We found this conversation not only enlightening and super practical, but also lively and surprising. Today's expert guest, Patrick Lencioni is acclaimed worldwide for his business acumen and leadership insights. The model he's talking about in our conversation was originally conceived of through his business and team experience, but the wonderfully surprising discovery is that this model (similar to other personality typing systems) has helped many people and couples with their relationships at home. Did you know that you have working geniuses, competencies and frustrations - and yours may be completely different from your partner's? Or, they may be the same, in which case there are other hurdles to be aware of. Discover more about this model and how it can be applied to strengthen ALL your family relationships.

So pumped to have Dr Mona Delahooke back for another brand-new episode. Today we discuss how everyday practical parenting links with a new understanding of child behaviour and how brains and bodies are interlinked. Drawing on insights from her new book Brain-Body Parenting, Mona simplifies a complex theory called polyvagal theory and applies it to frustrating parenting challenges we see every day. She offers very practical advice about understanding and managing tantrums, defiance, and sensory challenges we see in our kids. Finally she asks us all to take a deep breath and look after ourselves too, so that we can all enjoy the relationship we have with our children on a deeper more intimate level. Are you ready to take your parenting to the next level?

If you're in a relationship and you value a sex life that is exciting and enduring, hear what our expert Dr. Michael Sytsma, experienced sex therapist and marriage researcher, has to say. His high-quality research findings are so encouraging for couples who look forward to a vibrant sex life for decades! Openness and honesty about physical intimacy plays a vital role. Did you know that there are different and equally legitimate types of sexual desire? The issues in your sex life that are frustrating you may be more resolvable than you think. Discover how and why with Dr. Mike, back with us for the third time to explain the results of his research from the book he co-authored, Secrets of Sex and Marriage.

Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Andy and Sandra Stanley as we dive further into the topic of parenting. Andy and Sandra explain how we need to keep our parenting focused on the relationships first and foremost, and how they intentionally built that into every aspect of their parenting years - which have now evolved into friendships with their adult children. What do you need to do to ensure your children want to be with you, and each other, even when they no longer have to? In other words, what can you do to help your children love being home?

Nobody gave you a manual when your child was born, so now what? Today we get some fantastic advice from speakers and authors Andy and Sandra Stanley. They emphasize how every family needs to have a "north star" that guides the family journey. Andy and Sandra, drawing upon their own parenting experience with candid recollections and humor, make a strong case for a "north star" that focuses on the relationship above all. Having been involved with youth and fostering as well, Andy and Sandra are able to distill these concepts for us in their new book Parenting - Getting IT Right - but our conversation was not distilled enough to squeeze it into one episode. So this is part 1! Join us next week for part 2!

Most of us parents know what it's like to be stressed out, dealing with your child telling lies. Practically every parent faces this issue at one time or another. How to handle lying in ways that don't make it worse is tricky and sometimes not intuitive. Today's guest Colleen Doyle Bryant is author of the book Common Decency and known for her character resources to equip teachers and parents with better, research-based ways of developing good character in our children and teens. In this episode, Colleen gives us the background info along with many practical examples of how to apply strategies that encourage honesty and self-respect in our kids.

Do infants have "mental health"? How important are those early weeks and months when it comes to developing secure attachments to caregivers? Well, today our own cohost Dr Rob Meeder shares recent learnings about these topics. Rob makes the point that those early relationship matter - a lot! Why? Because this is when kids develop the skill of mentalization - the ability to understand the state of mind of others as we develop trust. Furthermore, this happens most effectively in the context of a secure relationship, one where children feels safe and secure, and thus able to explore the outside world with confidence. Join us today as Rob and Toni unpack these concepts and provide some practical strategies for laying a foundation for mental wellbeing throughout the lifespan.

Listen in on what Brad Griffin, co-author of The Three Big Questions that Change Every Teenager, offers out of his depth of experience in researching and living out the approaches that build solid, healthy relationships with young people. From research he co-led, we turn our focus to the questions every teenage holds in common: what is my identity; where do I belong; and what is my purpose? Our conversation provides insight into how you can harness these questions to deepen your family ties, along with a wealth of practical advice on positioning yourself to make these connections happen naturally and authentically. We even address what to do if all you tend to get from your teenager are grunts and one-word answers! Above all, here's one thing we insist you keep in mind: you already are a GREAT parent!

Acclaimed relationship expert Dr John Delony brings it in this interview! We tackle two issues that can wreak havoc in a relationship when they're not dealt with, namely, loneliness and trauma of the past. Do you have a friend you could call in the middle of the night in an emergency? We have a hope-filled conversation about how to build authentic friendships. Dr. John has written about the diverse, often unnoticed impacts of unresolved trauma. These include broken relationships, poor mental health and chronic illnesses. "Our brains are prediction machines and threat detection systems...all the time," he explains. Join us for more of John Delony's excellent, practical advice on how deal with the wounds of your past and unpack the "bricks" you've been carrying around for a healthier you and stronger marriage.

In this episode, Rob turns the mic on Toni about what she learned in her practice as a divorce attorney about relationships and the struggles almost every couple experiences. She is transparent about the challenges in her own marriage with her husband Carey, and the transformation that they eventually experienced. Toni talks about how to fight for "we" instead of "me", the benefits of ditching your own victim story, how to grow closer in any intimate relationship.