Connection Codes

Echo Vetter, a trauma-informed coach and co-creator of Connection Codes, joins her mother, Phyllis Hill, to discuss the often misunderstood emotion of anger. They explore the difference between core and secondary anger and how unprocessed emotions can manifest as physical ailments. Echo emphasizes anger as a protective mechanism that can fuel positive change when acknowledged. Phyllis bravely shares her journey of storing anger for years, highlighting the importance of facing this emotion to improve both health and relationships.

Tera sits down with Meaghan Hill for an update that so many listeners have been asking for. Nearly a year after her diagnosis, Meg shares what this journey has been like—the hard days, the unexpected moments, and the deep gratitude she has for the people who have surrounded her. She talks about what it’s like to sit in the emotions that come with something this heavy, how faith has played a huge role, and why she refused to accept the prognosis she was given. Tera and Meg also talk about connection—what it means to truly show up for each other, how to navigate the ups and downs with the people you love, and the small, everyday moments that mean everything. This conversation is real, emotional, and full of perspective on what really matters in life.Links and Resources: Meg’s Healing Journey: https://www.megshealingjourney.com To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel⁠ To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠⁠ Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help⁠Chapters: 00:00:00 – The Update You’ve All Been Waiting For 00:02:14 – “Go Make Memories”—Meg’s World Shifts 00:04:06 – Anesthesia Wears Off, Reality Sets In 00:05:39 – When Survival Means Ignoring the Odds 00:10:03 – The People Who Refused to Let Meg Go Through This Alone 00:14:07 – Defying Expectations, One Scan at a Time 00:23:24 – The Moments That Matter Most (and We Almost Miss) 00:23:42 – What Pain Taught Me About Living 00:25:19 – Fear Knocking, Faith Answering 00:26:24 – Laughing in the Face of the Unthinkable 00:28:22 – Why We Need People More Than We Realize 00:32:26 – Sorting Out Emotions When Life Throws Everything at You 00:38:32 – If Someone You Love Has Cancer, Listen to This 00:42:27 – A Final Word on Hope, Healing, and What Really Matters

Certified coach Bridgett Blood joins Phyllis Hill for a conversation about sexual joy and sexual loneliness—what they actually mean and why we’re so uncomfortable talking about them. Bridgett explains how these feelings show up whether you're single or married, why we’ve been taught to fear our own sexual energy, and how embracing it can lead to deeper connection and self-acceptance. She shares her experiences (including a really funny one about a Twister game), pushes back against old beliefs, and talks about why desire isn’t just about sex—it’s about play, delight, and knowing your own worth. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body or unsure how to talk about what you actually need, this episode is a must-listen!Links and Resources:To download the Core Emotion Wheel:⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel⁠To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠⁠Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help⁠Connect with Bridgett:Bridgett Blood:https://bridgettblood.comBridgett on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bridgettbloodRecover Your Life Podcast on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@BridgettBloodRecover Your Life Podcast on Spotify:https://tinyurl.com/bdebz6ntBook a FREE discovery coaching call with Bridgett:https://tinyurl.com/vhbfb6jxChapters:00:00:00 – What No One Told You About Sexual Joy and Loneliness00:00:53 – The Connection Codes Podcast Kicks Off00:01:46 – Sexual Joy vs. Sexual Loneliness: What’s Really Happening?00:04:05 – Personal Stories That Will Shift Your Perspective00:09:15 – The Hidden Triggers of Sexual Activation00:12:07 – What Your Body Is Telling You (That You’ve Been Ignoring)00:15:43 – Breaking the Shame Cycle Around Sexual Energy00:18:32 – Why Naming Your Desires Changes Everything00:20:19 – A Framework for Processing Sexual Activation00:29:31 – How the Core Emotion Wheel Rewires Your Understanding00:37:13 – Final Thoughts, Resources, and Next Steps

Tera Wages is joined by Bridgett Blood and Phyllis Hill to explore the concept of Psycholation—a state of psychological isolation where people experience emotions alone, even when surrounded by others. They discuss how past experiences can make us want to keep pain to ourselves and the impact it has on relationships and mental well-being. Bridgett shares how she overcame isolation, while Phyllis and Tera get into the importance of safe connections and finding trusted people to process emotions with. They also provide steps for breaking out of Psycholation, including identifying safe relationships, expressing needs, and seeking supportive communities. Tera, Bridgett, and Phyllis will give you encouragement to recognize emotional patterns, build trust, and reach out for connection instead of carrying burdens alone. Links and Resources: To download the Core Emotion Wheel: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel⁠ To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠⁠ Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help⁠ Bridgett Blood: https://bridgettblood.com Bridgett on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgettblood Recover Your Life Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BridgettBlood Recover Your Life Podcast on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/bdebz6nt Book a FREE discovery coaching call with Bridgett: https://tinyurl.com/vhbfb6jx  Chapters: 00:00:00 - Storing It All Day, Exploding at Night   00:01:04 - The Experts Step In: Meet Bridgett & Phyllis   00:01:49 - A Live Emotional Check-In: What Will Surface?   00:04:30 - Cyclation: The Word You Didn’t Know You Needed   00:06:13 - Childhood Blueprints: How We Learn to Isolate   00:07:55 - Secrets We Keep: Why Hiding Feels Safer   00:10:16 - Finding the Exit: Steps to Escape Isolation   00:14:21 - Safe People: Who Are They and Why Do We Need Them?   00:17:20 - The Heavy Load: Are We Expecting Too Much from One Person?   00:23:37 - Who’s Safe and Who’s Not? A New Way to See It   00:28:05 - Sharing Without Oversharing: Navigating Emotional Conversations   00:29:30 - The Small but Mighty Power of a Simple Text   00:30:19 - Three Feet of Fear: How We Experience and Respond   00:33:38 - Looking in the Mirror: Are You a Safe Person Too?   00:35:55 - Capacity vs. Desire: The Boundary We All Need   00:42:11 - Dream Solutions: What If the Life You Want Is Within Reach?   00:50:53 - Time to Act: One Step to Break the Cycle

Elijah Runyan, a Connection Codes-certified coach, wellness mentor, and father of four, joins Tera to dig into the emotional rollercoaster of parenting. In this episode, Elijah opens up about the challenges of raising teenagers and young kids, trying to understand their emotional needs, and confronting his own fears and shame as a parent. He shares how Connection Codes tools have completely changed his approach, moving from reaction to intentional connection, and how he’s helping his kids process trauma and anxiety. This conversation is a look at how real change begins within and offers hope for parents everywhere seeking deeper relationships with their kids. Links and Resources: To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠ Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help Connect with Elijah: Schedule a CC Coaching Session with Elijah: https://runyanstronghealth.as.me/schedule/5204ed3a Runyan Strong Health: https://www.runyanstronghealth.com Elijah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahrunyan Elijah on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@runyanstronghealth Chapters: 00:00:00 - A Day with Elijah: Diving Deep 00:01:27 - The Buzz Behind Connection Codes Certification 00:03:08 - Parenting Without a Script 00:06:24 - Fear, Shame, and Teenage Drivers 00:10:15 - When School Stops Feeling Safe 00:15:10 - The Trauma We Didn’t See Coming 00:19:06 - Co-Regulating: The Secret Sauce 00:20:13 - A New Approach to Safety for Kids 00:21:40 - Breaking Old Parenting Cycles 00:26:15 - Repairing Connections: The Art of the Apology 00:27:10 - How Hungry is Your Kid’s Heart? 00:31:07 - Wheels of Emotion: A Parenting Tool 00:32:04 - Raw Reflections from Parenthood 00:37:03 - Resources, Encouragement, and Hope for Parents

Phyllis and Dr. Glenn are joined by Elijah Runyan, a seasoned Connection Codes coach and the director of their coaching certification program. Elijah shares how fear of shame, fear of emotions, and avoidance can drive our behaviors in relationships and everyday life. Through real-life client stories and his own experiences, he explains how slicing emotions thinner and processing them authentically can lead to breakthroughs in intimacy, parenting, and self-awareness. The conversation unpacks tools, the role of energy in emotional connection, and why avoiding emotions only strengthens barriers. Links and Resources: To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠ Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help Connect with Elijah: Schedule a CC Coaching Session with Elijah: https://runyanstronghealth.as.me/schedule/5204ed3a Runyan Strong Health: https://www.runyanstronghealth.com Elijah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahrunyan Elijah on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@runyanstronghealth Chapters: 00:00:00 - Unmasking Emotions: The Start Of It All 00:00:22 - Meet The Minds Behind Connection Codes 00:01:49 - Elijah’s Aha Moment On Fear Of Shame 00:04:00 - When Fear Holds Relationships Hostage 00:07:27 - The Hidden Depths Of Anger And Hurt 00:16:25 - Stories That Change Perspectives 00:24:30 - Processing Emotions: The Turning Point 00:27:26 - Fear, Anxiety, And Emotional Breakthroughs 00:29:41 - Why Emotional Regulation Is Everything 00:33:49 - Secrets To Connection In Every Relationship 00:41:11 - A Glimpse Into The Coaching Universe 00:44:13 - The Final Thought That Says It All

Tera sits down with Dan and Kay Ockey, founders of Centsei, to talk about the emotional and practical side of finances in relationships. From overcoming $20,000 of debt in their early marriage to building a system that has helped thousands of couples find financial peace, the Ockeys share their journey of vulnerability, teamwork, and transformation. They discuss the shame that often surrounds money, the power of partnership, and offer steps to turn financial stress into strength. This conversation is for anyone ready to rewrite their financial story. Links and Resources: To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: ⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online⁠ Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help Connect with Dan and Kay: Centsei Finance: https://www.centseifinance.com  Kay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-ockey-b24066158  Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-ockey  Schedule a Free Consultation: https://tinyurl.com/2y5je9e4 Chapters: 00:00:00 - Big goals, bigger hurdles: Setting the stage 00:00:12 - Dan and Kay’s unfiltered story begins 00:01:14 - Why this conversation changes everything 00:01:55 - A hidden debt: Their financial awakening 00:04:56 - The moment everything came to light 00:11:02 - From argument to agreement: The turning point 00:13:36 - The napkin plan that started it all 00:17:29 - A crash course in financial teamwork 00:18:57 - What makes a money partnership thrive 00:22:04 - Vision boards for your bank account 00:23:45 - Love, support, and shared money dreams 00:26:15 - Breaking free from the budget autopilot 00:26:41 - How to channel anger into action 00:29:01 - Real clients, real transformations 00:32:18 - The raw power of emotional honesty 00:43:49 - Wrapping up: Resources for your money journey

The Connection Codes team has a conversation about the transition into 2025, sharing their insights on goals, community, and the intentional steps they’re taking for growth in the new year. They discuss the importance of connection, both within relationships and with oneself, and the small, actionable changes that can create meaningful momentum. Tera shares her word of the year—see—which is about the power of truly seeing others and allowing herself to be seen. Glenn explores the balance between responsibilities and creative passions, while Phyllis opens up about the role of community in supporting life changes. Together, they invite you to reflect, take small steps forward, and avoid staying stuck in fear or perfectionism as you navigate your own journeys into the new year. Links and Resources: To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help Chapters: 00:00:00 – The Spark of 2025: New Year, Same Us? 00:00:44 – When Lamps Were Stage Lights: The Origin Story 00:01:15 – Dream Boards, January Guilt, and Echo's Goals 00:02:45 – Community: Why We Resist What We Need Most 00:04:53 – Intentions Without Action Are Just Wishes 00:07:55 – Isolation, Loneliness, and Late-Night Subscriptions 00:09:59 – From Isolation to Joy: The Year in Review 00:12:08 – One Word for 2025: S-E-E 00:14:33 – Balancing Dreams, Writing Novels, and Life's Checklists 00:16:48 – The Wheel That Keeps Us Grounded 00:23:23 – Zoom Calls, Fear, and a Barn in 2020 00:24:14 – Behind the Grainy Camera: Trusting the Unknown 00:24:44 – The Quiet Impact of Tera and Wes Wages 00:27:55 – Community Isn't a Buzzword—It's a Lifeline 00:31:46 – Imperfect Starts, Perfect Timing 00:34:04 – Momentum: The Small Steps That Move Mountains 00:43:19 – Teamship: When Everyone Carries the Load 00:46:03 – The Invitation: Start Small, Start Now

Tera Wages, Dr. Glenn and Phyllis Hill continue their conversation about how they’re navigating life’s big transitions. They reflect on the decision to sell their home of 11 years, the emotional and physical toll of letting go, and the unexpected challenges of rebuilding a new normal. Through stories of fear, exhaustion, and fleeting moments of clarity, they share how community, small steps, and vulnerability carried them through one of the most disorienting seasons of their lives. Together, they offer a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t always feel good in the moment, but it’s worth every step. Links and Resources: To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help Chapters 00:00:00 – When the Calendar Resets, So Do We 00:01:39 – The Moment After the Big Leap 00:04:24 – What We Learned From Letting Go of Stuff 00:12:24 – Sometimes Help Looks Like a Hurricane 00:17:16 – Prepping a House, Prepping a Heart 00:22:20 – When the Offer Comes Faster Than Expected 00:25:41 – A Table, A Family, and One Last Brunch 00:26:04 – Laughter Echoes in Empty Rooms 00:27:02 – Things We Didn’t See Coming 00:28:20 – Saying Goodbye Isn’t One Moment 00:29:27 – New Holidays, Old Traditions, Big Emotions 00:31:51 – When Curiosity Feels Vulnerable 00:33:46 – Processing the Aftermath 00:40:54 – The Exercise That Held Us Together 00:46:51 – What Comes After Goodbye

Tera and Wes talk about the challenges of staying emotionally connected during the busy and often chaotic holiday season. They openly share moments of guilt, shame, and loneliness, showing how quickly small interactions can turn into emotional disconnect if left unaddressed. They discuss using the Core Emotion Wheel to break cycles of resentment and miscommunication. It’s not about avoiding conflict but recognizing the moments when connection is slipping and choosing to lean in—whether it’s over wrapping gifts, missed cues, or moments of unspoken bitterness. This conversation isn’t about holiday perfection; it’s about showing up for each other, even in the mess. Links and Resources: To download the Core Emotion Wheel: https://www.connectioncodes.co/wheel To enroll in Foundations use the code PODCAST for 20% off: https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-course-online Book a coaching session with Dr. Glenn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.connectioncodes.co/marriage-help Chapters: 00:00:00 – When Christmas Hustle Meets Emotional Chaos 00:00:51 – Why Wes is Here (And Why Tera Thinks People Don’t Like Her) 00:02:35 – The Tool That Saves Conversations Before They Explode 00:09:32 – Holiday Stress: Silent Resentment’s Best Friend 00:15:25 – The Moment Connection Feels Like an Uphill Climb 00:16:45 – Guilt and Anger Aren’t Just Gift-Wrapped Feelings 00:17:42 – The Core Emotion Wheel in Real Time 00:18:09 – When Silence Speaks Louder Than Words 00:19:35 – The Fastest Way to Stop Emotional Drift 00:20:40 – Sexual Loneliness: The Emotion No One Talks About 00:25:33 – Small Moments, Big Repairs: Finding Compassion Again 00:26:37 – Staying Connected When the Calendar Feels Impossible 00:30:02 – Joy, Gratitude, and a Holiday Sign-Off