EmPowered Couples with The Freemans

Explore the intriguing dynamics of relationships where one partner seeks space and the other needs resolution. Discover how these differences lead to anxiety and defensiveness. Learn about the emotional processing speeds that create tension, and hear personal experiences that reveal the importance of trust and communication. The hosts share insights on addressing unmet needs and the impact of childhood patterns on conflict styles. Plus, find out how to create healthier conflict habits together!

Division isn’t just a problem in the world—it’s creeping into homes, marriages, and families everywhere. When couples start turning against each other instead of standing together, the bond that once felt safe and secure begins to weaken. In this episode, we’re breaking down The 4 D’s That Create Division in a Marriage: Dismissiveness, Defensiveness, Deflecting, and Divorce Threats. These subtle but destructive patterns slowly undermine connection and emotional safety, often without you even realizing it. We’ll clearly define what each of these behaviors looks and sounds like—and why they’re so damaging to your closeness and trust. More importantly, we’ll share how to stop them before they erode your foundation.  👉 And don’t miss our live + free Marriage WebClass: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in a Marriage. It’s a topic we’ve never taught publicly before, packed with the exact insights and tools we use with coaching clients. Register now at OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com

Many times in marriage, you can start what you think is a simple conversation and have it turn into a miscommunication or even a conflict. It is frustrating when you are trying to simply communicate something and it isn’t received by your partner.  In this episode we talk about the difference between productive and unproductive communication and what makes partners good communicators vs poor communicators. You will be surprised by the simple shift you can make and the massive difference it will make in how you each speak and listen to one another.  To dive further into the source of conflicts, attend our FREE LIVE Marriage Webclass on Oct 23rd: Navigating the 5 Root Causes of Conflicts. After this date you will be able to watch the replay as well.  For all of our resources visit: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links 

In this insightful discussion, the hosts explore the delicate balance between validating feelings and offering solutions in marriage. They clarify that validation doesn’t mean agreeing, but rather understanding your partner's emotional experience. Listeners learn how perceived invalidation can escalate conflicts and why it’s crucial to prioritize emotional connection before jumping to logic. The conversation emphasizes that true collaboration starts with active listening, creating space for understanding, and fostering a safe environment for resolving issues.

After our recent intimacy series, there were dozens of follow up questions from you all asking us to dive further into normal hormonal changes as we age and proactive steps you can take to age gracefully AND stay connected through the changes.  In this episode, double board-certified physician Dr. Amy Shah (women’s health & nutrition) joins us to bust the “dad bod/mom bod is just aging” myth—and lay out practical, evidence-informed steps couples can use to sleep better, reduce stress, protect libido, and stay united through perimenopause, menopause, and men’s steady testosterone decline. In This Episode You’ll Learn: -Why “dad bod/mom bod” is more about habits + hormones than age -The gut–brain–hormone loop that impacts mood, energy & attraction -How to time difficult conversations around the cycle (and when not to) -The midlife health stack: movement, strength, sprinting, nutrition, sleep -Alcohol & hormones: why a 30–90 day break can be a game-changer -Men’s testosterone: fix root causes before quick fixes -Labs that matter (and why symptoms often beat hormone numbers) -The updated science on HRT for women—and when to consider it -“Gray divorce”: how to adapt as a team through this season   About Our Guest: Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified MD and nutritionist focused on the gut-brain connection, women’s health, and fitness medicine. Through AmyMD Wellness, books, speaking, and social channels, she helps people take control of their wellness with practical, research-backed tools.   Resource Links: • Dr. Amy Shah: IG @dramymd • TikTok @dramymd • Website: amymdwellness.com • Our most-used marriage tools & guides: meetthefreemans.com/links • Work with us / in-person Couples Workshop Oct 5th (AZ): meetthefreemans.com/workshop If this helped, tap 👍 + Subscribe for weekly tools to communicate better, de-escalate faster, and feel closer—through every season.   Episode Timestamps of What We Discussed: 02:34 Welcome + why we brought Dr. Amy on this topic 03:43 Health ↔ marriage: stress, cortisol, sleep & conflict 05:10 Listener question: attraction & a partner’s “dad bod” 06:04 Why “dad/mom bod” isn’t inevitable—habits + hormones 07:35 What healthy aging actually looks like (mindset matters) 08:58 The study: reversing heart age over 2 years (plan overview) 10:59 Modeling vs. nagging your partner’s health 12:21 Women 30s–50s: perimenopause basics & early signs 14:01 Energy, sleep, gut changes & libido shifts 15:23 Estrogen vs. progesterone—“two sisters” in your brain 19:00 Don’t make big decisions late-luteal; timing tough talks 23:03 Men’s testosterone: steady decline & root-cause fixes 26:40 Alcohol & hormones: realistic targets + try a break 29:41 Movement, nutrition & why sleep is #1 32:07 Should couples go to bed at the same time? 33:04 Labs that matter; why symptoms often beat hormone levels 35:01 HRT for women (updated science) & considerations for men 37:50 “Gray divorce,” shifting tolerance & communicating needs 41:16 Adapting habits together to age gracefully as a team 44:23 Where to find Dr. Amy + wrap  

Are modern marriages suffering from a rise in selfishness? The hosts explore the dangers of hyper-individualism and the myth of 'me first.' They provide insights into the importance of mutual care and how prosocial actions can enhance connection and well-being. The discussion includes the need for healthy boundaries and the pitfalls of instant gratification. They emphasize the value of a shared family vision, emotional maturity, and practical strategies to prioritize each other while maintaining individuality. A thought-provoking take on love and commitment!

This week marks our 10-year wedding anniversary and if we’re being honest, the months leading up to it weren’t easy. Research even shows that around the 10-year mark, couples hit peak dissatisfaction. But here’s the truth: challenges don’t mean your marriage is broken. They’re invitations to grow, reconnect, and come back stronger. In this episode, we’re opening up about the 10 most powerful lessons from our 10 years together — the highs, the lows, the laughter, and the lessons that have shaped us as individuals, as partners, and as parents. Whether you’ve been together 2 years, 20, or 50, these lessons will give you perspective, encouragement, and practical tools to stay on the same team in every season. Don’t miss this one—it might change the way you see your marriage.   Relationship Resources: In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we’re keeping The Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge open for just a few more days! This special edition is designed to reignite emotional and physical intimacy, spark joy, and bring out the BEST in each other again. Join here: mycoupleschallenge.com/best Or explore all of our tools — from upcoming workshops to guides — at meetthefreemans.com/links 👉 If this episode gave you value, hit subscribe, drop a comment with your favorite lesson, and please leave a review so more couples can find this podcast.   Episode Timestamps of What We Discuss: 0:00 – Why 10 years can be a breaking point for couples 3:20 – Lesson 1: Keep updating your shared vision 9:17 – Lesson 2: Connection is more than just being around each other 15:52 – Lesson 3: Differences can make you a stronger team 25:14 – Lesson 4: Becoming parents forces you to reconstruct your marriage 32:09 – Lesson 5: How you show up daily becomes how your marriage feels 39:37 – Lesson 6: Be more committed to repair than being right (or hurt) 47:49 – Lesson 7: Most arguments aren’t about the surface-level issue 53:03 – Lesson 8: Don’t shift from biggest supporters to biggest critics 59:59 – Lesson 9: The same challenges repeat until you learn the lesson 1:08:48 – Lesson 10: Sometimes you just need to have fun and switch the energy 1:12:43 – Final reflections after 10 years

What keeps couples united through all the ups and downs? A shared vision. In this episode of the Empowered Couples Podcast, we break down why having a vision together is essential, how to define your values as a couple, and the practical steps to keep you connected in both everyday life and during challenges. Whether you’re in a hard season or just feeling stuck in routine, your vision as a couple is what pulls you out of the mundane and gives deeper meaning to your marriage. In this episode you will hear: -Why self-focus leads to more negativity (and how vision shifts that) -The 4 steps to creating a shared vision for your marriage and family -How values guide tough choices around career, parenting, and money -Ways to connect daily life back to your bigger purpose together -How to turn challenges into growth and strengthen your bond long-term 👉 Ready to reignite your intimacy and spark? Our Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge is only open 3x a year—don’t miss this round. Join here: https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and write us a quick review—it means the world to us and helps more couples find the podcast!   Timestamps of Episode: 0:00 – Why self-focus increases negativity 0:18 – How vision helps you think beyond yourself 0:34 – The danger of losing sight of your shared values 0:47 – Making hard choices aligned with your vision 1:00 – Looking back on challenges with pride 1:19 – Welcome + episode introduction 1:55 – Why vision bonds couples from the beginning 2:14 – Losing sight of “why” in everyday life 2:38 – Announcement: The Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 3:18 – Why vision is collaborative and long-term 3:40 – The psychology of self-consciousness & negative emotion 4:23 – How lack of vision creates conflict cycles 4:39 – Seeing hard seasons in the bigger picture 5:18 – Finding meaning even in the mundane days 6:26 – Step 1: Moving from present pain to future vision 7:52 – How vision brings relief and peace 9:09 – Parenting example: values guiding hard choices 10:17 – Step 2: Defining higher values and purpose 11:25 – Career choices and money vs. vision 12:37 – Step 3: Creating a simple, memorable vision statement 13:47 – Aligning vision with values, actions, and results 15:29 – Expanding your vision beyond your family 16:06 – Vision boards and visual reminders 16:29 – Step 4: Connecting present challenges back to vision 17:09 – Real parenting example from our daughter 18:43 – Seeing challenges as stepping stones to vision 19:29 – Simple reflection questions for couples 20:18 – The Hero’s Journey and your marriage 20:38 – Looking back on challenges with pride and strength 21:07 – Who you want to become vs. what you want to achieve 21:59 – Why connection is the most fulfilling outcome 22:22 – Final reminder: Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 23:16 – Closing encouragement + subscribe & review

Marriage after kids can feel like survival mode. Once out of the immediate chaos, it can settle into a state of function. Between diapers, school runs, shuttling to sports practices, your work, and endless to-do lists at home, it’s easy to put your relationship on the back burner. But here’s the truth: your kids don’t just thrive on how well you care for them—they thrive on how connected YOU are as a couple. In this episode of the Empowered Couples Podcast, Jocelyn & Aaron (“The Freemans”) share practical, real-life ways to stay emotionally and physically connected after kids. You’ll learn how to move beyond just “functioning” as roommates and bring back fulfillment, intimacy, and spark in your marriage before it’s too late. If you’ve ever felt the distance growing, this conversation will give you hope and concrete steps you can implement today. From this episode you’ll walk away with: How to make daily emotional check-ins that go beyond “How was your day?” Why non-sexual touch matters (and how to bring it back without pressure) Simple ways to make family dinners and daily routines bonding moments How to prioritize weekly and yearly quality time as a couple Why your kids benefit most when YOU thrive together Don’t just survive marriage after kids—reignite the connection that makes everything else in family life easier. Not only is this for your own satisfaction, but critical for what you then model to your kids.  Want to reignite the spark and feel truly connected again? Join the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge—a proven path to bring back emotional closeness, intimacy, and joy in your marriage. Enrollment only opens a few times per year, so don’t miss this round: https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best 👈   If This Episode Resonated, Don’t Forget to: -Subscribe for weekly episodes -Leave a rating & review to support the show -Share this episode with a couple who needs encouragement   Episode Topics Timestamp: 00:08 – Why putting your relationship on the back burner hurts your kids too 00:09:50 – The emotional wall couples feel after building the “dream life” 00:10:38 – Why dissatisfaction peaks around the 10-year mark (and how to avoid it) 00:13:37 – Connection is what makes parenting and life easier 00:14:00 – Step 1: Daily emotional check-ins (not just logistics) 00:19:18 – Step 2: Non-sexual touch & physical affection 00:23:59 – Why kids need to SEE your love, not just receive it 00:25:02 – Special edition: The Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 00:28:11 – Step 3: Make family dinners intentional & device-free 00:32:57 – Step 4: Weekly marriage nights (beyond TV time) 00:34:44 – Step 5: Yearly getaways & bucket list adventures together 00:37:24 – The danger of drifting apart slowly 00:39:34 – Kids notice everything—why your marriage is their model 00:41:26 – Final encouragement & invitation to reignite your spark