Language of Love with Dr. Laura Berman

Love after trauma isn’t just about passion—it’s about patience. The quiet moments between kisses, the hesitation in a held hand, the unspoken fear that lingers in intimacy… These are the places where love is tested—and where it can be rebuilt. In this Language of Love Session, we return to Brian and Stacey’s raw, unfolding story. If you’ve been with us, you know: this isn’t just about sex. It’s about two hearts trying to find safety in each other—while wrestling with the ghosts of their pasts. (If you’re new here, make sure to listen to my past sessions with Brian and Stacy to learn about the heartache, the fights, the small victories that brought them here.) So what happens when healing almost feels within reach? When the arguments soften, the warmth returns… and then—out of nowhere—the old pain rushes back in? Here’s What You’ll Take Away: “I want to, but I can’t”—why this conflict is more common than we admit (and how to move through it) How childhood wounds whisper in adult intimacy—and how to quiet them When even loving touch feels like pressure—and how to rewrite that story Why watching porn together became a bridge, not a wall The moment a simple kiss became the bravest act of all How couples accidentally retraumatize each other—and how to stop The shift that helped Stacey reclaim her body—and her voice Why Brian is learning that patience isn’t passive—it’s love in action Want to feel safe in your own skin—and in your partner’s arms? Start with my free quiz and then delve into 7 Days to Better Sex. If you're navigating deeper wounds, explore EMDR therapy or dive into the Drama Triangle—because real love shouldn’t reopen old scars. Your story isn’t over. In fact, the most healing chapters may be just ahead. Questions or thoughts? I’d love to hear from you: languageoflovepod@gmail.com And if this episode moved you, share it. Healing is contagious when we do it together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you've been told about love...is wrong? That magical moment when you'll meet "The One"—the perfect partner who completes you, understands you effortlessly, and makes love feel easy forever. But what happens when the fairy tale doesn't come true? When the spark fades and you're left wondering: Did I choose wrong? Is my real soulmate still out there? The real question isn't "Have I found my perfect match?"—it's "Am I with someone worth growing with?" Because the most powerful love stories aren't about finding—they're about building. In this explosive Language of Love Bite, we get into: Is finding "The One" a myth or a real possibility The 3 non-negotiables that matter more than chemistry or shared hobbies The #1 predictor of long-term success The must-ask question before committing to someone  Monthly "growth check-ins"—how thriving couples stay aligned  When to walk away  Take my free quiz to get a clearer picture of what you’re really looking for in love.  And make sure to check out my newest book, Sex Magic, which will take your sex life to the next level whether you are single or in a relationship!  Got any questions? Feel free to email us at languageoflovepod@gmail.com. And hey, love grows when we learn together—so share this episode and let’s spread the love! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the role you’ve played your whole life—the one that made people love you, trust you, applaud you—was actually the thing keeping you from yourself? In this moving Language of Love Conversations, I sit down with Mark Walberg—not the Ted movie star, but the television host known for his charm, wit, and steady presence on hit shows like Antiques Roadshow and Temptation Island.  After watching this season of Temptation Island for the first time, I was stunned. Despite having no clinical training, Mark intuitively held space for confessions, breakdowns, and deep self reckonings,— guiding the cast through their fears, blind spots, and emotional blocks with incredible insight and timing. He was doing a better job than lots of therapists I know! I had to understand where that wisdom came from. Mark didn’t disappoint.  In this Language of Love Conversation, he pulls back the curtain and shares his own journey, from the pressures of fame to the private unraveling that brought him to his knees, and eventually to a place of radical honesty. We talk about the fear of feeling, the cost of emotional suppression, and how it’s never too late to come home to yourself. Here’s a sneak peek… The surprising lessons Mark learned about love while hosting Temptation Island How a successful career became a hiding place—and what it took to step out of it Why approval from the crowd can’t replace real connection The childhood wounds he carried into adulthood—and how he finally began to face them What happens when you stop numbing and start feeling The role his wife played in calling him back to himself How fatherhood cracked him open in the best (and hardest) ways Why vulnerability might just be the most courageous thing a man can offer Remember to follow Mark Walberg’s continuing story on his website and socials. Also make sure to check out the Grief Healing Collective for a community of like minded people, amazing resources on grief healing, and live healing sessions and events.  You can also check out my Good Grief Course. Got thoughts? Stories? Or a revelation of your own? Email me at languageoflovepod@gmail.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like your life no longer fits you? Like you’re walking around in a version of yourself that you’ve outgrown—but you're not sure what the next version looks like? In this powerful Language of Love Conversation, I’m thrilled to welcome back poet, author, and truth-teller Janne Robinson to the show. Together, we explore what happens when you hit that inner wall—when you're stuck, misaligned, or playing house in a life that no longer feels like your own. We dive deep into Janne’s journey from living a life that looked good on paper but felt soul-crushing, to courageously claiming her truth and starting over twice. We explore: Why “not this” is often the first clue—and the most sacred invitation to begin again What to do when your partner isn’t growing with you—and how to honor love even in letting go The radical power of one honest conversation to change the entire energy of your relationship How your body speaks the truth before your mind is ready to hear it The emotional and physical toll of living in misalignment—and why your soul won’t let you fake it forever How shame keeps us silent—and how your truth can set not just you, but others, free Why having a guide who’s walked the hard path before you changes everything And why love that grows with you, not around you, is the rarest, richest love of all Ready to begin your own truth-telling journey? Join Janne’s free 10-day experience, Meet Yourself in Truth, starting June 2nd—a sacred space for live coaching, community, and the gentle unraveling of what no longer serves you. Sign up here: https://janne-robinson.mykajabi.com/a/2148081458/P2bZhWSA Connect with Janne on her website and join the waitlist for her upcoming book Truth Is Your Medicine. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram for updates and don’t forget to visit my website for expert-backed resources to help you heal, grow, and thrive in your relationships. Have you left behind a life that no longer fits—or are you still standing at the edge, unsure what’s next? I’d love to hear your story. Email me at languageoflovepod@gmail.com to share your journey and be considered for a future episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to grieve in a world that tells you to move on? How do you find light in the darkest corners of loss, and can grief—often seen as a burden—become a source of connection, creativity, and even transformation?  After losing her father at just 21 years old, author Carla Fernandez became a "renegade griever," defying societal norms and creating a space where grief could be shared, honored, and even celebrated.  In a culture that often shies away from death and discourages open expressions of sorrow, Carla chose a different path. Her journey led to the birth of her book Renegade Grief and a global community called The Dinner Party, that has touched the lives of over 20,000 young adults navigating the complexities of loss. In this powerful Language of Love Conversation, Carla joins us to share her story and the lessons she’s learned from sitting at the tables of countless grievers. If you’ve ever felt isolated in your grief or struggled to find a safe space to express your pain, this episode is for you.  Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: How grieving "outside the lines" can transform pain into power with Carla’s concept of Renegade Grief. How a simple potluck dinner evolved into The Dinner Party, a global lifeline for thousands navigating loss. The healing power of rituals to stay connected to your loved ones.  How society lost its way with grief and why reclaiming communal grieving practices is essential. Find out the most healing words you could ever hear in grief The mysterious world of grief dreams and what they might reveal about your connection to those you’ve lost. How to channel grief into meaningful action without bypassing the emotional work it requires. Looking for support in your grief journey? The Dinner Party connects you with others who get it—find a table near you at thedinnerparty.org. Carla’s book, Renegade Grief, is a must-read for navigating loss with courage and creativity.  Need practical ways to honor your loved ones? From altars to grief quests, Grief Rituals offers meaningful ways to process your emotions. Remember to visit  Carla’s website for more. Also make sure to check out the Grief Healing Collective for a community of like minded people, amazing resources on grief healing, and live healing sessions and events.  You can also check out  my Good Grief Course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like your relationship is stuck in a loop? The same fights, the same frustrations, the same silent distance—even though you both want things to be better. Here’s the truth: Your partner’s baggage fits yours perfectly. The work isn’t to change them—it’s to unpack your own while holding space for theirs. In this raw and revealing Language of Love session, Brian and Stacey lay bare their struggle—blame, withdrawal, and the aching fear of not being enough. Stacey is fighting to reclaim her voice after trauma, wondering if her needs even matter.Brian admits he’s been avoiding effort, hiding behind the excuse of being “too busy.” Their story is your story. The tiny misunderstandings that explode into disconnection. The love that’s there but buried under frustration. The desperate hope that things could be different—if only they knew how. If you've ever felt invisible in your relationship, used "busyness" as an excuse to avoid hard conversations, wondered why affection feels like a battleground, or found yourself trapped in the blame-defend-withdraw cycle, this episode will leave you breathless—and give you the tools to break free. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:  Why “I don’t have time” is often code for avoidance—and how to fix it  The silent killer of relationships: unspoken expectations around affection  How just 10 minutes of intentional time can rebuild connection  The Drama Triangle (Victim, Villain, Hero)—and how to step off it  How to ask for love without triggering defensiveness  Why childhood wounds keep replaying in your relationship—and how to stop them  Non-sexual touch: The secret to rebuilding emotional safety  How to hold space for both love and frustration (yes, it’s possible!) Ready to Heal? Take my free quiz and start 7 Days to Better Sex to transform intimacy today. For deeper trauma work, explore EMDR and the Drama Triangle—because love shouldn’t hurt this much. Your story isn’t over yet. Let’s rewrite it together. Got questions? Email me at languageoflovepod@gmail.com Share this episode—love grows when we heal together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt like the spark between you and your partner has… well, fizzled out? Like, maybe you’re sitting on opposite ends of the couch scrolling through your phones instead of actually talking ? Or worse, you’ve started avoiding conversations because they feel too heavy or awkward? Trust me, you’re not alone. What if I told you that fixing this disconnect doesn’t require hours of deep talks, expensive date nights, or some grand romantic gesture? What if all it takes is just five minutes a day? In this Language of Love Bite, we’re diving into why disconnection happens—and more importantly, how you can fix it faster than you think. By the end of this episode, you’ll have an easy-to-follow ritual that will reignite intimacy and bring you closer than ever before.  Here’s what we dive into: The 3 most common stealth disconnection culprits A powerful 60 second technique that will maximize your connection  How to turn mundane moments into micro-connections  The "gratitude hug" that doubles as relationship armor against stress Active listening tricks that make your partner feel truly heard The heart-to-heart hold ritual that synchronizes your emotional wavelengths Don’t miss out on 7 Days to Better Sex —a game-changing guide designed to bring more passion and connection into your relationship. Plus, take my  Free  quiz to discover new ways to strengthen your bond and take your relationship to the next level. And be sure to check out my newest  book, Sex Magic, to take your sex life to an entirely new level.  Your love life deserves this! Have a love language success story or a challenge you’re facing? I’d love to hear from you! Email me at languageoflovepod@gmail.com —your story might just inspire others in a future episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when your world falls apart—and you’re left standing in the wreckage, asking, “Who am I now?” In this moving Language of Love Conversation, I sit down with the wise and radiant Devi Brown to talk about grief, trauma, surrender, and the surprising strength we find in our most broken moments. Devi shares how a series of devastating events—including the death of a dear friend, the end of her marriage, and the unraveling of long-held identities—sent her into a deep spiritual reckoning during the pandemic. Yet what emerged was a new, more rooted version of herself, one anchored in faith, self-worth, and radical presence.Devi opens up about how she learned to stop resisting pain and instead, soften into it—finding not only healing, but beauty and transformation. We talk about faith (even when you're not sure what you believe), the difference between self-worth and self-esteem, and why it's okay (and necessary!) to fall apart.She also shares tools from her new book Living in Wisdom, including daily practices to reconnect with your body, spirit, and sense of purpose, even in the depths of sorrow.Here’s what we explore: Why trauma often comes in layers—and how grief can open the door to deeper healing. The difference between surrender and giving up. What it means to have a relationship with God (even if you weren't raised with one). How to recognize the sacred in everyday “tiny joys.” The difference between self-esteem and true self-worth. How meditation can help you move through pain and connect with divine guidance. The practical power of mudras, breathwork, and daily ritual to restore your soul. Why being present with your pain increases your capacity for joy. You can connect with Devi on her website or LinkedIn, and don’t forget to grab a copy of her book Living in Wisdom for even more insights and inspiration. If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to visit my website and explore the Good Grief course—it might be just what you need right now. And if you’re looking for a supportive and healing community of grieving souls, join us at the Grief Healing Collective platform. We’re in this together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you move forward when trust shatters in an instant? When the person who vowed to stand by you crosses a line that feels impossible to uncross?Here we are with another Language of Love session as I connect with Chelsea, a listener navigating the aftermath of her husband's infidelity.Chelsea's husband confessed to drunkenly making out with another woman at a bachelor party a year ago. Since then, he's been attending therapy, practicing radical transparency, and working to rebuild trust. Yet Chelsea still struggles with obsessive thoughts: Will I ever truly move past this?In this session, we deep dive into: Why betrayal cuts so deep and how a single act of infidelity can trigger old wounds from past relationships or childhood How to create a level of  transparency that is crucial in rebuilding trust The "continuum of cheating" and its implications How our bodies can tell us the truth before our minds catch up If Chelsea's story resonates with you - if you're navigating the painful aftermath of betrayal or struggling to rebuild trust - we want to hear from you. Your experience could help others feel less alone. Email me at languageoflovepod@gmail.com to share your story for a future episode where I give you my advice. For additional support, visit my website where you'll find expert-approved resources to help heal and strengthen your relationships. And make sure to check out my newest book, Sex Magic: Take Your Body, Mind and Relationship to the Next Level with Spectacular Intimacy  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you loving your partner the way they need to be loved? In this Language of Love Bite, we tackle the subtle mistakes that might be undermining your efforts to love your partner well. Whether it's distracted quality time or misunderstood acts of service, these miscommunications can leave both partners feeling frustrated and disconnected. But here's the good news: with a few simple adjustments, you can start loving your partner in ways that truly land.If you're new to love languages, make sure to check out our previous episode where we break down all five languages in detail. And stick around until the end of this episode, where I share one powerful question that can transform how you show up for your partner.Here’s what we dive into: Why generic compliments often fall flat (and what to say instead) How technology is secretly sabotaging your relationship The "foreplay" question that delights partners  How to use physical touch in a way that fortifies connection  How to give gifts that truly touch their heart, without breaking the bank The one simple question that will tell you exactly how your partner wants to be loved Remember to check out my free Love Languages Quiz to discover your primary love language and start improving your relationship today. Remember, love isn't just about what you give - it's about how it's received. And make sure to check out my newest book Sex Magic: Take Your Body, Mind and Relationship to the Next Level with Spectacular Intimacy. Got a love language success story or struggle? Email us at languageoflovepod@gmail.com - we might feature your story in a future episode. And don't forget to share this with someone who's trying to love their partner better, because we all deserve to feel loved in ways that truly resonate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices