Marriage Therapy Radio

Zach sits down with Krystal and Dedric Polite, real estate entrepreneurs, parents, and partners who built their marriage and business with vision, honesty, and hustle. Known for their HGTV show and business Be Polite Properties, the Polites take listeners behind the scenes of their relationship — from their first date (which felt more like an interview) to their evolving partnership as co-parents and business owners.Krystal and Dedric share how intentionality, therapy, and shared values laid the foundation for their long-term success. Krystal’s bold, upfront approach is met with Dedric’s easygoing warmth, and together, they show how different strengths can complement each other when grounded in trust and aligned purpose.They talk about therapy, parenting, building generational wealth, and how they support each other’s dreams—and why Krystal believes “you have to find out early if your partner is a teammate or an opponent.”Key TakeawaysStart How You Want to FinishKrystal approached their very first date with intentionality—talking credit scores, life goals, and values—because she knew she didn’t want to wait years to get to the heart of a relationship.Therapy From the BeginningTwo months into their relationship, Krystal insisted on couples therapy—something Dedric initially resisted, but now credits as a major reason they’ve stayed strong.Teammates, Not OpponentsTheir philosophy of marriage centers on being on the same team. Krystal explains how many couples are unknowingly married to their opponent—and how to avoid that trap early.Unlearning “Too Much Strength”Raised by strong single mothers, both Krystal and Dedric had to unlearn old patterns—Krystal admits it took years to allow Dedric to help with parenting, and Dedric had to learn not to emotionally shut down.Support Each Other’s DreamsTheir real estate business was Dedric’s dream—Krystal helped launch it. Their trampoline park franchise? That’s Krystal’s dream—and now Dedric is all in.Guest Links @bepoliteproperties HGTV’s 50/50 Flip (Krystal & Dedric’s show) bepoliteproperties.com (for speaking, investing, and media inquiries) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this vulnerable and powerful episode, Zach is joined by Tarah and EJ Kerwin, a married therapist duo and co-founders of Relationship Renovation, a counseling center and podcast dedicated to helping couples reconnect and rebuild. With honesty, warmth, and even some tears, Tarah and EJ take us behind the scenes of their own marriage—from honeymoon bliss to total overwhelm, from avoidance and trauma to healing and deep emotional presence.They share how the birth of their twins shifted their entire dynamic, how ketamine-assisted therapy helped Tarah reconnect with forgotten trauma, and how they both committed to doing the inner work to stay together, grow together, and model safety for their blended family.This episode is a window into the real, raw, and redemptive process of building a resilient marriage, even when both partners are therapists.Key TakeawaysThe Before & After of Parenting Going from 0 to 4 kids (including twins with colic) rocked their nervous systems—and their connection. The honeymoon phase disappeared overnight, and they had to rebuild their emotional infrastructure from scratch. Healing Through Ketamine Therapy A supervised ketamine protocol opened the door for deep trauma processing, revealing forgotten abuse and emotional blockages. It became a turning point for compassion, communication, and reconnection in their marriage. Authenticity Over Perfection As therapists, they felt pressure to “walk the talk,” but real healing came when they dropped the performance and embraced their own messy growth. “The best marriages aren’t perfect—they’re honest and evolving.” Relearning Safety Together Tarah’s trauma responses affected their intimacy and communication, and EJ had to learn not to retreat during conflict. Over time, they created a marriage where all parts of themselves could show up and be seen. The Power of Staying Instead of giving up, they chose to double down—on themselves, their love, and their mission to help others. Their counseling center now helps hundreds of couples every week, born from the lessons of their hardest moments. Guest InfoTarah & EJ KerwinPodcast: Relationship RenovationWebsite: relationshiprenovation.comInstagram: @relationship.renovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach is joined by Dr. Brenna and Edmund Squires, a Florida-based couple navigating the complexities of marriage, faith, and long-term infertility. Married for nine years, Brenna—a psychologist and wellness consultant—and Edmund—a military veteran—share how their relationship has been shaped by both deep love and hard-fought resilience.Their conversation explores the emotional toll of unexplained infertility, how they’ve learned to support each other through grief and disappointment, and the importance of prioritizing their marriage above all else. They also discuss their faith and the role it plays in their decisions, and they open up about maintaining intimacy during a prolonged fertility journey—introducing the term "deliberate spontaneity" as a way to keep connection alive even amid stress.Whether you're navigating your own fertility challenges or simply working to grow stronger together, this episode is full of vulnerability, wisdom, and hope.Key TakeawaysInfertility Is a Couple’s Issue, Not Just One Partner’s BurdenInitially, Brenna bore the brunt of testing and treatment. They had a breakthrough moment where they decided to re-center as a team—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. "Deliberate Spontaneity" in the BedroomTrying to conceive can quickly turn sex into a chore. They’ve adapted by planning spontaneity—romanticizing required intimacy so it stays emotionally fulfilling and connected.Open Communication as an Anchor Long conversations, emotional check-ins, and apologies are core practices in their marriage. Brenna's mental health training adds insight, but it's mutual vulnerability that creates safety and closeness. Supporting Others Through Their Story Out of their own experience, Brenna and Edmund have launched monthly webinars and resources for couples navigating infertility. Their goal: help couples strengthen their relationship first, so they’re not starting their family journey from a place of disconnect. Learn more about Dr. Brenna and Edmond Squires at https://www.encourageandempowerwellness.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Annie dive deep into the art of transition, emotional pacing, and connection in long-term relationships. With their signature mix of warmth, honesty, and thoughtful reflection, they explore how couples can move from emotional distance to reconnection—without overwhelming each other.The episode kicks off with banter about TikToks and volleyball, then shifts into the heart of the matter: how relationships evolve when we learn to slow down, name what's happening inside us, and give our nervous systems time to catch up. Annie introduces the concept of “titration”—a gentle, incremental approach to change—and explains how it can transform conflict, emotional intimacy, and even personal growth in marriage.They also unpack the meaning behind defensiveness, offer powerful metaphors like “two stump spouses” and “learning how to swim before diving into the deep end,” and share a profound story from Annie’s own marriage about grief, rage, and radical honesty. Key TakeawaysTitration: A Slow Path to Growth Just like IV fluid must enter the body slowly to avoid harm, emotional intimacy must also be introduced gently. In marriage, rushing change can overwhelm both partners. Learning to pace growth allows real connection to develop. Defensiveness Is a Signal, Not a Flaw Annie reframes defensiveness as the body’s way of saying, “Something in me needs defending.” This awareness transforms conflict into curiosity: What part of me (or my partner) is trying to stay safe right now? Marriage as a Long Game Cultural myths tell us that getting married is the destination. But marriage is actually the beginning of a lifelong practice. Zach poses the question: When does the future start? The answer? Now. The “Two Stumps” MetaphorAnnie shares a client story: two spouses, emotionally worn down, feel like “stumps.” But even a stump can grow a new tree—if both people are willing to name where they are and choose to rebuild.Narrating the Inner World to Bridge Emotional Distance Instead of acting from emotion, Annie shares the power of narrating your internal dialogue to a partner. Her story of grief and rage during her father’s passing—and how naming it created immediate connection with her husband—is a masterclass in vulnerability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Annie continue their deep dive into the complexities of relationships, trauma, and identity. After their last conversation, Annie had some lingering thoughts—so they reconvene to expand on the "divine setup" in marriage, the role of trauma in shaping our sense of self, and the ways we either grow or get stuck in our relational patterns.Annie shares powerful insights on why we choose the partners we do, explaining that we often marry someone who fills a need or answers a question we have at that time in our life. But what happens when that need is met, or the question shifts? Zach brings in his own experiences and observations from working with couples, exploring how marriage evolves not just once, but over and over again.They also tackle the difference between trauma and complex trauma, the ways we develop "superpowers" to protect ourselves, and the challenge of learning to let our partners be good for us when we've been wired to expect the opposite. Whether you’re interested in why your marriage looks the way it does, how past experiences shape present relationships, or how to create a new map for your future, this episode is full of thought-provoking and deeply personal wisdom.Key TakeawaysThe "Divine Setup" in MarriageWe often choose partners who offer us something we were missing—whether it’s adventure, security, or stability.Trauma vs. Complex Trauma Trauma is often a single event with a clear "before and after." Complex trauma is long-term, shaping how we see ourselves and how safe we feel expressing our true identity. Annie explains that marriage can provide a corrective experience, but only if we recognize our ingrained patterns and choose to challenge them. The "Superpowers" That Protect Us—And Hold Us Back Many of our best traits are actually survival strategies we developed to stay safe in childhood. Zach and Annie discuss how intuition, flexibility, and people-pleasing can be strengths—but also barriers to real connection. The work in marriage (and therapy) is to identify what we’re protecting—and learn how to let our full selves be seen. Learning to Let Your Partner Be Good to You If someone has grown up in an unsafe environment, trusting a good partner can feel terrifying. Annie shares how she spent years interpreting Matt’s kindness as a trick, until she consciously changed the way she listened to him. Expanding the Map: How We Create a New Reality Our early relationships give us a "map" of how to do life—but that map can be outdated. Zach introduces a thought experiment: Can we imagine a different future for ourselves? If we can visualize a world where we are loved, safe, and free, we can start making choices that align with that future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach reconnects with one of his oldest friends, Annie, for an intimate and reflective conversation about friendship, marriage, personal growth, and recovery. Having known each other since summer camp in 1992, Zach and Annie have shared decades of milestones—from witnessing each other's weddings to navigating major life transitions.Their conversation spans everything from early expectations of marriage to the reality of long-term relationships. Annie opens up about her experience with alcohol dependence, parenting struggles, and self-discovery, reflecting on the way her past shaped her approach to love and commitment. Zach brings his own experiences to the table, offering insights into how relationships evolve and the ways we set ourselves up—consciously or not—for specific relationship patterns.This episode is raw, deeply personal, and full of hard-won wisdom about love, identity, and change. Whether you’re in a long-term marriage, newly navigating relationships, or interested in the intersection of personal history and relationship dynamics, this episode is an honest look at how we grow and redefine love over time.Key TakeawaysFriendships Can Be the Best Mirrors Zach and Annie have been in each other’s lives for decades, offering a unique perspective on each other’s growth, patterns, and blind spots. Having a long-term friendship means having someone who remembers who you were before you became who you are now. Marriage Often Reflects Our Deepest Patterns Annie discusses "the divine setup"—the idea that we marry someone who mirrors how we’ve always related to people. She explores how past trauma and chemistry influence partner selection, sometimes without us realizing it. How Recovery Changes Relationships Annie opens up about how quitting alcohol disrupted her marriage dynamic and forced both her and her husband to adjust to a new reality. Zach shares how personal health creates a gravitational pull, encouraging those around us to either adjust or resist. Redefining What It Means to Be a "Good" Parent Annie realized that her early definition of patience as a mom was actually just repressing her emotions. She discusses how learning to tolerate her children’s emotions without fixing everything transformed her relationship with them. Why Long-Term Marriages Keep Evolving Zach and Annie reflect on how their views on marriage have shifted from when they first got married to today. Annie shares a pivotal moment when she realized she had married someone who allowed her to relate the way she always had—but that didn’t mean she had to stay stuck in old patterns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach sits down with Kyle and Ariel, a married couple who have been together for over 12 years and now run a business together, Couplepreneur, where they coach entrepreneurial couples on growing their businesses without sacrificing their relationships. From meeting as middle school sweethearts to reconnecting later in life, their story is one of personal growth, ambition, and learning how to navigate both marriage and entrepreneurship.The conversation explores the challenges of working together as a couple, the power of open communication, and the critical role of setting boundaries between work and home life. Kyle and Ariel share personal experiences of overcoming emotional distance, embracing vulnerability, and making sure their relationship remains strong amid the demands of business. They also talk about the “before and after” moments in their marriage—key turning points that shaped who they are today.Whether you’re a couple in business together or simply trying to balance ambition and intimacy, this episode is full of actionable insights and heartfelt reflections on what it takes to grow together rather than apart.Key TakeawaysBalancing Love and Business As entrepreneurs, Kyle and Ariel had to learn how to separate business discussions from personal time to protect their relationship. They created clear boundaries, including their Sacred Sundays—a full day dedicated to rest, connection, and quality time. Navigating Emotional Intimacy and Vulnerability Kyle shares how he once held back from discussing personal struggles out of fear of judgment, which led to emotional distance. Once he opened up, it deepened their connection and helped Ariel feel more secure and less anxious about their relationship. The Power of Clear Communication Many couples assume conflict is negative, but Kyle and Ariel emphasize that conflict, when handled well, leads to greater intimacy. Their approach? Check in regularly, communicate openly, and ask: “How can we both get what we want?” instead of compromising too soon. From Middle School Crush to Life Partners They first dated at 14 years old before parting ways, reconnecting years later as different people. What made their relationship work the second time? A foundation of friendship, playfulness, and mutual respect. Finding Purpose and Alignment in Life and Business Ariel’s past as a marine biologist and nonprofit leader and Kyle’s career as a rock band drummer and digital marketer led them to help other couples grow businesses together. They now run the largest Facebook group for entrepreneur couples and host an annual Couplepreneur Live event to support business-driven relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach sits down with Robin and Hector, a couple one year into their relationship, to explore the joys, challenges, and growth that come with navigating love in its early stages. Unlike many expert-driven episodes, this one offers a fresh, unfiltered look at a real couple figuring things out in real-time.Robin and Hector share how they met, how their past relationships shaped them, and what they’ve learned about vulnerability, communication, and emotional honesty in their first year together. They dive into the power of early boundaries, the difference between “healthy” and “unhealthy” tension, and how they navigate the complexities of blended family dynamics.Zach explores their philosophy on love, self-awareness, and conflict resolution, bringing in his own reflections on how early dating sets the stage for long-term success. Whether you’re in a new relationship or looking for insight into your own, this episode is a candid, engaging look at love in motion.Key Takeaways Saying “Yes” to Growth Hector reflects on his journey from introversion to embracing new experiences, both personally and in relationships. Robin shares how she admires his willingness to stretch himself, even in moments of discomfort. Meeting Online & The Hinge Effect The couple met on Hinge, but their connection was sparked by deeper qualities—gratitude, curiosity, and values—rather than just profiles. Robin shares how Hector’s thoughtful messages immediately stood out in a sea of online dating experiences. Navigating the First Year of a Relationship They discuss why vulnerability and emotional honesty played a key role in their fast-growing connection. Hector made a conscious decision to be fully himself from day one, sharing his struggles and past experiences early on. Blended Family Considerations Both coming from previous marriages, they are taking a slow, intentional approach to introducing their children to one another. Robin acknowledges that her past experiences have made her more protective of her kids’ emotional safety. How to Handle Early Relationship Challenges Robin shares how she pauses before reacting, checking whether an issue is truly about Hector or her own past experiences. They reflect on what it means to be truly honest while still speaking with care and emotional intelligence. Their “10/10” Relationship Mindset When asked to rate their relationship, they both confidently answered 10/10—not because they’re perfect, but because they are fully committed and intentional. They emphasize that a great relationship is built on gratitude, generosity, and self-awareness rather than perfection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach sits down with Christa and Wes Hardin, founders of the Enneagram and Marriage platform https://www.enneagramandmarriage.com/. Christa, a seasoned relationship coach with a Master's in Clinical Psychology, has spent nearly two decades helping couples build stronger connections. Alongside her husband Wes, a physician assistant in family practice, they explore how the Enneagram has transformed their 24-year marriage and parenting journey.The conversation dives into the dynamics of Christa as a Type 7 (The Enthusiast) and Wes as a Type 1 (The Reformer), exploring how their differences create both challenges and opportunities for growth. They discuss how personality-driven conflicts, like bedtime routines and parenting approaches, can either drive couples apart or deepen connection when handled with understanding and flexibility.Zach, Christa, and Wes also reflect on the evolution of marriage, the value of "practicing" in relationships, and what they'd tell their younger selves about love, commitment, and personal growth. Whether you're an Enneagram enthusiast or just curious about how personality influences relationships, this episode offers practical wisdom, laughter, and honest insights.Key TakeawaysEnneagram as a Relationship ToolChrista explains how the Enneagram helps couples quickly identify strengths, shadows, and growth areas.Opposites Attract—and Complement As a structured, detail-oriented Type 1, Wes values routine and precision. Christa, as a free-spirited Type 7, thrives on spontaneity and joy. They share how understanding their core motivations has helped them balance health, fun, and family life. The Reality of “Practicing” Marriage Both emphasize that marriage is ongoing practice—not perfection. They discuss how "expansiveness practices" help them navigate everyday challenges, like differing bedtime preferences, while honoring each other’s needs. What They’d Tell Their Younger Selves Christa: "Don’t put your partner on a pedestal. Love them for who they are, not who you expect them to be." Wes: "Focus on what brings you joy together, and you'll naturally avoid much of the pain couples face." Parenting with Personality AwarenessThey share how understanding their children’s Enneagram types (a 4, 9, and 7/6) has transformed their parenting approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the heart of friendship and vulnerability as three friends share profound insights on love and relationships. They explore whether venting about partners is healthy and discuss the evolution of marriages through various life phases. The conversation touches on famous love stories, revealing how love often navigates through longing, loss, and renewal. With humor and honesty, they highlight the significance of open dialogues among men and the growth that emerges from these candid discussions.