:32 – Have a game plan for managing your relationship44:26 – John’s relationship resources47:10 – John’s takeaway: heart and head are meant to work together48:38 – Liz’s takeaway: Partner selection process is key49:04 – Dave’s takeaway: Trust and commitment grow over time, RAM is a great resourceAbout John Van Epp:John Van Epp, PhD, President and Founder of Love Thinks, LLC is the author of How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk (or Jerkette) - top choice for singles by Christianity Today; Becoming Better Together: the RAM plan for growing together when life is pulling you apart; and Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faithand Family in America.He has previous experience as   -    a founding church pastor   -    an adjunct seminary professor in marriage and family with extensive research inpremarital, marital, and family relations   -    a clinical counselor for 25 years in his private counseling practice   -    and for over 20 years, he has trained military personnel and contracted with the military as a subject matter expert (SME) in relationship health, psychology, religion, suicide, and resilience.For the past 25 years, he has developed relationship programs that have been taught by over 35,000 certified instructors to over one million participants.He was awarded the Smart Marriage and the NARME Impact Awards, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Psychology Today, O Magazine; he has appeared on the CBS Early Show, Good Morning America, Fox News, and Focus on the Family.Insights:John: With definition comes implementation. Your heart and your head are meant to work together in making decisions.Dave: Trust and commitment grow over time.Liz: There is very little you can do to compensate after marriage for choosing poorly before marriage.Invites:   -    After your next date, self-reflect and ask yourself: “Was there something I could have said or done to make my partner feel more seen?”   -    Take a dating class to better help discern what kind 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