The Solution: Recent Episodes
Craig Dahlen
Champion bachelors Craig and Greg present a myriad of topics centering on relationships and addictions, shared in the positive light of experience, strength and hope. Both have struggled with the strongholds of addiction and with relationships that went awry, and both have emerged on the other side -- stronger, wiser and better prepared to become what they once set out to be.
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What if understanding your attachment style could transform your relationships? Join Craig, Greg, and Josh on "The Solution" as we promise to unravel the mysteries of relationships and addictions, guiding you towards becoming the man every woman dreams of being with. Through candid reflections on our personal journeys, we shed light on the profound impact upbringing has on behavior and the challenges of applying learned knowledge to real-life situations. Together, we'll explore the significance of secure attachment, the triggers of anxious or avoidant behaviors, and the importance of choosing partners who are open to self-improvement and self-awareness.
Dive deep into the realm of emotional maturity and security, discovering how a secure attachment can be a rock during turbulent times. We'll share insights on maintaining mystery and interest in romantic relationships, especially if you tend to over-communicate. Learn to balance conversations and recognize the value of meeting potential partners in conducive environments. The episode also highlights the perils of superficial and emotionally immature relationships, guiding you towards healthier, more fulfilling connections. Join us for an enriching discussion packed with practical advice and wisdom for fostering strong and authentic relationships.
How do you truly distinguish between fleeting physical attraction and genuine compatibility? Join Craig Dahlen and Greg Carter on The Solution as we uncover the crucial elements of self-awareness and shared values in the often-complicated world of dating. In this enlightening episode, we emphasize the importance of understanding your own beliefs and values as a guiding compass during the dating period, a time designed for discovering whether a potential partner aligns with you. We also address the hidden dangers of toxic relationships, discussing the severe impact chronic stress and drama can have on your physical health, and highlight strategies to avoid mistaking mere excitement for meaningful connection.
In the second half, we dive into the foundational aspects of building lasting romantic relationships, focusing on respect and trust. Craig and Greg explore how nurturing friendship and vulnerability before introducing physical intimacy can prevent relationships from derailing and foster a stronger bond. This episode is packed with practical advice and insights that could revolutionize your approach to relationships, helping you create healthier and more meaningful connections.
Can you imagine sharing your life with someone for over six decades? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind long-lasting marriages with heartwarming stories and invaluable insights. Craig Dallin, Josh Goding, and Greg Carter share personal anecdotes about their parents and grandparents, who have celebrated marriages spanning 50, 60, and even 70 years. From the humility and shared commitment in Josh's grandparents' nearly 70-year union to the values imparted by Greg's parents during their 61-year marriage, we explore the foundational elements of love, trust, and unconditional support that make these relationships thrive.
But that's not all—get ready for a deep dive into the importance of communication and commitment. Discover how Dan and Sabrina's whirlwind romance, fueled by three months of virtual communication on Match.com, highlights the power of mutual respect, shared faith, and the freedom to be oneself within a marriage. As we wrap up, we reflect on the perseverance required to weather life's challenges together, celebrating the journey and shared experiences that deepen love and understanding. Join us for an inspiring conversation on nurturing and sustaining a committed relationship over the decades.
Embark on an exploration of the heart's complexities and mind's musings, where joy, love, and the snares of addiction intertwine in the quest for happiness. Craig Dallin, Greg Carter, and Josh Goeding join us to unravel the tapestry of emotions, digging into the hormonal dance of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin and their sway over our moods and connections. As we delve into the ebb and flow of romantic relationships, we ponder the fine line between desire and dependence, and the significance of preserving individuality for a fulfilling existence. This candid conversation is an invitation to reflect on your own happiness blueprint, as we dissect the shadows cast by addiction and the illuminating power of understanding and maintaining personal space within our relationships.
With the audacity of positive thinking as our beacon, this episode transcends the superficial 'fake it till you make it' paradigm, challenging listeners to harness their inner narratives to foster resilience and overcome life's adversities. We investigate the role of positive affirmations in the realm of addiction recovery and the transformative potential of reprogramming our subconscious to dispel negativity. Our dialogue ventures into the realm of failure—redefining it not as a label, but as a mere occurrence on the journey to contentment—as we champion the art of detachment from outcomes for a more joyous life. Join us for a heart-to-heart, where vulnerability and wisdom coalesce to guide you through the intricacies of positivity, love, and the pursuit of a happiness that is uniquely your own.
Erectile Dysfunction: Part 2
Craig, Greg and Josh discuss the non-medical causes of E.D. and expound on practical solutions to mitigate the psychosomatic roots of the problem. The topics of diet & exercise, performance anxiety, pornography and and excess masturbation are explored. The importance of intimacy and communication with a partner are revealed to be crucial elements of the solution.
Erectile Dysfunction: Part 1.
Craig, Greg and Josh discuss the silent struggle with erectile dysfunction that many face, revealing how stress and hormonal imbalances intertwine with our overall well-being. The episode digs deep into the root causes of ED, from the harmful effects of cortisol on our weight and hormones to the critical importance of diet and self-talk, exposing the flaws in the quick-fix mentality that too often dominates Western medicine.
A thought-provoking discussion of the critical role of respect in relationships, peppered with personal anecdotes that bring to life the pain of feeling dismissed and the strain it puts on love. What happens when respect is lost? Can it be regained? The importance of asserting oneself and setting boundaries, understanding and valuing each other's roles and differences.
Craig interviews Brian Mahan, author of "I Cried All the Way to Happy Hour," about his personal experience with PTSD, the solution he found through Somatic Experiencing and his personal journey to becoming a practitioner. Brian details his observations and reflections on the particulars of Somatic Experiencing, a therapeutic technique that recognizes the body-mind connection, identifies the traumas stored in the physical body and releases them.
Craig and Greg provide solutions for a recently married couple whose fire is about to go out. The aspects of nonproductive communication are analyzed in light of the "Four Horsemen" of Criticism, Defensiveness, Stonewalling and Contempt, as well as the concept of sexual polarity.
Hosts Craig and Greg are joined by director Josh for a discussion about love and values. When should a man or woman tell their partner they love them? How important are shared values? What is the best way to find love? Is it possible to put too much importance on looking for romantic love?
Romantically hopeful epistle-writer Larry is baffled and heartbroken when he is quickly ghosted by a woman who first said she loved him. Love experts Craig and Greg help him get back to the brass tacks of the Solution.
Craig and Greg discuss the chemical processes transpiring within a person during a romantic relationship, the way our neurotransmitters and hormones affect our minds and behavior when looking for love. The timeline of a typical relationship is examined in light of brain chemistry, and how this sometimes works for or against us at certain stages. In conclusion, they provide a number of ways to avoid falling victim to the illusions that come with the chemical changes in a brain during a relationship.
Craig and his sister discuss the television show, "The Bachelor", how aspects of the program compare to reality, and whether the show provides a good example for dating and marriage in everyday life.
Craig, Greg and Josh discuss the cycle of narcissistic abuse, bringing insights both from their experiences and from research in psychology. The weapons in the arsenal of the narcissist -- love bombing, trauma bonding and the cognitive dissonance they create are explored in detail, with the hope that knowledge of these phenomena will help others escape or break free of the abusive patterns.
The champion bachelors receive a letter from a woman whose fiancé has changed practically overnight, growing cold and exhibiting traits of narcissism. Specific toxic behaviors are identified from her story, and our hosts provide the writer with advice and potential solutions.
Craig and Greg discuss red flags, the deal-breakers to watch out for in relationships. The concept of yellow flags is also introduced, providing a new level of conscientious involvement in setting the boundaries that are critical for healthy love and friendship.
Champion Bachelors Craig and Greg are joined by Josh, the show's technical director for an extended discussion about communication in relationships, and the commonalities found when dealing with toxic people.
Champion Bachelors Craig and Greg are joined by Josh, the show's technical director for an extended discussion about communication in relationships, and the commonalities found when dealing with toxic people. Part one touches on narcissistic traits and tactics such as gaslighting, blame shifting, cognitive dissonance, unexamined living and also the solutions for the problems these create.
A continuation and expansion of the advice given in the previous episode when the hosts posed a solution for the letter writer who believed his wife to be addicted to meth and cheating on him. The difficulty of changing addictive behaviors is covered in greater detail.
Craig and Greg discuss the declining state of male masculinity in the United States, as well as its potential causes and problems. The importance of finding one's purpose comes fully into focus.
Our resident love and relationships experts help find the remedy for a man who is jealously ruminating over a married woman.
Toxic Relationships - Part 2. Dealbreakers -- Which toxic behaviors are bad enough to end relationships? Focus on what a healthy relationship looks like. One's character and how to build it up.
Our perennial Casanovas tackle a letter from "Bummed Out in Texas", who fears that his new girlfriend may have declared her love for him too soon. Now their relationship has grown stale and superficial and the author no longer feels the love!
A letter from listener, "Down and Out in the Midmwest" leads our hosts in a discussion ranging from financial inadequacy to finding one's Purpose.
This episode's letter is from another lovelorn hopeful, entering the brave new world of online dating after being divorced for two years. The writer's quandary evokes a conversation about the tribulations of Internet courtships, and takes our hosts in unexpected directions as well. Greg shares his painful experience of being "catfished" online and the lessons he garnered. Tips on tipping are provided, and the importance of generosity in general is discussed.
This episode's Letter from a Listener describes the plight of a Single Girl, and the failure of online dating platforms to connect her with anyone of quality. Craig and Greg weigh in on the problems of online dating, the power of Chance and the importance of becoming clear about who we are seeking.
An update and continuation of the gripping true story featured in Episode 21. Craig and Gregg interview Josh, the show's technical director about his trauma bond with his toxic ex and his effort to go "no contact" with her. Instead of escaping, Josh is pulled back into the emotional maelstrom for another round of lust and loathing by means of cognitive dissonance and deception. After his misplaced romantic hopes are subsequently dashed, a new level of improved mental health is revealed to be within reach. Awareness of trauma bonding, the neurochemistry of addiction, the importance of self-esteem and the behavior of toxic persons (Cluster B personality traits) are all discussed.
Season One wrap-up: Craig and Greg summarize and discuss the major show topics and methods covered in the first season of the show. The Law of Attraction, seeking Purpose, Alpha behavior, Attachment Styles, Love Languages and Sexual Polarity are revisited and expounded upon.
Mailbag - Ive been sober for several years. Should I date a wild party girl? Sidewalk Talk segment - What qualities do women want in a man?
Letters from Listeners - Ed. My girlfriend wants me to move to Iowa to live with her and her family, but I don't want to lose my teenage daughter because of it.
Craig and Gregg interview Josh, the show's technical director about his narrow escape from a toxic relationship. Awareness of love languages, building upon a foundation of friendship and the necessity for personal boundaries all come into focus.
How to behave the first few weeks of dating. Sexual Polarity - positive and negative masculine traits. Feminine traits.
Thinking is for amusement purposes only. The five Love Languages and how to speak them. Boundaries are indispensable for a healthy relationship.
Addiction and Relationships - Host Craig and Greg introduce themselves and the series. The concept of the interconnection of relationships and addictions is presented.
The guys dispel the misconceptions surrounding the concept of the alpha male. What traits are attractive to a partner, alpha versus beta. The importance of listening, humor and indifference.
Being addicted to relationships. The risks of having sex too soon when dating. The power of goals.
Gender roles in relationships, past and present. Negotiating expectations and boundaries. Love and desire in relationships.
Viewer question - What should I do when she starts to pull away? Being too interested, too nice too soon. Mirroring behavior.
How to act on a date. Alpha and beta male behavior differences. What men and women look for in a partner.
Attachment styles - Anxious, Relaxed, Avoidant styles in relationships. Sexual polarity and letting her lead.