Relationship Renovation: Marriage Advice, Intimacy & Couples Communication

40% of families in the U.S. are blended with at least one partner having a child from a previous relationship before marriage. Per the U.S. Bureau of Census, 1300 new stepfamilies are formed each day. The process of blending a family is a significant stressor on new relationships and profoundly effects the children in the family system. Unfortunately many couples in blended families do not address the challenging dynamics until the problems become chronic. By normalizing and addressing many common stressors couples and families gain the ability to feel empowered and proactive in creating healthy family habits. Part of what helps some stepfamilies be more successful rests on the children's perceived with both parents inside the home. Having a blended family themselves Tarah and EJ discuss their experience of parenting/step parenting. They share challenges they face(d) in remaining empathetic to each other's experiences and how they have seen families address and feel successful in building a solid foundation for their blended family.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States aged 18 and older. Anxiety symptoms can range from restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, headaches, stomach aches, overwhelming worry, and sleep problems. Anxiety profoundly affects individuals, which can also create significant strains on relationships.In this episode Tarah and EJ interview couples therapist Gabe Lobato. He shares his story of managing anxiety from a young age and how it affected his relationship with his wife and professional life. They explore the building blocks of stress and how couples can support one another in overcoming this common mental health struggle.They also explore how mindfulness can be an effective both preventatively and in a moment of overwhelming anxiety and offer interventions that can be supportive, such as 4-7-8 Breath -Full Episode TranscriptsRelationship Renovation Online Program for CouplesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

You ask, we answer! Couples across the spectrum struggle with similar stressors and relationship dynamics. They find themselves stuck in patterns that leave them feeling frustrated, alone and unsupported.In this episode Tarah and EJ answer a few questions from their Social Media Audience. They address subjects like division of labor in the household and making your relationship a priority.Relationship Renovation at Home Online CourseSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Psychedelic treatment of mental health issues is re-immerging as a powerful tool in treating mental health struggles. Ketamine is a very safe pharmaceutical that is now becoming available in many states. A growing body of research demonstrates that ketamine treatment incorporated with a robust psychotherapy integration program can be a powerful tool in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and loss, substance dependencies, and other psychiatric conditions. During a ketamine session, people often have profound experiences filled with symbolism and insight, much like a vivid dream. In this episode, Tarah and EJ interview Tim Mills and Tracy Grabb from Cathexis Psychedelics - A Ketamine Assisted Therapy Facility. They discuss the pharmacology, efficacy, and subjective experience of Ketamine assisted therapy.Cathexis PsychedelicsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When couples first come together, the thrill of meeting someone new combined with attraction creates a honeymoon period. By the time they exit the initial charge of getting together, they have often made unconscious systems of conflict resolution that are not sustainable in the long term. Individuals within the couple come in with separate and often divergent coping mechanisms that create obstacles to secure and loving connections.In this episode, Tarah and EJ normalize the struggles couples inevitably face in a relationship and help listeners understand how couples blend. They share how childhood and early adulthood experiences unconsciously pull couples apart.Full Episode TranscriptRelationship Renovation Online CourseSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Couples fall into repetitive emotional reactivity and communication patterns that leave them feeling lonely, isolated, and frustrated. But frequently, insights and practical coaching can create a significant shift in their relationship, especially if both couple members decide to act with more intentionality.In this episode Tarah and EJ interview Relationship Coach Lisa McFarland. Lisa's journey to coaching began when she and her husband took the step to receive support from a professional, and it had a significant positive effect on their relationship. From this point, Lisa became fascinated with relationship wellness and passionate about helping couples have happier and healthier relationships.Lisa McFarlandRelationship Renovation at Home Online CourseSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Maintaining a satisfying sexual connection throughout a long-term relationship takes intentionality and empathy. There will inevitably be times when you and your partner have discrepancies in your sex drive. But unfortunately, couples are unprepared, and a naturally occurring dynamic can metastasize and pull them apart in all aspects of their relationship.In the second of a two-part series, "Low Frisky" and "High Frisky," Tarah and EJ share their own experiences of maintaining a loving relationship while navigating a difference in sex drive. They share their struggles to be empathetic and understanding and offer insight into a universal struggle in long-term relationships. In this episode the focus is on being the "High Frisky" partner.Relationship Renovation at Home Online CourseSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Maintaining a satisfying sexual connection throughout a long-term relationship takes intentionality and empathy. There will inevitably be times when you and your partner have discrepancies in your sex drive. But unfortunately, couples are unprepared, and a naturally occurring dynamic can metastasize and pull them apart in all aspects of their relationship.In the first of a two-part series, "Low Frisky" and "High Frisky," Tarah and EJ share their own experiences of maintaining a loving relationship while navigating a difference in sex drive. They share their struggles to be empathetic and understanding and offer insight into a universal struggle in long-term relationships.Full Transcript of EpisodeRelationship Renovation at Home Online CourseSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT, is a clinician, researcher, teacher, and developer of A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT). He is the author and co-author of numerous best-selling books exploring individual and relationship wellness. Tatkin’s work, based on a social-emotional capacity model, focuses on what partners can and cannot do to mitigate threat reactions during stressful interactive sequences. Tatkin is known for integrating various theories and models to form the foundation of the comprehensive principles and methodologies he teaches. As a result, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, California, honored Tatkin with the Educator of the Year award in 2014.Tarah and E.J. interview Dr. Stan Tatkin and explore his vast knowledge of the obstacles and pathways to a happy and healthy relationship. Dr. Tatkin shares insights and tools which help couples understand their struggles and create strategies to foster deep, loving and intimate connections. Full Episode TranscriptThe PACT InstituteRelationship Renovation at Home Online CourseSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When couples are stuck in patterns of conflict and hostile interactions, they begin to feel hopeless. They become emotionally guarded, and their intimacy dwindles. They find themselves feeling lonely, desperate, and frustrated. But, magical things happen when couples take the brave and vulnerable step of looking inward and committing to personal growth together.Tarah and EJ discuss their experience of guiding hundreds of couples through their Relationship Renovation program. They discuss the healing process in a relationship and how often couples find redemption only when faced with their darkest times.Full Transcripts of EpisodeRelationship Renovation at Home Online CourseSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands