Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting

Optimal Living Daily | Greg Audino

Episodes

Mentioned books

undefined
Sep 3, 2025 • 9min

2716: How ROMCOMs Ruin Our Relationships by Shawna Scafe of Simple On Purpose on Authenticity and Genuine Connection

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2716: Shawna Scafe explores how romantic comedies shape our expectations of love, often leaving us disappointed when reality doesn't match the script. She highlights the importance of moving beyond fairytale ideals and instead cultivating relationships rooted in authenticity, effort, and genuine connection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simpleonpurpose.ca/how-romcoms-ruin-our-relationships/ Quotes to ponder: "Romcoms are basically the coles notes of the whole messy process of building a relationship." "We make a mental checklist of how our life should look, and then we use it against our actual life." "The happiest relationships are the ones where we don't rely on each other for our happiness but we add to each other's happiness." Episode references: The Conscious Parent: https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Parent-Transforming-Ourselves-Empowering/dp/1897238452 Hold Me Tight: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Me-Tight-Conversations-Lifetime/dp/031611300X The Happiness Project: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Project-Aristotle-Generally-Satisfying/dp/006158326X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Sep 2, 2025 • 8min

2715: 3 Betrayals That Ruin Relationships (That Aren't Infidelity) by Kyle Benson of Gottman on Trust and Intimacy

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2715: Kyle Benson highlights three subtle yet destructive betrayals, emotional cheating, conditional love, and emotional withdrawal, that often go unrecognized in committed relationships. By exploring how everyday disloyalties erode trust and intimacy, he offers couples practical steps to rebuild connection and commitment before deeper damage takes hold. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/3-betrayals-ruin-relationships-arent-infidelity/ Quotes to ponder: "Anything that violates a committed relationship's contract of mutual trust, respect, and protection can be disastrous." "Couples that unconditionally love each other live by the motto, 'baby, when you hurt, the world stops and I listen.'" "Emotional withdrawal sets in when bids are ignored." Episode references: What Makes Love Last?: https://www.amazon.com/What-Makes-Love-Last-Betrayal/dp/1451608489 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Sep 1, 2025 • 7min

2714: The Communication Strategy That Can Change Your Relationships by Dr. Allison Niebes-Davis on How to Find Greater Understanding

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2714: Dr. Allison Niebes-Davis shares how shifting from blame-filled "you statements" to empowering "I statements" can transform communication and reduce defensiveness in relationships. By owning our emotions and reframing difficult conversations, we create space for healthier dialogue, deeper connection, and greater understanding in both personal and professional settings. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drallisonanswers.com/relationships/the-communication-strategy-that-can-change-your-relationships/ Quotes to ponder: "I statements provide an opportunity to talk about our emotional experience in a healthy way, reducing blame and finger pointing, warding off defensiveness and escalation." "I statements take ownership of the way we feel and acknowledge our experience as OUR experience, nothing more, nothing less." "Even if you just place the words 'I feel' in front of whatever you were originally going to say, that can diffuse the tension enough to make some headway." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Aug 31, 2025 • 9min

2713: Is Your Relationship Emotionally Abusive? AND Supporting Your Loved One by Susan Chanderbhan on Emotional Wellbeing

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2713: Susan Chanderbhan explores two crucial aspects of emotional well-being: recognizing the often-hidden signs of emotional abuse in relationships and offering meaningful support to loved ones struggling with mental health challenges. Her insights remind us that abuse doesn't always leave visible scars and that true support comes from listening, educating ourselves, and encouraging professional help when needed. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.chandpsych.com/blog/is-your-relationship-emotionally-abusive-6-sure-signs & https://www.chandpsych.com/blog/mental-healthcare-supporting-your-loved-one Quotes to ponder: "Physical wounds heal, but emotional scars can last for years." "Extreme jealousy or possessiveness is another form of emotional abuse." "Educating yourself, listening, and encouraging your loved one to get help are key elements to helping them through their struggles." Episode references: National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Aug 31, 2025 • 10min

2712: I Don't Want My Kids to be Crushed by Student Loans. Do You? by Michael Smith with Financial Finesse on Financing College

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2712: Michael Smith warns how unchecked college costs and easy credit can derail young adults before they start, then lays out practical ways parents can prepare kids early to make smarter, lower-cost education choices. You'll hear strategies for building money skills, comparing true ROI of schools and majors, and pursuing scholarships and alternative paths that keep opportunity high and debt low. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.financialfinesse.com/2012/06/08/i-dont-want-my-kids-to-be-crushed-by-student-loans-do-you/ Quotes to ponder: "It's becoming increasingly common for me to see people who are paying more each month in student loan payments than they are for rent." "Is there a benefit for paying $60,000 per year that you can't get by paying $5,000 - $10,000?" "One of the best gifts you can give your children is to help them avoid a lifetime of debt after graduation." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Aug 30, 2025 • 7min

2711: Marriage Diaries: The Weight of Our Vows by Cari Dugan with Erica Layne on Love and Marriage Advice

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2711: Cari Dugan reflects on the deep meaning of marriage vows as she recounts her journey with Michael through financial struggles, sickness, and seasons of growth. Her story illustrates how love becomes more tangible in hardship and how true commitment is forged by choosing to serve and support each other in both the beautiful and the difficult moments of life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ericalayne.co/marriage-diaries-weight-vows/ Quotes to ponder: "We had nothing but we had each other. I still look back at that time in our life as a time when life was beautiful." "I always knew Michael loved me but it was during that time that his love was made concrete. I could visibly see it. I could feel it in a way that I couldn't before." "I think it was then that I learned that it is possible to still love even when we are on the brink of ourselves." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Aug 29, 2025 • 6min

2710: [Part 2] Evening Routine For Stay-at-Home Moms by Cara Harvey of A Purpose Driven Mom on Household Organization

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2710: A calm and intentional evening routine can transform mornings from chaotic to smooth. Cara Harvey shares practical strategies for prepping ahead, like setting out clothes, packing bags, and planning time blocks, while also reminding moms to carve out time for personal growth, self-care, and reflection. Her approach balances household organization with mental well-being, helping moms end the day with peace and purpose. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurposedrivenmom.com/evening-routine-stay-at-home-moms/ Quotes to ponder: "Prepping for tomorrow really allows you to start your day with ease because you have things done and know what to expect." "I like to close out my day with time for me and, as a stay at home mom, it's very important you do the same." "By ending your day for you, you'll go to bed with less anxiety, more peace and feeling jazzed about the next day." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Aug 28, 2025 • 6min

2709: [Part 1] Evening Routine For Stay-at-Home Moms by Cara Harvey of A Purpose Driven Mom on How to Reduce Parent Stress

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2709: Cara Harvey emphasizes the importance of an intentional evening routine for stay-at-home moms, noting that it sets the stage for calmer mornings and less stress. By breaking the evening into three parts, closing out today, preparing for tomorrow, and making space for yourself, she shows how small, consistent actions can reduce decision fatigue and build a sense of progress and flexibility. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurposedrivenmom.com/evening-routine-stay-at-home-moms/ Quotes to ponder: "A good evening routine will set up your day for success." "This is not the time to complete your entire to do list, berate yourself for 'not doing enough', or feel like a failure, this is the time when you get done what you know will decrease your stress and set you up for success tomorrow." "Remember, there is power in a checklist." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Aug 27, 2025 • 9min

2708: The Crucial Difference Between A Death and A Breakup by Shelby Forsythia on Breaking Up Grief and Encouraging Empathy

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2708: Shelby Forsythia explores the often-overlooked emotional toll of breakups, contrasting them with the grief of death. While death halts a shared future, breakups add the unique pain of witnessing an ex continue building a life without you. She calls for greater societal recognition of breakup grief, encouraging empathy, acknowledgment, and the space to honor what was lost. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/@shelbyforsythia/the-crucial-difference-between-a-death-and-a-breakup-12c84747d538 Quotes to ponder: "Death is different than a breakup. They both hurt in totally different ways. Them still being alive just gives us new things to grieve." "With death, you mourn the future. But in a breakup, you mourn the future and then have to watch your ex live a new future without you." "We need to honor our breakups, not just in the moments they happen, but as they continue to impact our lives." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
undefined
Aug 26, 2025 • 8min

2707: Making Amends is Better Than Making Apologies by Keith Wilson on A Practical Framework for Addressing Past Wrongs

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2707: Keith Wilson explains that real healing comes from making amends, not just offering apologies. Words alone cannot repair harm. Actions that directly or indirectly restore trust, safety, and respect are essential, even if full reconciliation is impossible. His insights offer a practical framework for addressing past wrongs with integrity and foresight. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://keithwilsoncounseling.com/2017/03/10/making-amends-is-better-than-making-apologies/ Quotes to ponder: "Making amends repairs the damage; making apologies is only a promise to repair the damage." "You'll want to be careful that, in your eagerness to be rid of your guilt or achieve reconciliation, you don't cause more harm by attempting to make unwanted direct amends." "Keep your flowers, then, along with your apologies; rather, give the flowers to someone else who could use them." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
 Get the app