Marriage Therapy Radio

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.

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