The Magnetism of Optimism Podcast: Recent Episodes

Kurt and Deanna Mangum II

Welcome, we are Kurt and Deanna Mangum II! A devoted husband and wife team aiming to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. Come on our journey as we share our experiences that have made us grow through what we go through.

From Fitness Dates to Cocktail Lounges (Without Drinking a Drop)

Josh and Shiara went from running workouts together to running one of the most unique hospitality groups in Arizona, all while staying nearly 10 years sober.

Their story has it all:
💍 A mountain proposal after a God moment on a hike
🍸 Owning bars, they never taste from
👶 Raising two kids while protecting family time
📈 Growing (and scaling back) a business with intention

Their mantra? Never despise small beginnings.
This episode offers a genuine look at what it means to build love and legacy without losing yourself in the grind.

🎧 Hit play to hear how they’re redefining success, one sober step at a time.

Unlock Your Summer Body: Sustainable Health with the SWAN Method!

Summer body goals feel harder with age? Ditch the crash diets and embrace sustainable health! This episode introduces our SWAN method – Sleep, Water, Activity, Nutrition – your complete guide to feeling amazing.

We share personal stories, debunk quick fixes, and show how small, consistent changes bring big results.

Dive into each SWAN pillar:

Discover how sleep impacts weight management
Why hydration is key for fitness
How can activity be easy

Our practical approach meets you where you are, from simple food swaps to a nutrition overhaul. Plus, our "Two Can Do It" framework proves that having a partner boosts success and fun!

Ready for lasting health that looks good and feels great?

This episode is your roadmap. Give yourself grace, celebrate non-scale victories, and enjoy the journey!

Broke But Still in Love? These Date Night Ideas Are for You 💡

Money was tight for us in 2019—card declines, splitting a single order of fries, and wondering how we’d make it work. But guess what? Those tough moments taught us something priceless: real connection doesn’t require a big budget.

In this episode, we share creative, low-cost date night ideas that helped keep our relationship strong when funds were low. Think DIY movie nights, spa days at home, free community events, and even global “travel” from your living room.

Forget the pressure to spend big, it's not about the price tag, it’s about being present.

🎧 Listen now for easy ways to keep love alive without breaking the bank.

How Sports Build Success in Business, Marriage, and Everyday Life

Sports training does more than build strength. It creates a mindset that drives success in leadership, relationships, and personal growth. In this episode of CoupleyFit, Autumn and Kurt dive into how their athletic backgrounds helped them thrive in business and marriage.

From navigating tough coaches to earning spots on competitive teams, they share how sports shaped their work ethic, communication skills, and resilience. These same tools—like accountability, consistency, and adaptability—help them tackle challenges at work and at home.

You’ll discover how athletic habits like showing up daily, learning from failure, and staying focused through discomfort can improve your business results, relationship satisfaction, and personal development.

Whether you're an athlete or just looking to level up in life, this episode is packed with insights on using a sports mindset for long-term success. Subscribe to CoupleyFit for weekly conversations on fitness, business, and building strong relationships.

Weddings get all the attention, but what about preparing for marriage?

After eight years together, we’ve learned that asking the hard questions before saying “I do” makes all the difference. In this episode, we walk through the real conversations couples should have, from family planning and finances to faith, roles, and career goals.

We’re talking about:

Kids or no kids? And what happens if plans change?
Who handles the money, and why it matters.
What leadership and partnership look like in your marriage.
Navigating intimacy, friendships, and future dreams.

This is about equipping you. A strong foundation starts with honesty.

🎧 Tap in to hear the blueprint we wish more couples had before the big day.

Birthdays aren’t just about cake, they’re a chance to reflect, reset, and realign.

In this special episode, Kurt Mangum turns 35 and shares the lessons, laughs, and life shifts that came with it.

From childhood sneaker traditions to letting go of old dreams (NFL, anyone?) and finding purpose through passion, Kurt keeps it real about growth, faith, and learning to chill out as a recovering perfectionist.

This one’s for anyone wondering if they’re behind or just getting started. Spoiler: You’re right on time.

🎧 Listen now and celebrate the journey with us.

Struggling doesn’t mean you’re broken. In this episode, we open up about our own battles with anxiety, depression, and self-image, and how we started to heal.

1 in 5 people face mental health issues every year. You’re not alone. We share simple tips that helped us feel better, like our SWAN method (Sleep, Water, Activity, Nutrition), and where to get real support when things feel heavy.

You don’t have to have it all together. Start here. 💛

Remember those late-night convos that had you laughing until your stomach hurt? We're bringing that back in this episode with 20 fun and thought-provoking questions that spark connection and laughter. From silly debates like "Is a hot dog a sandwich?" to embarrassing moments we still cringe over, these questions open the door to new stories and deeper connection.

We dive into heated food debates, dream up new Olympic sports, and talk about the movie characters we still can't get over. These lighthearted topics help you learn more about the people you’re close to, revealing what really matters to them.

Take these questions to your next family dinner, date night, or hangout. They’ll break through the usual convo patterns and leave you with moments of real connection and fun.

Ready to join the conversation? Tune in!

Finding your person today can feel tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re on the apps or meeting people IRL, the key is showing up as your authentic self and knowing what signs to look for.

We break down everything from eye contact and confident intros to dating profile do’s and don’ts. You’ll learn how to make great first impressions, spot red flags early, and navigate dates with clarity and confidence.

Looking for something real?

This episode’s your go-to guide for building genuine connections in today’s dating world. Listen in!

Thriving Marriage > Just Being “Good”

Being loyal and providing is a great start, but it’s not the whole story. Inspired by viral convos around “good husbands” and overwhelmed wives, Kurt and DeAnna Mangum break down 10 real-life strategies that take a marriage from surviving to thriving.

They share lessons from 8 years of ups and downs, like the power of active listening, how to approach tough convos with care (hello, sandwich method), and why small things, like stress check-ins or a surprise sticky note, can make a big impact.

It’s honest, practical, and full of “aha” moments for anyone wanting a deeper connection. Because love alone isn’t enough, it’s about showing up with intention every single day.

Spring isn’t just for closets, it’s the perfect time to reset your whole life. In this episode, Kurt and Deanna Mangum share real, doable ways to refresh your relationships, routines, and mindset.

They talk about the power of active listening (watch that “tone ranger!”), dating your spouse even after “I do,” and making 1% daily improvements to your health using their SWAN method: Sleep, Water, Activity, Nutrition.

You’ll also hear their take on setting boundaries, spotting the energy drainers in your life (passion partners, parasites, or pirates?), and making space for joy, therapy, and spiritual reset.

If your New Year motivation has faded, this convo is your gentle nudge to get back on track, one small shift at a time.

What do you do when keeping your business alive means considering selling your wedding rings? For Kurt and Deanna Mangum, that was just one of many defining moments in their wild entrepreneurial ride.

From scraping by and making 200 sales calls a day to landing major partnerships with Walmart, Hilton, and Forbes BLK, their journey proves that resilience, timing, and relationships can be more valuable than cash. They share how they bounced back from their Instagram getting hacked, navigated social justice shifts, and turned struggle into success, all while keeping their marriage rock solid.

Their biggest takeaway? Business might fail, but marriage won’t.

If you're ready for an unfiltered look at building something from nothing, hit play and get inspired.

Kurt and Deanna Mangum keep it real about building CoupleyFit and staying solid as a couple. It all started with a New Year’s Eve party in Scottsdale and $10 bootcamps at Kiwanis Park, but things got real when Kurt’s NFL career ended, forcing them to pivot big time.

They spill about almost losing their house, pawning stuff (including considering Deanna’s wedding ring!), and saying “no thanks” to a six-figure deal that didn’t match their vibe. Now they’ve got a wellness brand making waves — and even got a shoutout from South by Southwest.

This one’s all about love, hustle, and staying true to your mission.

What happens when two former high school athletes reconnect after eight years? A simple DM turned into a love story spanning 65 countries!

Former NFL quarterback Brett Hundley and his wife Khadijah share how a comment on a photo sparked a 28-day African adventure and, eventually, marriage.

From surviving 12-hour hikes in Norway to shark diving in South Africa, Brett and Cadija spill the secrets to building a strong relationship through adventure, fitness, and friendship. Brett also drops some behind-the-scenes NFL stories about working with Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson.

As Cadija puts it, "Marriage is easy if you pick the right person — smooth like cream cheese on a bagel."

Don’t miss this fun, inspiring conversation about love, travel, and growing together!

We’ve all heard it “Happy wife, happy life.” But is it really the secret to a strong marriage? Probably not. When one person’s happiness is the focus, resentment isn’t far behind. That’s why we swear by “Happy Spouse, Happy House.” Both partners deserve to feel valued.

After eight years of marriage, we’ve learned that good communication is everything. (Hint: some of our best breakthroughs happened over text and in separate rooms.) Talking to couples who’ve lasted and those who haven’t taught us what really makes a relationship work.

At the heart of it all? Friendship. Do you actually like your partner? Would they be your first pick for a once-in-a-lifetime trip? Loving each other is great, but liking each other makes it last.

Hit play and join us as we dive into what it takes to build a balanced, lasting partnership on CoupleyFit. ❤️

Reflect on the triumphs, big or small, that have shaped your year. Tune in and discover how celebrating your victories can amplify your optimism for the future!

Kurt & De Anna share 4 things they didn’t know they needed. Learn how Kurt & De Anna have created boundaries, started mental health self-check-ins, fit in more activity, and practice gratitude.

We all face awful situations in life. Kurt and De Anna share how they overcame terrible situations in their teenage years, planning their wedding, and financially struggling when starting their business CoupleyFit. In this episode, Kurt and De Anna will teach three tips to overcome your terrible situation and find optimism.

Is it really happy wife, happy life? We think happy marriages require more balance. Learn four habits that can increase the balance and happiness in your relationship.

We share our most successful tips for goal setting. Learn six tips that can help you create goals that will last!

We share our response to the deadly Pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol - “March to save America”. Get takeaways for the future to stay uplifted despite this unprecedented riot and learn about our hopes for the future.

We share three tips that we’ve learned working together as husband and wife. Working with your partner may not be easy, but we’ve tried and tested these tips so you don’t have to.

Love them or hate them, they are your family. Kurt & Deanna take a deep dive on tips that can help keep the family peace and your mental at peace this holiday season with 4 tips on dealing with difficult family members during the holidays.

We share our take on the 2020 Election and propositions we are excited to see passed. This historic year is giving us reasons to be hopeful about the future!

We share our perspective after celebrating four years of marriage. Check out 3 tips that will help you and your partner grow together!

We share our perspective after celebrating four years of marriage. Check out 3 tips that will help you and your partner grow together!

We feel it’s our obligation to keep the conversation going about the racial disparities in America. #Sayhername because black women’s lives matter equally.

Hear us talk about our struggles with suicidal thoughts, warning signs, and tips to help with suicide prevention.

Kurt and Deanna discuss the importance of physical health and ways to focus on your health when you’re uninsured. Learn 3 Tips that will help you start feeling better together!

Kurt and Deanna discuss the importance of mental health in 2020 and the added pressures of a global pandemic. Learn 3 Tips that will help you improve your mental health and start feeling better together!

Kurt and Deanna discuss keeping the faith when finances are a barrier! We talk about three free resources that can help you with your finances, work, and faith!

Who takes charge of the finances in your household? This was a question we had to ask ourselves in our marriage. We talk about our stories with finances individually and how we had to have the awkward conversation about who is managing the funds in our marriage. But none of this would be possible without our faith in God that we will provide! "With me there are riches and honor. I have lasting wealth to give to you." Proverbs 8:18 ERV

Kurt and Deanna discuss history about slave foods and habits that were passed down through generations. Get informed about staggering statistics and skyrocketing obesity rates. Learn a simple way you can start feeling better with your Two Can Do It partner! #SWAN

Kurt and Deanna discuss race in American. The world is in an uproar over the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police. They share national statistics, their personal encounters with racism, and ways you can help the black community.

#JusticeforGeorgeFloyd

Kurt and Deanna share their stories along with tools and tips that have improved their spiritual health!

From daily prayers to their meditation routines and their favorite faith-filled applications to use!

“He must increase, but we must decrease.” - John 3:30

Join us as we celebrate Kurts big 30th birthday and ask him question about his journey so far.

Have you ever wondered how mental health affects how you think, feel, and act?

Kurt and Deanna share experiences from their childhood and ways they have overcome trauma.

Learn tips and coping skills to overcome obstacles in your life. Let’s not just go through it, but let’s grow through it!

Have you ever wondered what you need to do to start physically feeling better? We learned from experiences starting in childhood just how important it is to understand the basics of physical health.

Together we wanted to simplify the confusion and break it down to the four basic needs of physical health. Don’t worry, you’ll know how to get your S.W.A.N.™️ on by the end of this episode and start feeling better - we’re proof!

Welcome, we are Kurt and Deanna Mangum II! A devoted husband and wife team sharing experiences that we've had to grow through and steps in our journey to living a more balanced and fulfilling life.