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.

Stepping into his new role as the solo host, setting the tone for a fresh era of the podcast Zach reflects on what’s ahead, expressing gratitude for listener support and outlining the exciting changes coming to the show.Zach is joined by Dr. Stormy Hill and Teri Citterman https://loveandpickleball.net/, co-authors of In a Pickle: How to Master Love and Pickleball and Not Kill Each Other https://amzn.to/3QdMYhZ. They dive into how pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., serves as a fascinating metaphor for relationships. From communication styles to competitive dynamics, they share personal stories and practical takeaways that couples can apply—whether on the court or in everyday life.Even though Zach has never picked up a Pickleball paddle, he enjoys the conversation of how this sport fosters connection, builds emotional intelligence, and even teaches conflict resolution. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone just curious about how play impacts relationships, this episode offers insight, laughter, and some surprising wisdom.Key Takeaways Pickleball as a Relationship Microcosm Dr. Stormy Hill and Teri Citterman discuss how playing together exposes key relationship dynamics, from communication to trust and teamwork. Couples often face “kitchen knife moments” (times of high frustration), but understanding emotional intelligence and boundaries can turn challenges into growth. Lessons in Play and Connection Playfulness is a vital component of a healthy relationship, and pickleball naturally fosters joy, teamwork, and lighthearted competition. Safe words like “pineapple” and “pumpernickel” (borrowed from intimacy practices) can help couples navigate tension both on and off the court. Avoiding Pickleball Divorces Many couples struggle when one partner is more competitive than the other, leading to frustration on the court. The first and second rules of pickleball? “Don’t be a dick.” Emotional intelligence matters more than skill—whether in pickleball or marriage. Applying Relationship Strategies from the Court Love languages, intention-setting, and non-verbal communication play a huge role in both sports and relationships. Understanding a partner’s strengths and weaknesses, just like in a doubles match, creates more harmony at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of So I Married a Relationship Expert, Zach and Laura sit down with renowned sex educator and author Dr. Emily Nagoski and her husband, Richard Stephens, to discuss how Emily’s expertise in sexuality and relationships intersects with their personal lives. Emily, known for her groundbreaking books Come As You Are and Burnout, introduces her latest work, Come Together, which focuses on sustaining sexual connection in long-term relationships.The conversation explores Emily and Richard’s journey as a couple, from their serendipitous meeting on OKCupid to navigating challenges such as perimenopause, long COVID, and the demands of collaborative intimacy. Emily shares insights into her “emotional floor plan” model, which maps how emotions like care, play, and lust interact in relationships, offering couples a practical framework for enhancing connection and pleasure.Richard provides a refreshingly candid and humorous perspective on life with a relationship expert, highlighting the importance of playfulness, empathy, and teamwork. Together, they normalize the struggles that even the most informed couples face, underscoring that expertise does not eliminate life’s challenges—it simply offers tools to address them. Whether you’re looking to deepen intimacy or better understand the dynamics of long-term relationships, this episode is packed with valuable lessons, heartfelt stories, and laughter.Episode Highlights: Emily and Richard’s Love Story: From meeting on OKCupid to their early days as a couple, they reflect on how their shared values and collaborative mindset laid the foundation for their relationship. The Emotional Floor Plan: Emily explains her innovative model for understanding how emotional states influence sexual connection and how couples can use this framework to foster intimacy. Navigating Life’s Challenges: The couple discusses the impact of perimenopause, chronic illness, and other life events on their relationship, sharing how teamwork and humor helped them persevere. Insights from Come Together: Emily introduces key concepts from her new book, emphasizing the importance of pleasure over desire and the role of collaboration in overcoming relational obstacles. Empathy and Playfulness in Relationships: Richard shares how his lighthearted approach complements Emily’s intensity, creating a dynamic that fosters connection and resilience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terry Real, a renowned relationship therapist and author of Relational Life Therapy, joins his wife Belinda Berman-Real to share their insights on navigating the complexities of marriage. They discuss personal journeys through trauma and sobriety, emphasizing the importance of repair in relationships. Terry introduces the idea of 'harmony, disharmony, and repair,' while Belinda stresses self-regulation in fostering love. Their candid reflections on conflict and healing offer profound lessons for those looking to deepen their connections.

In this engaging discussion, relationship experts Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt share their personal journey, revealing that even they faced near-divorce moments. They delve into their 'zero negativity' pact that revitalized their marriage and emphasize the importance of curiosity in addressing frustrations. Helen humorously recounts her attempts to 'fix' Harville's disorganized space, only to realize it backfired. Their inspiring conversation showcases how to recommit and nurture love, proving that every relationship requires effort and communication.

Dr. Ellyn Bader and Dr. Peter Pearson, co-founders of The Couples Institute, share their journey from an unconventional meeting to becoming leaders in couples therapy. They discuss the critical stages of relationship growth, notably the 'differentiation stage.' The duo emphasizes the transformative power of curiosity and resilience in fostering strong partnerships. They also reveal the benefits of mini-intensives for entrepreneurial couples and practical exercises to navigate conflicts and support each other's dreams.

Zach embarks on a new chapter as the solo host of the podcast following Laura’s departure. Reflecting on the past seven years, Zach expresses gratitude for the journey and shares his excitement for the future. He introduces fresh ideas, including new interviews, experimental formats, and thought-provoking content, all designed to continue the mission of helping listeners think differently about relationships while offering practical tools for growth.Zach also outlines his vision for the podcast’s future, emphasizing his commitment to creating valuable and engaging content. He reflects on his own relationship, drawing on personal experiences to explore themes of growth, intentionality, and adaptation in partnerships. With humor, sincerity, and a forward-thinking perspective, this episode marks the beginning of a new era for Marriage Therapy Radio.Key Takeaways The Transition to a New Era Zach acknowledges Laura’s departure and shares his determination to continue the podcast’s mission of fostering insight and connection. He outlines upcoming content, including interviews with relationship experts and personal conversations with couples navigating marriage. The Philosophy of "I Never Thought About It That Way Before" Zach emphasizes the importance of encouraging listeners to see relationships in fresh and surprising ways. He recounts a recent marathon therapy session where this approach helped a couple gain new perspectives on their partnership. Practical Tools for Relationship Growth Zach shares three foundational principles for building healthy relationships: Do more of what your partner likes and less of what they don’t. Ask for what you want and practice gratitude when you get it—or adaptability when you don’t. Focus on self-improvement and show up as your best self in the relationship. What’s Ahead for the Podcast Zach teases upcoming content, including interviews with couples, collaborative “boat night” episodes, and a three-week series with a therapist specializing in complex trauma. He invites listener feedback and encourages support through Patreon to help sustain the podcast’s growth. A Message of Gratitude Zach thanks listeners for their continued support and acknowledges the unique dedication it takes to invest in relationships and personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Laura reflect on their seven-year journey together as co-hosts. Laura announces her departure from the podcast, sharing her gratitude for the experiences, growth, and connections she’s gained along the way. The episode is filled with nostalgia, humor, and thoughtful reflections as the two discuss their favorite episodes, memorable guest moments, and lessons learned from seven years of talking about relationships.Zach and Laura also look ahead to the new year, discussing resolutions, personal growth, and Laura’s plans to focus on her family and career. From New Year’s challenges to the importance of presence and connection, this final episode with Laura captures the essence of their partnership—insightful, warm, and filled with genuine camaraderie.Key Takeaways Reflections on Seven Years: Zach and Laura reminisce about their favorite episodes, guests, and moments of tension and humor that shaped their partnership. New Year’s Inspiration: Laura discusses her plans to focus on intentionality and self-care in 2024, sharing ideas like daily walks in nature and seven-day challenges for personal growth. Lessons on Relationships: The duo emphasizes the importance of communication, reflection, and making space for growth in relationships—whether with a partner, friends, or oneself. A Message to Listeners: Laura leaves listeners with encouragement to continue focusing on their relationships and striving to be the best versions of themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Laura explore the complexities of transitions, nostalgia, and holiday traditions. Laura is feeling proud of her proud of her gym routine, even if her husband hasn't noticed. Meanwhile, Zach recounts nostalgic moments from a recent trip to his hometown, emphasizing how revisiting the past can offer clarity and a sense of grounding.The conversation also dives into “sliding door” moments, those pivotal decisions that shape our lives. Laura reflects on turning down a high-powered job at Microsoft to pursue a life filled with love, adventure, and personal growth. Zach, on the other hand, ponders alternate paths and how they’ve led him to the life and family he cherishes today. This episode is a blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and meaningful reflections on how we embrace change and the lives we’ve chosen. Reflections on Nostalgia Zach recounts a recent trip to his hometown, filled with memories of childhood friends, old haunts, and transformative moments that shaped his perspective. Sliding Door Moments Both hosts reflect on the life-changing decisions they’ve made, from career moves to relationship choices, and how those decisions created the lives they now cherish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Laura kick things off with their signature banter, sharing personal stories from their week. Zach recounts his recent trip to Chicago, sharing about connecting with an old friend and nerding out about superheroes. Laura recounts her excitement about seeing Wicked with her son, reflecting on the joy of revisiting experiences that remind us to embrace wonder and connection.As the conversation transitions, Zach and Laura tackle the nuanced topic of manipulation versus boundaries in relationships. What’s the difference between expressing your needs and attempting to control your partner’s behavior? They explore how manipulation often sneaks in when communication breaks down and how healthy, collaborative boundaries can strengthen relationships.Laura opens up about a time early in her marriage when she used the silent treatment as a manipulative tactic to get her way. She admits, “I thought I was being clever, but really, I was just shutting my partner out.” Zach shares how guilt and unclear communication led to his own missteps in creating healthy boundaries. They explore common examples—emotional, time, financial, and physical boundaries—illustrating how small changes can lead to healthier dynamics.The episode balances humor, personal anecdotes, and expert insights as Zach and Laura share practical strategies for recognizing manipulation, fostering intentional communication, and setting clear boundaries that honor both partners' needs.Key TakeawaysManipulation vs. Boundaries: Manipulation seeks to control behavior by exploiting emotions, guilt, or fear. Boundaries are clear, respectful expressions of needs and limits to protect well-being without forcing a partner’s behavior. Recognizing Unhealthy Tactics: Examples of manipulative behavior include silent treatment, ultimatums, threats, love bombing, and triangulation (using a third party to create jealousy or tension). Why Manipulation Happens: When couples fail to communicate boundaries clearly, manipulative patterns often arise out of frustration, fear, or avoidance of direct confrontation. Healthy Boundaries Require Collaboration: Healthy boundaries are created through mutual agreement, clear communication, and respect for each other’s needs and limits. Sponsor:Get 10% off your first month at BETTER HELP by visiting https://betterhelp.com/marriagetherapy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices