EmPowered Couples with The Freemans: Recent Episodes
Aaron & Jocelyn Freeman
This podcast is all about Couples and the 3C’s: Communication, Conflict, Connection. These are not skills you automatically have when you get into a relationship, but that need to be developed to overcome the inevitable challenges that will come up. Couples who listen to the podcast say, “are they watching us?!” because of how extremely relatable and practical to your day-to-day life together these topics are! Hosts Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman are authors of The Argument Hangover and their programs and workshops have reached over a million people. They are parents to baby Skye Noël and live in Phoenix, Arizona.
There is one single thing that all couples who grow closer over time have in common. Though in the beginning of a relationship, you might not think that anything could get between you, what you realize as time passes is that you will need to fight…
When couples start to face challenges, tests, or unforeseen circumstances – they can tend to start to turn on each other. They see each other as opponents rather than teammates. That is when they fight against each other. But this episode is going to introduce a powerful mindset shift. It's the one that has you realize that the fight is not against each other, but against the problem you are facing.
Tune into this episode too as we have a big announcement. We had gotten a book deal from Penguin Random House for a brand new book, and it is now available for Pre-order. As a podcast listener you are the first to hear about it.
Right now pre-order your copy of "Same Team: How to break cycles, grow closer, and model a loving marriage for your kids" and get:
1) the 10-Minute Nightly Check-in Guide AND
2) Be added to a drawing for an ALL EXPENSE PAID LUXURY TRIP to Arizona.
PS - Additional resources like guides, challenges, books, and coaching can be found at: meetthefreemans.com/links
You're doing a lot. You're handling all your own responsibilities, and sometimes still picking up the slack. You're doing what needs to get done for your family. And yet… something still feels like it's not enough for your partner. Maybe your partner seems distant, less appreciative, or not as connected as you'd expect given how much you're putting in. This is one of the most common frustrations we hear from couples—the disconnect between effort and how that effort is actually received.
In this episode, we unpack why doing more doesn't always translate into feeling closer, and what might be missing beneath the surface. If you've ever thought, "I'm doing everything I can… why doesn't it feel like enough?" This conversation will give you a new lens to understand what's really happening in your relationship, and 3 simple actions to take to start shifting it in a way your partner can actually feel.
✨ If you want simple, daily ways to strengthen your connection and bring more emotional and physical closeness into your marriage, join the 30-Day "Best of Us" Couples Challenge. It's designed to help you show up for each other in ways that truly land. Join now at mycoupleschallenge.com/best.
Many women enter marriage with expectations and habits shaped long before the relationship ever began. Some were modeled growing up, others reinforced by culture, and many rooted in a genuine desire to love well and create a strong home. But what once felt natural doesn't always translate into what creates true connection and partnership in a marriage. This is where frustration can build and where many start to feel like they're putting in effort but not getting the closeness they hoped for.
In this episode, we unpack the gap between what women are taught about love and relationships and what marriage truly needs to feel connected and fulfilling. This is the follow-up to last week's episode where we covered what men are taught versus what marriage needs them to learn, and together these conversations will help you see the patterns that play out between you. If you've ever felt like you're carrying a lot or not getting the response you hoped for, this will give you a new level of clarity and direction for how to move forward together.
✨ If you want simple, daily ways to strengthen your connection and bring more emotional and physical closeness into your marriage, join the 30-Day "Best of Us" Couples Challenge. It's designed to help you show up for each other in ways that truly land. Join now at mycoupleschallenge.com/best.
Many men enter marriage doing exactly what they've been conditioned to do their entire lives. They show up with a certain mindset about what it means to contribute, support, and lead in a family. And while those instincts come from a good place, they don't always translate into what actually creates closeness, emotional safety, and a strong partnership. This is where a lot of couples get stuck. One partner feels like they're giving a lot, while the other still feels something is missing.
In this episode, we unpack the gap between what men are taught to bring into a relationship and what marriage truly needs from them to feel connected and fulfilling. When this gap goes unrecognized, it can lead to frustration, miscommunication, and feeling like you're not on the same team. But once you see it clearly, it opens the door for a completely different level of understanding, connection, and respect.
❤️ If you want simple, daily ways to strengthen your connection and bring more emotional and physical closeness into your marriage, join the 30-Day "Best of Us" Couples Challenge. It's designed to help you show up for each other in ways that truly land. Join now at mycoupleschallenge.com/best.
This time of year, life starts to fill up fast. Between holidays, travel plans, kids' activities, family events, and everything in between… even couples who usually feel on top of things can start to feel stretched. And it's not always the amount of responsibilities that creates tension, it's what happens when those responsibilities aren't clearly talked about. Assumptions start to form. Expectations go unspoken. And before you know it, things are slipping through the cracks or quietly falling on one person more than the other.
In this episode, we're breaking down why this season tends to create more friction in relationships and what's really happening beneath the surface when things start to feel uneven or unappreciated. We'll help you recognize the patterns that lead to this dynamic and introduce a simple shift that can bring more clarity, teamwork, and follow-through into your relationship. If you want a practical way to stay on the same page, grab our Family Meeting Guide to start having these conversations weekly, or get it as a bonus when you join the 30-Day Prioritizing Us Challenge to build stronger communication and connection through this busy season. Find both of those resources here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
There is a critical conversation many couples are missing, especially after going through a challenge or hard season together. And as we close out the first quarter of the year, this is one of the most important times to have it.
When couples are in a difficult season, the focus is to put your head down and get through it. And once you do, it can feel like a relief… but then it's right back into the logistics of daily life. This creates two problems.
First, you miss the opportunity to reconnect and truly understand each other, which is what strengthens your bond. Second, you miss the lesson from that season, which sets you up to repeat similar challenges in the future.
In this episode, we walk you through how to have the kind of conversation that not only brings you closer, but helps you take the lessons forward, so your future together is stronger because of what you've been through.
Relationship Resources:
If this episode resonated and you don't want to just move on from your last season but actually grow from it, we invite you to start our Level 2 Rebuilding Us Challenge. The prompts are designed to help you reconnect, reflect, and rebuild with intention. Start here: https://mycoupleschallenge.com/rebuilding
Some seasons in life feel heavier than others. More pressure. Less capacity. Things outside your control. And if you're not careful, your marriage can start to feel like another place of tension instead of support.
In this episode, Jocelyn opens up about the challenging few weeks we've been in and what it's revealed about how couples either turn toward each other… or slowly start drifting apart. This is a powerful reminder of what actually keeps a relationship strong when life feels overwhelming—and why most couples don't catch it until more disconnection happens or damage is done.
Relationship Resources:
You can find all of our best resources from guides, webclasses, to coaching sessions with this link: Top Resources
Last week we talked about the mistakes we're seeing men make in marriage. This week, we're turning the lens toward women. And just like before, this isn't about criticism. It's about clarity and growth. Because in most marriages, the tension isn't coming from one person being "the problem." It's coming from the way both partners' habits and reactions feed into each other. When you see the pattern, you can finally change the pattern.
In this episode, we unpack three common dynamics we're seeing women fall into — patterns that unintentionally create defensiveness, discouragement, or emotional distance. Many of these behaviors come from good intentions or unmet needs, but they often land very differently than intended. If you've ever felt like you're trying so hard and still not getting the connection you want, this episode will help you understand what might be happening underneath the surface. Then give you steps to shift it.
Relationship Resources:
No matter where you are in your marriage; whether in a challenging season, wanting to deepen your connection, or desiring to just strengthen your relationship – we have a resource to help you do it. Find webclasses, guides, 30-day challenges, and coaching all with our Top Resources Here.
This week we're starting a two-part series on three mistakes we're seeing in marriages right now. And we're beginning with men. Before you brace yourself, this isn't about blame. It's about awareness. In almost every struggling relationship, there's a pattern both partners are participating in. And often, the very things a husband thinks are helping or protecting the relationship are the same things quietly creating distance.
In this episode, we unpack three subtle but powerful dynamics we're seeing men fall into — patterns that impact emotional safety, initiative, and shared ownership in the marriage. These aren't character flaws. They're habits. And when you understand how they're affecting your partner everything can shift. If you want to stop repeating the same cycles and start feeling more connected, respected, and aligned as a team, this conversation is a must-listen.
Next week, we're turning the lens the other direction. Because this is not about men being the issue or women being the issue. It is about the pattern between you. If you want to fully understand the dance happening in your marriage and how to actually change it, make sure you listen to part two.
Relationship Resources:
No matter where you are in your marriage; whether in a challenging season, wanting to deepen your connection, or desiring to just strengthen your relationship – we have a resource to help you do it. Find webclasses, guides, 30-day challenges, and coaching all with our Top Resources Here.
At our recent couples workshop, during a private conversation, a wife began crying as we described how broken follow-through slowly erodes trust in a marriage. Not because of one missed promise but because of the pattern. This pattern was to have a hopeful conversation, a commitment to change, and verbal reassurance that "this time will be different." And then… nothing changes. What many couples don't realize is that inconsistent follow-through doesn't just create frustration but it quietly chips away at trust. And when trust weakens, emotional safety and connection begin to fade with it.
In this episode, we break down five specific reasons partners struggle to follow through, even when they genuinely care and want things to improve. You'll begin to see what's really happening beneath the surface, and more importantly, how to shift it. If you've felt stuck in the same unresolved issue for weeks, months, or even years, this conversation can help you break that cycle and start rebuilding trust in a tangible, lasting way.
Relationship Resources:
Find the Priotitize Us 30-Day Couples Challenge, our top guides, events, and private coaching details all with the resource link here: meetthefreemans.com/links
Which island is your marriage on right now? In this episode, we share a simple but eye-opening framework we call The 3 Islands of Marriage: Dysfunction, Function, and Connection.
Marriage naturally moves through different states depending on the season you're in. Stress, transitions, parenting, unresolved conflict, or even just routine can shift where you and your partner are emotionally.
We break down: • What each island looks and feels like • The subtle signs you may be drifting • And the practical steps to move toward Connection Island
Every couple will land on different islands at different times. The goal isn't to panic — it's to recognize where you are and take intentional steps forward.
Because time alone doesn't move a marriage back to a healthy place. Awareness and action do.
If you've been feeling disconnected, stuck in conflict, or just functioning but not truly close, this episode will help you figure out your next move.
Relationship Resources Mentioned
1) Moving from Dysfunction to Function island - watch the 5 Root Causes webclass or do the Rebuilding Us Challenge
2) Moving from Function to Connection island - start the Prioritize Us couples Challenge.
Each of these resources and more can be found at: https://meetthefreemans.com/links
Most couples believe trust is built by being honest—by not lying, not hiding anything major, and generally doing what you say you'll do. And while integrity absolutely matters, many couples are surprised to find that honesty alone still leaves gaps in connection, security, and emotional safety. You can be faithful, responsible, and well-intentioned… and yet your partner can still feel out of the loop, uncertain, or like something is being held back. That's because honesty and transparency are not the same thing and that difference matters more in marriage than most couples realize.
Transparency goes beyond answering questions or avoiding outright deception. It's about being proactive, thoughtful, and emotionally present with your inner world—sharing needs while they're still small, closing gaps before they turn into doubt or resentment, and trusting your partner enough to let them in before there's a problem. In this episode, we unpack what transparency actually looks like in real marriages, the common ways couples unintentionally avoid it, and why playing it "safe" often creates more distance over time. If you want to feel more secure, emotionally connected, and truly on the same team, this conversation will bring clarity to tangible ways to be more transparent and create emotional safety.
➡️ If you're ready to take the next step in building your connection. We have two main resources to support you. One of two 30-Day Couples Challenges:
- The level 1 - Prioritizing Us for daily connection
- The level 2 - Rebuilding Us for daily trust repairing and rebuilding
Stress is unavoidable. Between the state of the world, work demands, parenting, and the pressure to keep everything running, most couples are carrying more than they realize. The problem isn't stress itself, it's how easily it spills into your marriage. When stress goes unmanaged, it shows up as tension, miscommunication, defensiveness, and feeling like you're constantly behind or letting each other down. And suddenly, the relationship that should feel like support starts to feel like another source of pressure.
In this episode, we talk about how stress moves through your life and into your relationship—and what to do before it quietly erodes connection. You'll learn how to create more margin, emotional awareness, and intentional connection so stress doesn't run your interactions or your home. Because when your marriage is supported, everything else in life—parenting, work, and decision-making—becomes lighter and more sustainable.
If you want to protect your relationship from getting pushed to the bottom of the list, join our 30-Day "Prioritizing Us" Couples Challenge⭐️. It's designed to help couples stay connected and proactive during busy, stressful seasons through small daily actions that strengthen your foundation. Start the next round for Valentines Day at mycoupleschallenge.com 👈
Relationship Resources:
See our top resources from guides, challenges, in-person events, and coaching here - meetthefreemans.com/links
So many couples are trying to fix intimacy by focusing on communication tools, date nights, or changing their partner's behavior—yet still feel disconnected. In this episode, we sit down with relationship educator and behavioral scientist Stefanos Sifandos to talk about why intimacy can't truly deepen without inner healing first.
Stefanos shares his own journey and breaks down a powerful framework from his new book, Tuned In and Turned On, explaining how unresolved shame, avoidance, and nervous-system patterns quietly block emotional and physical closeness. We explore why romantic relationships are often the place where our deepest wounds surface—and why they're also one of the greatest opportunities for growth, healing, and transformation.
Together, we walk through the three phases Stefanos teaches—inner healing, relational healing, and sacred union—and what each one looks like in real life. This conversation is especially meaningful for couples who love each other, want more intimacy, and sense that something deeper is being asked of them—personally and relationally.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why intimacy can't be repaired without personal responsibility and inner work
- How shame, avoidance, and self-protection show up in long-term relationships
- What relational healing actually looks like beyond "better communication"
- How inner healing opens the door to deeper connection, intimacy, and spiritual alignment
If you've ever felt stuck between wanting closeness and feeling shut down—or wondered why intimacy feels harder than it used to—this episode will help you understand what's really going on and where to begin.
Listen in and let this conversation challenge the way you think about intimacy, healing, and growth in your relationship.
Then order Tuned In and Turned On now and get $380 worth of bonuses – how to have better sex & intimacy masterclass, breathwork and meditation course, practical wisdom ebook, and reverse interview with Stefanos🎉
Resentment is one of those words people hesitate to claim because it sounds heavy, harsh, even a little scary. But the truth is, resentment doesn't usually start with big blowups or dramatic moments. It builds quietly. You can still function well, take care of the kids, show up to work, even go on vacation… and yet something underneath gets triggered.
It comes out in sharper arguments than expected, old issues resurfacing, an undertone of irritation, or a growing emotional distance you can't quite put your finger on. In this episode, we talk about why resentment is far more common than most couples realize. And how even well-meaning partners accidentally allow it to grow.
Resentment is also preventable, and even resolvable if it's already there—but not by ignoring it, minimizing it, or hoping time will smooth things over. It requires honest conversations, real repair, and meaningful change.
This is a deep topic, and listening alone won't fix it, but it can give you clarity, language, and awareness so you can start addressing what's been building beneath the surface. As you listen, we highly recommend taking the next step with support:
👉 Whether that's joining us for our upcoming in-person Arizona Couples Workshop, Feb 22nd, 2026 or exploring our most trusted resources. You can find all of those, including workshop details, at MeetTheFreemans.com/links. ✅
So many couples tell us the same thing lately: "We don't even feel like we're choosing to react—it just happens." It can be a tone, a look, or a comment that lands wrong. And suddenly you're responding to each other's stress instead of actually talking about what's going on. When this becomes the norm, marriage starts to feel exhausting. Not because of big issues, but because you're unintentionally dysregulating each other in everyday moments. What should be simple conversations turn tense, and it leaves both people feeling misunderstood, defensive, or shut down.
In this episode, we talk honestly about why emotional reactivity has become such a common struggle for couples, and what it really takes to interrupt it in real time. We unpack why reacting to tone, body language, and assumptions keeps couples stuck. Also why learning to regulate yourself first is essential if you want to de-escalate conflict instead of fueling it. This conversation is practical and grounded in what we see every day with couples who want to do better but feel caught in patterns they don't know how to stop. If you're ready to understand what's actually happening in those heated moments—and why regulation changes everything—this episode is for you.
To watch the free marriage webclass on the 5 Root Causes of Conflict, or to access the help guides and challenges, use this link to our Top Relationship Resources ✅
Sometimes it's not the big issues that unravel a marriage, it's the small, everyday moments that quietly stack up. A comment said with the wrong tone. A boundary expressed when stress is already high. A familiar frustration bubbling up again. In this episode, we walk you through a real moment from our own marriage that easily could have turned into a fight, especially in a season where we're trying to leave old patterns behind and start the year differently. If you've ever thought, "Why does this keep happening?" or felt discouraged that the same tension keeps resurfacing, this conversation will feel very familiar.
Rather than glossing over it, we debrief the moment in real time, what was happening underneath the words, what didn't work in the past, and the subtle shifts that kept this from escalating. We talk about why trying to "fix" things too fast often backfires, how small pauses can change the entire trajectory of a conversation, and why understanding the need underneath the frustration matters more than proving your point. This episode isn't about perfection, it's about learning how to interrupt old cycles before they pull you back in. If you want this year to feel different in your marriage, this is a powerful place to start.
Relationship Resources mentioned in the episode:
👉 Our free 5 Root Causes of Conflict Webclass - understand the 5 root causes of conflicts, so that you keep from repeating the same patterns, just in different scenarios.
👉 Our upcoming In-Person Couples Workshop - join us in person in Arizona, Feb 22nd. This will be a day to transform your communication, conflict resolution, and connection in your marriage, to truly make this a new year!
It's easy to look at movies or social media and wonder why love once felt effortless, and now feels quieter, more routine, or even distant. No one prepares you for the reality that long-term love doesn't stay fueled by novelty and adrenaline forever. As relationships mature, biology shifts, responsibilities increase, and especially after kids, connection can slowly give way to comfort… or worse, roommate energy. If you've ever thought, "Something's missing, but I don't know what," this episode is for you.
In this conversation, we unpack what's actually happening beneath the surface of long-term relationships and why closeness fades even when love is still there. You'll hear how subtle habits, attention leaks, and well-intentioned routines quietly work against connection; and what it takes to bring back energy, affection, and excitement in a sustainable way. This isn't about recreating the early days of your relationship, but learning how to actively maintain closeness, playfulness, and desire in the season you're in now.
✨ If you want simple, daily ways to reconnect emotionally and physically, join our special edition 30-Day "Best of Us" Couples Challenge, designed to help you reignite closeness and bring more joy, flirtation, and intentional connection back into your marriage. It starts January 1st and is only open three times per year. Join now at mycoupleschallenge.com/best 👈
If the Challenge has past, be sure to check out our Top Relationship Resources here was well, even look to join us in-person for the upcoming Couples Workshop. All resources here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Most couples want to feel more loved, appreciated, and connected. But the way we go about it often backfires. We wait until we're running on empty to tell our partner what we need, and in that vulnerable moment, it's easy for things to slip into defensiveness or comparison. This episode flips that dynamic entirely. Instead of focusing on what your partner isn't doing, we explore the powerful shift of going first—initiating repair, creating small moments of connection, and becoming the kind of loving presence that naturally evokes more love in return.
We'll walk you through three meaningful areas of your life and relationship where small shifts can dramatically change the energy between you. When you focus your effort in these places, you'll notice your partner softening, responding, and giving back in ways that feel natural, not forced. These steps create a positive feedback loop where your daily choices shape your attitude, your emotional tone, and ultimately how loved both of you feel.
➡️ Want structured, daily ways to bring more affection, spark, and emotional intimacy into your relationship? Join the 30-Day "Best of Us" Couples Challenge—designed to help you reconnect, play more, and show love in ways that actually land. It only opens 3 times per year, so join now at mycoupleschallenge.com/best.
Most couples glide into the new year on autopilot, sometimes with excitement and optimism, hoping things will feel different, more connected, less chaotic… yet they end up repeating the same patterns that make it feel the same as last year . In this episode, we're giving you one of the most powerful "end-of-year check-in" conversations we use with our private coaching clients. It's a guided reset that helps you break out of routine, reconnect with each other's dreams and needs, and get aligned before January even begins. Think of this episode as your personal coaching session; one that can spark more clarity, purpose, and connection between you than you've felt in months.
We'll walk you through four core areas of your life and relationship that absolutely shape how fulfilled, peaceful, and united you feel as a couple. You'll leave with prompts, structure, and a simple framework to help you set the tone for 2026 with intention, not stress or default habits. If you want the upcoming year to feel meaningful, fun, and deeply connected, this is the conversation to have before December 31st!
✨ If you want to feel closer and more connected now—not just in January—join our special edition 30-Day Couples Challenge, The Best of Us. It's designed to reignite emotional and physical intimacy through small, daily actions that bring out more joy, affection, and playfulness in your marriage. It only opens three times per year, so don't miss this round: mycoupleschallenge.com/best.
For our other top resources, from guides, books, events, and even coaching visit think weblink
👉 https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
So many couples love each other deeply… yet still feel disconnected. They talk every day, but the conversations revolve around schedules, responsibilities, and what needs to get done next. In this episode, we're unpacking why emotional intimacy often fades in long-term relationships, not because the love is gone, but because genuine connection isn't being fed. You'll learn what emotional intimacy actually is (in practical, real-life terms), why so many partners misunderstand it, and the surprising psychology behind why couples get stuck in surface-level communication.
Then we'll walk you through 5 simple, powerful actions that help you move from "talking" to truly connecting again. Whether your marriage feels good but could use a deeper spark, or you've been feeling like roommates who care about each other but don't feel emotionally close, this episode will give you clarity, hope, and next steps you can implement right away.
If you're ready to reignite the spark and create more emotional and physical intimacy in your marriage, sign-up for our special edition 30-Day Couples Challenge, The Best of Us. It's only open 3 times per year and couples absolutely love it.
Relationship Resources:
If you are looking for our other top resources, you can find everything from guides, courses, events, and coaching here 👉 https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
The holidays can bring out both the best and the worst in a marriage. Between packed schedules, family dynamics, and endless to-do lists, it's easy for connection to get lost in the chaos. But this season doesn't have to feel like survival mode or that you are just getting through the functions. There are a few key areas in your relationship that—if you focus on them each day—can make you feel appreciated and united as a couple, no matter what the holidays throw your way.
In this episode, we're sharing three powerful shifts with the "3C's" to help you stay emotionally close and work as a team through the holiday season. You'll walk away knowing exactly where to put your attention so the two of you can feel loved, supported, and in sync instead of drained or distant at the end of this holiday season.
Desiring to bring back more affection, intimacy, and spark during this season 🔥 Join the 30-Day Best of Us Couples Challenge—open now—to reignite emotional and physical intimacy through small, daily actions. We only host this challenge 3x per year, so head to MyCouplesChallenge.com/Best to register for the January 1st start date!
Relationship Resources:
If you are looking for our top resources—everything from guides, to challenges, coaching, and live events, just visit 👉 https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
The holidays are supposed to feel relaxing and joyful. But for many couples, they're anything but. Between travel plans, family visits, and unspoken expectations, this season can quickly become chaotic, exhausting, and full of tension. One partner often ends up feeling like they're carrying most of the mental and emotional load, while the other doesn't realize how unbalanced it feels.
In this episode, we're unpacking the real root of holiday stress in relationships: mismatched and unmet expectations. You'll hear the kinds of conversations you need to have to prevent disconnection and resentment. Everything from dividing travel and family responsibilities to setting boundaries with in-laws and staying emotionally connected as a couple. Because when you plan as a team, the holidays can actually bring you closer instead of pulling you apart.
✨ If you want the holidays to feel connected rather than chaotic - Join the Prioritizing Us 30-Day Couples Challenge starting December 1st. This will keep your love accounts full before the season begins so you can stay united through whatever the season brings. Register at: MyCouplesChallenge.com.
Have you ever shared an idea or dream with your spouse, something that genuinely excited you, only to have the energy immediately flattened by practicality or fear? In this episode, we're unpacking a dynamic that quietly drains energy and connection in many marriages: when one partner is in enthusiastic, imaginative energy and the other instantly shifts into logic and control mode. We'll explore why this happens, what it reveals emotionally for each partner, and how to respond in a way that keeps the energy between you alive instead of shutting it down.
In this episode you'll hear:
- The hidden psychology behind why partners "squash" enthusiasm (even with good intentions)
- How to frame a conversation for your partner from the start, so you're on the same wavelength
- Practical shifts that help you stay connected and engaged, even when you see things differently
- Why joining in the energy doesn't mean agreeing to every idea
- How this dynamic slowly erodes emotional intimacy if you don't adjust
If you've ever felt misunderstood for your excitement, or struggled to stay open when your spouse starts dreaming big, this conversation will help you both feel seen and stay on the same wavelength.
If this episode resonates, grab our 3-Guide Bundle—a powerful trio of tools that help you communicate and stay connected during the moments that matter most: 📘 De-Escalating Conflicts 📘 Making Up & Moving Forward 📘 The Family Meeting Guide
Get the bundle at meetthefreemans.com/links and start using the same tools we teach our couples every day.
As the holiday season approaches, many couples find themselves hitting a quiet but undeniable breaking point. Something about this stretch of time—from mid-October through the new year—brings things to the surface. Maybe it's the reflection that comes with the end of a year. Maybe it's the pressure of finances, family expectations, or feeling like life is flying by. But without the closeness you hoped to feel by now. For many, it's a season where the question "Can we really keep going like this?" starts to creep in.
In this episode, we unpack a question so many couples wrestle with: Can one spouse change the marriage if the other isn't ready or willing? What happens when one person is trying, growing, learning... and the other seems stuck? Is it unfair to hope for more? Is it foolish to keep waiting? We're diving into the emotional weight of this question, why so many couples delay getting support, and what it really takes to shift the direction of your relationship. Especially in the seasons that feel the hardest.
In this episode we cover:
- The surprising reason many marriages reach a breaking point during this season
- The #1 personality trait that determines whether couples make it through hard seasons
- Why some partners resist working on themselves or the relationship until separation is on the table
- What delays couples from getting help—and how much damage that can do
- The emotional cost of carrying the growth for two people
To then interrupt destructive cycles and finally start moving forward together:
🎥 Watch the free 1-hour Marriage WebClass: [The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in Marriage & How to Overcome Them]
This is the fastest way to learn what's really underneath recurring arguments, disconnection, and shutdowns—and how to turn it around together. Couples say it gave them more clarity than 6 months of counseling.
👉 Watch this Marriage WebClass now [with this link here]
👉 See all of our practical resources here - from couples challenges, guides, and in-person events.
Have you ever thought about how your own stress affects your kids — or how your parents' stress might still be affecting you? In this powerful conversation with Dr. Taz Bhatia, integrative medicine physician, author, and founder of Hol+, we explore how the health of the parents — especially the mother — sets the tone for the entire family system. Because wellness isn't just about self-care… it's about the legacy you're creating for the next generation.
Together, we unpack how patterns of anger, overwhelm, and chronic stress get passed down in families — and how to finally break the cycle. In this episode you'll hear:
- Why stress isn't always bad, but becomes harmful when your body never feels safe (aka the cortisol hum).
- How unresolved emotions and disconnection show up in the body — from hormone imbalances to fatigue and resentment.
- The way childhood modeling shapes how we handle conflict and stress in marriage.
- Practical ways to track your body's signals (like HRV) and create a calmer emotional climate at home.
- Simple habits couples can build to protect their emotional and physical well-being — and, in turn, their kids'.
Dr. Taz also shares how she's disrupting the medical industry through her Hol+ network (add link) — an integrative system combining Eastern and Western medicine to care for families as a whole, offering both in-person clinics and virtual access nationwide. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help every family heal from the inside out.
This episode is a reminder that when one person in the family heals, everyone benefits. The health of your marriage, your body, and your home are all connected — and you have the power to create a new emotional legacy for your family.
You can find our most popular resources including our FREE Marriage Webclass: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection at - meetthefreemans.com/links
It seems like the "I need more space" and "I need to talk this out now" partners always find each other! This is the basis of the Pursuer/Withdrawer as well as the Anxious/Avoidant partner dynamics in marriage. When this dynamic happens, it always causes more tension, defensiveness, anxiety, and distance than the initial topic of conversation. If this sounds at all like dynamics you and your partner get into, you certainly are not alone!
In today's episode you will hear more detail about what's really happening for each partner, whether it is the need for space or resolution. There are many factors that contribute to this, like personality type and emotional processing capacity. But tune in to hear about details you would have never thought of, hear more about how this dynamic has played out in our own marriage over the years, and then specific steps you can take to keep this dynamic from escalating simple conversations. This will make you both feel even more secure, understood, and loved in your relationship.
👉 Don't forget to join us on our FREE Live Marriage Webclass on: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in Marriage. This live event only happens 2x per year. If you can't attend live, still register, as we will send you the replay. So don't miss out!
Division isn't just a problem in the world—it's creeping into homes, marriages, and families everywhere. When couples start turning against each other instead of standing together, the bond that once felt safe and secure begins to weaken. In this episode, we're breaking down The 4 D's That Create Division in a Marriage: Dismissiveness, Defensiveness, Deflecting, and Divorce Threats. These subtle but destructive patterns slowly undermine connection and emotional safety, often without you even realizing it.
We'll clearly define what each of these behaviors looks and sounds like—and why they're so damaging to your closeness and trust. More importantly, we'll share how to stop them before they erode your foundation.
👉 And don't miss our live + free Marriage WebClass: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection in a Marriage. It's a topic we've never taught publicly before, packed with the exact insights and tools we use with coaching clients. Register now at OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com
Many times in marriage, you can start what you think is a simple conversation and have it turn into a miscommunication or even a conflict. It is frustrating when you are trying to simply communicate something and it isn’t received by your partner.
In this episode we talk about the difference between productive and unproductive communication and what makes partners good communicators vs poor communicators. You will be surprised by the simple shift you can make and the massive difference it will make in how you each speak and listen to one another.
To dive further into the source of conflicts, attend our FREE LIVE Marriage Webclass on Oct 23rd: Navigating the 5 Root Causes of Conflicts. After this date you will be able to watch the replay as well.
For all of our resources visit: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
When emotions run high in marriage, one of the most common traps couples fall into is what to do with each other’s feelings. Should you validate them? Should you challenge them? Or should you just offer a quick solution so you can move on?
The truth is when emotional validation is missing or misunderstood, small hurts linger, conflicts spiral, and one or both partners can end up feeling dismissed, forced into solutions, or left unresolved. It’s also one of the biggest complaints we hear from spouses…”you’re not validating my feelings!”
In this episode, we unpack:
- Why couples often confuse validation with agreement
- The hidden ways spouses accidentally invalidate each other
- Why solutions don’t stick if this piece is missing
- What actually creates the safety to collaborate, repair, and move forward together
If you’ve ever wondered “Am I supposed to validate even when I don’t agree?”—this conversation is for you. Because the order in which you respond to your partner’s emotions might be the very thing that determines whether you stay stuck… or actually grow closer.
Also, register for our LIVE + FREE Marriage WebClass coming up on: The 5 Root Causes of Conflict and Disconnection…and the Tools to Overcome Them!
Register For The Webclass HERE 👈
After our recent intimacy series, there were dozens of follow up questions from you all asking us to dive further into normal hormonal changes as we age and proactive steps you can take to age gracefully AND stay connected through the changes.
In this episode, double board-certified physician Dr. Amy Shah (women’s health & nutrition) joins us to bust the “dad bod/mom bod is just aging” myth—and lay out practical, evidence-informed steps couples can use to sleep better, reduce stress, protect libido, and stay united through perimenopause, menopause, and men’s steady testosterone decline.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
-Why “dad bod/mom bod” is more about habits + hormones than age
-The gut–brain–hormone loop that impacts mood, energy & attraction
-How to time difficult conversations around the cycle (and when not to)
-The midlife health stack: movement, strength, sprinting, nutrition, sleep
-Alcohol & hormones: why a 30–90 day break can be a game-changer
-Men’s testosterone: fix root causes before quick fixes
-Labs that matter (and why symptoms often beat hormone numbers)
-The updated science on HRT for women—and when to consider it
-“Gray divorce”: how to adapt as a team through this season
About Our Guest:
Dr. Amy Shah is a double board-certified MD and nutritionist focused on the gut-brain connection, women’s health, and fitness medicine. Through AmyMD Wellness, books, speaking, and social channels, she helps people take control of their wellness with practical, research-backed tools.
Resource Links:
• Dr. Amy Shah: IG @dramymd • TikTok @dramymd • Website: amymdwellness.com
• Our most-used marriage tools & guides: meetthefreemans.com/links
• Work with us / in-person Couples Workshop Oct 5th (AZ): meetthefreemans.com/workshop
If this helped, tap 👍 + Subscribe for weekly tools to communicate better, de-escalate faster, and feel closer—through every season.
Episode Timestamps of What We Discussed:
02:34 Welcome + why we brought Dr. Amy on this topic
03:43 Health ↔ marriage: stress, cortisol, sleep & conflict
05:10 Listener question: attraction & a partner’s “dad bod”
06:04 Why “dad/mom bod” isn’t inevitable—habits + hormones
07:35 What healthy aging actually looks like (mindset matters)
08:58 The study: reversing heart age over 2 years (plan overview)
10:59 Modeling vs. nagging your partner’s health
12:21 Women 30s–50s: perimenopause basics & early signs
14:01 Energy, sleep, gut changes & libido shifts
15:23 Estrogen vs. progesterone—“two sisters” in your brain
19:00 Don’t make big decisions late-luteal; timing tough talks
23:03 Men’s testosterone: steady decline & root-cause fixes
26:40 Alcohol & hormones: realistic targets + try a break
29:41 Movement, nutrition & why sleep is #1
32:07 Should couples go to bed at the same time?
33:04 Labs that matter; why symptoms often beat hormone levels
35:01 HRT for women (updated science) & considerations for men
37:50 “Gray divorce,” shifting tolerance & communicating needs
41:16 Adapting habits together to age gracefully as a team
44:23 Where to find Dr. Amy + wrap
Are we getting too self-focused in marriage? In this episode, we unpack the cultural messages that push hyper-individualism (“fill your cup first”) and show why great marriages are actually built on mutual care, not solo self-care. We talk about healthy vs. overcorrected boundaries, why prosocial actions (doing good for your partner) boost your own mood, how to shift from short-term impulses to a long-term family vision, and practical ways to “out-love” each other in daily life.
What you’ll learn from this episode:
- The trap of “me first” and how it quietly erodes connection
- Mutual care vs. self-care (and why you can’t get to 100% alone)
- Boundaries that protect vs. boundaries that avoid
- A neuroscience-backed reason to give more (and feel better)
- How shared vision → shared sacrifice → shared joy
- Simple ways to prioritize your partner without losing yourself
If this helped, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, hit 👍, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Reviews seriously help—thank you for taking a moment to rate the show!
Explore all our resources (Couples Workshop, 30-Day Challenges, guides & more): meetthefreemans.com/links
Episode Timestamps of What We Discussed:
0:00 Love is a commitment (not just a feeling)
1:15 Intro & topic: Are spouses becoming too selfish?
2:41 The myth of “self first,” then the relationship
5:38 Mutual care over self-care (why you can’t get to 100% alone)
9:31 Study: prosocial acts boost mood & connection
11:48 Boundaries: healthy vs the overcorrection
14:05 F1 analogy — from beginner rules to mastery standards
17:47 Culture: hyper-individualism & consumerism in relationships
20:54 Shift to long-term vision (let the future guide today)
22:30 Family values & the erosion of the family-oriented model
28:24 Why media rarely tells you what truly strengthens marriage
30:01 Interdependence & “out-loving” each other
31:25 Choosing your partner’s needs: practical examples
32:46 Main takeaways & reminders
33:38 Love = commitment + shared vision
34:54 Closing: reviews, subscribe
35:12 Resources & sign-off
This week marks our 10-year wedding anniversary and if we’re being honest, the months leading up to it weren’t easy. Research even shows that around the 10-year mark, couples hit peak dissatisfaction.
But here’s the truth: challenges don’t mean your marriage is broken. They’re invitations to grow, reconnect, and come back stronger.
In this episode, we’re opening up about the 10 most powerful lessons from our 10 years together — the highs, the lows, the laughter, and the lessons that have shaped us as individuals, as partners, and as parents.
Whether you’ve been together 2 years, 20, or 50, these lessons will give you perspective, encouragement, and practical tools to stay on the same team in every season. Don’t miss this one—it might change the way you see your marriage.
Relationship Resources:
In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we’re keeping The Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge open for just a few more days! This special edition is designed to reignite emotional and physical intimacy, spark joy, and bring out the BEST in each other again.
Join here: mycoupleschallenge.com/best
Or explore all of our tools — from upcoming workshops to guides — at meetthefreemans.com/links
👉 If this episode gave you value, hit subscribe, drop a comment with your favorite lesson, and please leave a review so more couples can find this podcast.
Episode Timestamps of What We Discuss:
0:00 – Why 10 years can be a breaking point for couples
3:20 – Lesson 1: Keep updating your shared vision
9:17 – Lesson 2: Connection is more than just being around each other
15:52 – Lesson 3: Differences can make you a stronger team
25:14 – Lesson 4: Becoming parents forces you to reconstruct your marriage
32:09 – Lesson 5: How you show up daily becomes how your marriage feels
39:37 – Lesson 6: Be more committed to repair than being right (or hurt)
47:49 – Lesson 7: Most arguments aren’t about the surface-level issue
53:03 – Lesson 8: Don’t shift from biggest supporters to biggest critics
59:59 – Lesson 9: The same challenges repeat until you learn the lesson
1:08:48 – Lesson 10: Sometimes you just need to have fun and switch the energy
1:12:43 – Final reflections after 10 years
What keeps couples united through all the ups and downs? A shared vision. In this episode of the Empowered Couples Podcast, we break down why having a vision together is essential, how to define your values as a couple, and the practical steps to keep you connected in both everyday life and during challenges.
Whether you’re in a hard season or just feeling stuck in routine, your vision as a couple is what pulls you out of the mundane and gives deeper meaning to your marriage.
In this episode you will hear:
-Why self-focus leads to more negativity (and how vision shifts that)
-The 4 steps to creating a shared vision for your marriage and family
-How values guide tough choices around career, parenting, and money
-Ways to connect daily life back to your bigger purpose together
-How to turn challenges into growth and strengthen your bond long-term
👉 Ready to reignite your intimacy and spark? Our Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge is only open 3x a year—don’t miss this round. Join here: https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best
If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and write us a quick review—it means the world to us and helps more couples find the podcast!
Timestamps of Episode: 0:00 – Why self-focus increases negativity 0:18 – How vision helps you think beyond yourself 0:34 – The danger of losing sight of your shared values 0:47 – Making hard choices aligned with your vision 1:00 – Looking back on challenges with pride 1:19 – Welcome + episode introduction 1:55 – Why vision bonds couples from the beginning 2:14 – Losing sight of “why” in everyday life 2:38 – Announcement: The Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 3:18 – Why vision is collaborative and long-term 3:40 – The psychology of self-consciousness & negative emotion 4:23 – How lack of vision creates conflict cycles 4:39 – Seeing hard seasons in the bigger picture 5:18 – Finding meaning even in the mundane days 6:26 – Step 1: Moving from present pain to future vision 7:52 – How vision brings relief and peace 9:09 – Parenting example: values guiding hard choices 10:17 – Step 2: Defining higher values and purpose 11:25 – Career choices and money vs. vision 12:37 – Step 3: Creating a simple, memorable vision statement 13:47 – Aligning vision with values, actions, and results 15:29 – Expanding your vision beyond your family 16:06 – Vision boards and visual reminders 16:29 – Step 4: Connecting present challenges back to vision 17:09 – Real parenting example from our daughter 18:43 – Seeing challenges as stepping stones to vision 19:29 – Simple reflection questions for couples 20:18 – The Hero’s Journey and your marriage 20:38 – Looking back on challenges with pride and strength 21:07 – Who you want to become vs. what you want to achieve 21:59 – Why connection is the most fulfilling outcome 22:22 – Final reminder: Best of Us 30-Day Challenge 23:16 – Closing encouragement + subscribe & review
Marriage after kids can feel like survival mode. Once out of the immediate chaos, it can settle into a state of function. Between diapers, school runs, shuttling to sports practices, your work, and endless to-do lists at home, it’s easy to put your relationship on the back burner. But here’s the truth: your kids don’t just thrive on how well you care for them—they thrive on how connected YOU are as a couple.
In this episode of the Empowered Couples Podcast, Jocelyn & Aaron (“The Freemans”) share practical, real-life ways to stay emotionally and physically connected after kids. You’ll learn how to move beyond just “functioning” as roommates and bring back fulfillment, intimacy, and spark in your marriage before it’s too late.
If you’ve ever felt the distance growing, this conversation will give you hope and concrete steps you can implement today.
From this episode you’ll walk away with:
- How to make daily emotional check-ins that go beyond “How was your day?”
- Why non-sexual touch matters (and how to bring it back without pressure)
- Simple ways to make family dinners and daily routines bonding moments
- How to prioritize weekly and yearly quality time as a couple
- Why your kids benefit most when YOU thrive together
Don’t just survive marriage after kids—reignite the connection that makes everything else in family life easier. Not only is this for your own satisfaction, but critical for what you then model to your kids.
Want to reignite the spark and feel truly connected again? Join the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge—a proven path to bring back emotional closeness, intimacy, and joy in your marriage. Enrollment only opens a few times per year, so don’t miss this round: https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best 👈
If This Episode Resonated, Don’t Forget to:
-Subscribe for weekly episodes
-Leave a rating & review to support the show
-Share this episode with a couple who needs encouragement
Episode Topics Timestamp:
00:08 – Why putting your relationship on the back burner hurts your kids too
00:09:50 – The emotional wall couples feel after building the “dream life”
00:10:38 – Why dissatisfaction peaks around the 10-year mark (and how to avoid it)
00:13:37 – Connection is what makes parenting and life easier
00:14:00 – Step 1: Daily emotional check-ins (not just logistics)
00:19:18 – Step 2: Non-sexual touch & physical affection
00:23:59 – Why kids need to SEE your love, not just receive it
00:25:02 – Special edition: The Best of Us 30-Day Challenge
00:28:11 – Step 3: Make family dinners intentional & device-free
00:32:57 – Step 4: Weekly marriage nights (beyond TV time)
00:34:44 – Step 5: Yearly getaways & bucket list adventures together
00:37:24 – The danger of drifting apart slowly
00:39:34 – Kids notice everything—why your marriage is their model
00:41:26 – Final encouragement & invitation to reignite your spark
The problem isn't that your desire or drive is changing. The problem is that you're not talking about these changes and finding solutions on how to evolve with them and stay connected.
In this vulnerable and eye-opening episode, we share the real reasons intimacy shifts over time (especially after kids, through peri-menopause, or with stress and aging), and how couples can adapt together rather than growing apart.
In this episode you’ll hear:
-A raw confession from a wife/mom at a retreat Jocelyn spoke at recently
-The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire
-Why intimacy isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional and environmental
-How hormones, lifestyle, and fear influence libido
-Practical steps to create a more connected, satisfying intimate relationship—at any age
This episode is part of our Intimacy Series—helping couples reignite closeness and communication in every season of marriage. Want daily prompts to rebuild emotional & physical intimacy?
👉Join our special edition 30-Day Couples Challenge: https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best
Timeline of what we discuss in this episode:
00:00 – A real confession: “I feel guilt because I used to want intimacy all the time…”
00:21 – The real problem isn’t desire changing—it’s not talking about it
00:42 – Welcome to the Empowered Couples Podcast
01:00 – The impact of postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause
02:03 – Men experience changes too (and it affects confidence)
02:52 – Don’t compare to the past—it’s not the same anymore
03:17 – Powerful conversation starters to open up about desire
04:00 – Do men and women experience different libido shifts?
05:00 – Understanding hormonal changes: perimenopause and aging
06:01 – Postpartum, hormone shifts, and how your body chemistry changes
07:00 – Getting your hormones tested and being proactive
08:00 – Personal lifestyle changes and challenges we’ve faced
09:04 – Poor sleep, stress, and sedentary living affect libido
10:11 – Emotional exhaustion and cycle awareness in women
11:18 – How birth control and fertility windows affect attraction
12:18 – Fathers experience biological shifts too
13:06 – Fear of pregnancy can lower intimacy desire
14:05 – Lifestyle habits that support libido
15:21 – The power of variety, newness, and weekly rhythms
16:22 – Our 30-Day Challenge to reignite the spark (The Best of Us)
17:14 – Why we brought this challenge back more than once a year
18:04 – Spontaneous vs. responsive desire explained
20:20 – Most women (and couples) are more responsive than spontaneous
22:15 – Long-term relationships shift desire patterns
23:13 – Intimacy becomes more about environment and intention
24:32 – Create emotional connection without pressure
25:02 – Start with the hard conversation: talk about what’s changed
26:04 – Learn your erotic blueprint—how you’re wired now, not then
27:07 – Focus more on quality of intimacy than frequency
28:23 – Final marriage reminder: evolve together, not apart
29:13 – Join the 30-Day Best of Us Challenge
29:30 – Like, Subscribe, and Leave a Review
Is it normal for intimacy to feel like another item on your to-do list? You love your partner, but between parenting, exhaustion, and unspoken resentment… desire can fade.
In this episode, we're unpacking why intimacy feels like an obligation — and how to shift the emotional and physical energy in your marriage so that you both actually want it again.
We share real stories, emotional dynamics, and practical shifts that help couples go from feeling like roommates to rekindling passion — even in the busiest seasons of life.
Topics we cover in this episode:
-Emotional disconnection vs desire
-Why frequency isn’t the real issue
-How to rebuild emotional and physical intimacy
-Shifting from “obligation” to “wanting” again
Relationship resources:
Ready to reconnect and reignite the spark? Join our 30-Day Special Edition Couples Challenge — The Best of Us (only open 3x a year):
👉 https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best
🎧 Subscribe for more non-boring marriage advice:
New episodes weekly to help you communicate better, resolve conflicts, and stay on the SAME TEAM.
Episode timestamps:
00:00 – The real reason intimacy feels like a chore
00:28 – A typical day that drains your connection
01:28 – Intimacy isn’t just about frequency
02:08 – Emotional & physical disconnection = exhaustion
03:36 – Intimacy should fuel your life, not feel like an obligation
05:12 – What makes marriage different from other relationships
06:07 – Why passion fades (and how to bring it back)
07:06 – From obligatory intimacy to real desire
08:02 – The role of stress, overstimulation, and exhaustion
10:17 – Are you ignoring intimacy too long?
11:03 – Hormones, life seasons & libido shifts
12:10 – How unresolved tension blocks intimacy
13:00 – Top 5 blocks to intimacy (from our survey)
14:04 – Is intimacy actually enjoyable for both of you?
15:09 – Why honest intimacy check-ins matter
15:48 – Emotional tone shift #1: warmth, eye contact & presence
17:00 – Emotional coldness kills desire
19:00 – Micro habits that warm up emotional intimacy
20:08 – Shift #2: Physical touch outside the bedroom
21:36 – Shift #3: Initiation & anticipation matter
23:35 – Why women must also participate in creating desire
25:06 – Dating energy vs marriage complacency
26:35 – Would your dating self get a “yes” today?
27:53 – Shift #4: Intimacy starts outside the bedroom
29:19 – Check-ins and parenting stress affect desire too
30:12 – The power of fun and play in rekindling intimacy
31:27 – Relaxation and play spark openness
32:18 – Why our “Best of Us” Challenge is perfect for this
33:03 – Intimacy should be enjoyable — not expected
33:35 – Stop forcing frequency. Focus on connection instead.
34:13 – Subscribe + get ready for our upcoming Q&A episode
Attraction in marriage doesn’t just disappear overnight, but it can fade through the habits, energy, and unspoken patterns you fall into over time.
In this episode, we reveal the biggest emotional and physical turn-offs (and turn-ons) based on anonymous submissions from real couples. This episode is for couples who want to feel that spark again—without needing to go back to the beginning.
In this episode you will hear:
- What’s quietly draining desire in your relationship
- Five patterns that slowly erode attraction
- How to reignite emotional connection and physical intimacy—without pressure or perfection
Plus, learn how to take small daily actions with the 30-Day Best of Us Intimacy Challenge (sign ups officially open now - only available 3x/year)
Reignite emotional & physical intimacy through small, meaningful actions by starting this September 1st challenge here 👉 mycoupleschallenge.com/best
Episode Time Stamps:
3:54 – Attraction in marriage takes effort
5:34 – How attraction quietly erodes
6:06 – Biggest turn-offs (survey results)
7:23 – Biggest turn-ons (survey results)
8:54 – Turn-offs women report most
10:18 – Turn-offs men report most
11:28 – Average satisfaction score (2.07 out of 5!)
12:25 – Criticism vs appreciation
15:12 – Physical self-care and energy
19:25 – The roommate dynamic
24:30 – Resentment is blocking desire
28:00 – Emotional shutdown erodes intimacy
30:33 – Rebuilding intimacy from now, not the past
31:39 – Energy you bring to the room
32:50 – Making your partner feel admired
35:33 – Refreshing rituals to spark attraction
37:00 – Timing matters: don’t wait till exhaustion
38:00 – Join The Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge
You want to feel peace, love, and connection—especially in your marriage. But when something disrupts that inner calm, it’s easy to slip into old patterns: snapping, shutting down, blaming.
Sound familiar?
This episode is about how to stop being emotionally reactive—and start responding in a way that brings clarity, compassion, and connection (even in the tough moments).
🎧 What You’ll learn:
- Why controlling your partner won’t regulate your emotions
- How to take ownership without bypassing what you feel
- A 5-step process to go from reactive to responsive
- How to repair when you do mess up (because we all do)
If you’ve ever said, “I don’t want to keep reacting like this…”—this is the conversation that will help you shift.
🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
→ Rebuilding Us 30-Day Challenge → De-Escalating Conflicts Guide
Every couple has conflict. But when disagreements turn into labeling your spouse—with words like “selfish,” “dramatic,” or “narcissist”—it doesn’t just hurt in the moment… it chips away at emotional safety and long-term connection.
In this episode, we unpack:
- Why labeling is so destructive (even if you didn’t mean it that way)
- How it rewires the way you see each other over time
- What to say instead that’s honest—but not hurtful
- Real-life phrases to express hurt without attacking character
We also give you a simple script to use during tough conversations—so you can still speak your truth without triggering shame or defensiveness.
If you want to feel closer and more emotionally safe in your marriage, even during conflict, this is a must-listen.
🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
→ De-Escalating Conflicts Guide → Making Up & Moving Forward Guide → Family Meeting Guide
Episode Time Stamps:
00:00 – Why name-calling or labeling is never okay in a marriage
01:05 – What actually happens in your brain when you label your partner
02:13 – Pop psychology traps: labeling as “anxious,” “avoidant,” or “narcissist”
03:12 – Labels attack identity, not behavior — and here’s why that matters
04:01 – Labels don’t inspire change—they create shame and resistance
05:05 – The long-term damage: how labels rewire how you see each other
06:38 – How labels erode emotional safety and destroy repair opportunities
08:13 – The shift from “us vs. the problem” to “me vs. you”
09:42 – A moment of truth: do you and your partner ever label each other?
10:18 – What to say instead of labeling: label behavior, feelings, or boundaries
12:09 – Scripts to use: “When you ___, I feel ___, and what I need is ___.”
13:35 – Labeling your boundaries vs. punishing your partner
15:00 – Quotes to remember: “Name the impact, not their character”
16:02 – Why this episode is a wake-up call for every couple
17:13 – The 2 tools every couple needs to stop the label-repair cycle
18:05 – Final encouragement + how to find our best conflict resources
You don’t just marry your partner’s strengths—you marry their triggers too.
If you’ve found yourself walking on eggshells to avoid setting them off… or shutting down because you feel like you’re too much… you’re not alone.
But let’s be clear: tip-toeing isn’t emotional maturity—it’s disconnection in disguise.
In this episode, we unpack how to create real emotional safety in your marriage—so you can stop spiraling and start feeling heard, seen, and safe again.
🎧 What You’ll learn:
- How to bring things up without triggering defensiveness
- What to do if your're the one who reacts quickly
- The subtle shift that turns arguments into deeper understanding
- How your perception—not just the event—shapes your emotional response
- A real-life story from our marriage about navigating triggers in real-time
Whether you’re the one walking on eggshells or the one who reacts fast, this episode will give you tools to stop avoiding hard conversations—and start transforming them into connection.
🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode
1) If triggers are hijacking your conversations, these three guides will help you de-escalate, repair, and reconnect fast—especially in those “walking on eggshells” moments.
→ De-Escalating Conflicts Guide: https://thecouplesexperience.com/conflictguide
2) If you’re working through a hard season in your marriage — the Rebuilding Us 30-Day Challenge was made for you.
For 30 days, you’ll rebuild trust, improve communication, and reconnect emotionally through simple, guided steps each day. Start healing and moving forward together:
→ Rebuilding Us: www.MeetTheFreemans.com/Rebuilding
3) Meet Us In Person — October 5th Couples Workshop
Want to go beyond podcasts and guides? Come experience a full-day, in-person marriage workshop with us in Chandler, AZ. You’ll do private, guided exercises, learn powerful tools, and walk out feeling closer than you’ve felt in a long time. Spots are limited and always sell out.
→ Reserve your seats now for the Couples Workshop: https://www.thecouplesworkshop.com
4) You can also view all of our other resources here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Episode Time Stamps:
00:00 – Are you tiptoeing around your partner’s emotions?
01:10 – The problem with trying to “keep the peace” in marriage
02:24 – How we accidentally train each other to hide the truth
04:00 – When you’re scared of your partner’s reactions (or they’re scared of yours)
05:13 – What emotional eggshells actually sound like in real conversations
06:28 – The silent damage of unspoken resentment
07:42 – Why you both need to feel emotionally safe to be honest
09:03 – It’s not about walking on eggshells—it’s about building emotional maturity
10:21 – A secure marriage isn’t trigger-free—it’s repair-friendly
11:45 – How to shift your tone, so feedback doesn’t land as an attack
13:12 – Real example: giving feedback without provoking defensiveness
15:01 – “I want to be able to bring things up without it becoming a blow-up”
16:30 – The difference between emotional regulation and emotional suppression
18:18 – Why tiptoeing keeps your marriage stuck
19:20 – You both play a role in the dynamic—here’s how to change it
21:04 – Your tone might be more triggering than your words
22:47 – Tools for building a secure marriage where honesty is welcome
Just because something is common in marriage doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
We’ve heard countless couples ask: “Is this just a hard season… or is something actually wrong?” “Are we still okay, even though this feels hard?”
In this episode, we unpack those questions using anonymous submissions from real couples. You’ll hear what challenges are normal in long-term relationships—and what behavior or dynamics cross the line into unhealthy territory.
We cover emotional disconnection, mismatched intimacy, recurring conflict, parenting stress, and more. Plus, we share clear next steps for how to handle each one.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want clarity, this conversation will leave you feeling validated, informed, and ready to make meaningful change.
🎧 What You’ll Learn:
- What’s normal vs what’s not okay in conflict, intimacy, and parenting
- What’s normal vs what’s not okay in conflict, intimacy, and parenting
- Real examples from couples like you (and how we’d respond)
- One mindset shift that helps you stop tolerating what’s not working
🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode
THIS SUMMER ONLY 3 MARRIAGE CHANGING GUIDES FOR THE PRICE OF TWO 🎉
→ Making Up & Moving Forward Guide → De-Escalating Conflicts Guide → Family Meeting Guide
Get the bundle here: https://thecouplesexperience.com/3guidesbundle
Surprise Bonus for Committed Couples If this episode was a wake-up call or gut check, you're not alone. Many couples drift because they normalize disconnection, resentment, or the roommate phase… until it’s too late.
That’s why we created the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge to help you reignite emotional and physical intimacy in just a few intentional minutes a day.
This limited edition is only available a few times per year. And right now? We’ve got a surprise for you waiting here: https://thecouplesexperience.com/surprise
Episode Time Stamps:
01:00 – Is this a normal marriage challenge… or not okay?
01:38 – One key mindset shift: “If it hurts your partner and you won’t change, it’s an issue”
03:03 – Are you playing the same game—or using totally different marriage rulebooks?
05:29 – Conflict: What’s normal vs. what’s actually damaging
07:13 – Are you really repairing—or just resetting the same fight cycle?
08:43 – Is it okay to not talk for days after an argument?
11:27 – Want to shorten your conflict recovery time? Here’s how
13:05 – The truth about intimacy: What’s normal… and what hurts the relationship
16:00 – Intimacy shouldn’t only satisfy one person
18:48 – What to do if desire is low (emotionally, physically, or hormonally)
20:44 – The role of emotional and physical check-ins
22:57 – Are you in a “roommate rut”? You need this challenge
24:35 – The emotional load & mental load: What’s normal, what’s not okay
28:15 – “If you’re not playing by the same rules, no wonder it feels off”
32:11 – Parenting struggles: How common are they and what’s truly not okay
36:55 – You don’t just need consistency… you need adaptability
38:44 – Stop parenting by default—here’s what to do instead
42:30 – What happens when personal struggles or boundaries go unaddressed
44:15 – The boundary breakdown: “If you're not playing by the same rules, you're losing”
47:55 – Final takeaways + How to get resources for your marriage
Why is it so hard to change the way we show up in marriage, even when we know what we want to do differently? In this special episode, we sit down with John Assaraf, a renowned global leader in success and performance coaching, decades-long behavioral neuroscience researcher, and CEO of MyNeuroGym.com. He’s authored 4 bestselling books (including 2 New York Times bestsellers) and has been featured in 11 films.
Together, we explore the science behind why we get stuck in patterns like defensiveness, withdrawal, or reactivity and how to finally break free. Whether you’re trying to communicate better, stay calm in conflict, or just feel more connected, this episode reveals what’s really happening in your brain during those moments, and what it takes to rewire it.
John shares breakthrough insights from his book Innercise, along with practical tools to reshape your beliefs, upgrade your mindset, and master the habits that shape your relationship. Which is required if you want to get new results in your life and marriage. If you are ready to become the partner your relationship and your future needs, this episode is a must-listen.
👉 Grab John Assaraf’s book Innercise on Amazon
🎯 Get the Freemans’ relationship tools at MeetTheFreemans.com/links
Few things create more frustration in a marriage than the feeling of a double standard—when it seems like the rules are different for you than for your partner. Whether it’s around emotional regulation, how long you’re “allowed” to feel upset, or what tone is acceptable from whom, these invisible imbalances quietly erode trust and connection over time. In this episode, we unpack the real-life double standards men and women often feel in marriage—and how those dynamics are deeply tied to core fears like unfairness, rejection, or not being heard.
We’re not here to point fingers—we’re here to name the patterns, give them language, and teach you how to break the cycle without turning on each other. You’ll learn how to move beyond keeping score, how to express your needs without weaponizing them, and how to create emotional safety when things feel uneven. If you’ve ever thought, “Why is it okay when they do it, but not when I do?”—this one is for you.
👉 One way to prevent these double standard dynamics is by consistently building up your “Love Account” through small daily deposits of connection, appreciation, and presence. That’s exactly what the Prioritizing Us 30-Day Couples Challenge is designed to help you do. Start today at MyCouplesChallenge.com.
You want your marriage to feel like a place of joy, momentum, and shared purpose—not just survival mode. Just like in any great sport, the most fulfilling performance only happens inside clear, agreed-upon boundaries. In this episode, we explore the invisible lines that protect your connection, prevent slow erosion, and allow your relationship to thrive through both play and pressure.
Whether it’s how you handle conflict, manage emotional energy, or protect your marriage from outside influences, these boundaries are non-negotiables for couples who want to go the distance. You’ll walk away with powerful insights and practical tools to strengthen your bond and prevent unnecessary damage along the way.
👉 Don’t miss the summer-only special of our 3-guide bundle—De-Escalating Conflicts, Making Up & Moving Forward, and Family Meeting—designed to help you implement everything from this episode. Get the Special 3 Guide Bundle here.
Your emotional state doesn’t just affect you—it affects your partner, too. In fact, if you don’t learn how to co-regulate, you’ll unintentionally become each other’s stressor instead of each other’s support system. This episode goes beyond managing your own emotions and explores how to stay grounded together, especially in high-stress moments.
We’ll break down what co-regulation really means in marriage, how your nervous systems influence each other in subtle but powerful ways, and how to stop spiraling into fights about the fight. You’ll learn 5 practical steps to co-regulate in real-life moments and how to create a more emotionally safe home—one small choice at a time.
👉 Don’t forget to grab the summer-only special of our 3-guide bundle, featuring the De-Escalating Conflicts Guide, Making Up & Moving Forward Guide, and Family Meeting Guide—all designed to help you stay connected and handle hard moments with more calm and clarity. Available here Special 3 Guide Bundle
Stressful situations are inevitable, but how you handle them together can either strengthen or strain your relationship. In this episode, we talk about the kind of external stress that sneaks up on you: sick kids, surprise job changes, financial curveballs, or even your dog throwing up after eating crayons. But the real breakdown doesn’t come from the stress itself, it comes from when that stress turns into tension between you. Suddenly, you're no longer teammates, you're opponents. That’s when decisions get harder, emotions run hotter, and connection takes a hit.
We share personal stories from our own chaotic summer, what it’s like prepping for big life changes (including being guests on Ed Mylett’s podcast), and how good stress and bad stress can show up in unexpected ways. You’ll also hear real-life examples from couples navigating stress with completely different approaches—and how to stay united even when your instincts don’t align. If you want to face pressure as partners, not enemies, this episode is a must-listen.
👉 Ready to strengthen your connection and navigate tough seasons as a team? Start the Prioritizing Us 30-Day Couples Challenge at mycoupleschallenge.com
What if the key to a deeper, more connected marriage wasn’t just about communicating more, but communicating in the right way? In this episode I sit down with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg, whose newest book Supercommunicators breaks open the science of how real connection happens. We explore how couples often end up having two totally different types of conversations — practical, emotional, or social — without even realizing it, and how that mismatch can quietly erode understanding and intimacy.
Charles also shares how vulnerability and mirroring build emotional closeness, but how quickly that connection can be disrupted by subtle patterns of judgment or control. These hidden dynamics don’t always show up as shouting or criticism. Sometimes they sneak in through trying to fix, correct, or redefine how your partner sees themselves. Whether you're navigating everyday stress or deeper conflict, this episode reveals how to shift from disconnect to understanding, and how to communicate in ways that sync both your brains and your hearts.
Relationship Resources ⬇️
Start the 30-Day Prioritizing Us Couples Challenge to grow your connection, improve communication, and feel like a team again, especially for those that are parents. It starts on June 1st, 2025. You can add your partner for free. www.mycoupleschallenge.com
With all the conflicting relationship advice floating around, like “you shouldn’t need your partner” versus “you should be able to lean on them emotionally”, it’s no wonder couples feel confused about what a healthy marriage really looks like. In this episode we unpack the real difference between codependence, hyper independence, and interdependence and why understanding where you and your partner fall on this spectrum could change everything.
We also share our own journey through these patterns and explore how they show up in daily life, especially in conflict, under stress, and when you’re trying to get your needs met. If you've ever felt too needy, too shut down, or just unsure how to stay connected without losing yourself, this episode is for you. We’ll walk you through the signs, the shifts, and the steps to build a partnership that feels secure and sustainable without giving everything away here.
Relationship Resources Grab our 3 Guides Bundle for deeper connection and conflict repair Includes: • The Family Meeting Guide • The De-Escalating Conflicts Guide • The Making Up and Moving Forward Guide
These tools will help you communicate clearly, reconnect after conflict, and stay united through life’s toughest moments.
What if being a happier couple had less to do with big changes—and everything to do with small, intentional daily habits? In this episode, we’re breaking down five simple but powerful actions that bring more connection, lightness, and emotional closeness into your marriage. These aren’t just “nice to do” ideas—these are the habits that shift the atmosphere in your relationship and help you feel like true teammates again.
We’ll explore the daily patterns that shape how connected or distant you feel, and why certain overlooked moments carry more weight than you realize. Whether you're in a good place or trying to find your way back to each other, these five habits are practical, doable, and surprisingly impactful. Listen in and see which one your relationship might need most right now.
Relationship Resources:
💛 Want us to send you the daily actions that create these kinds of habits? Join the “Prioritizing Us” 30-Day Couples Challenge, it’s designed to help you reconnect in small but meaningful ways and fill your love accounts each day, especially during busy seasons.
Women’s needs in marriage evolve—and if you're not paying attention to those changes, disconnection can creep in even when there’s love. This is especially true in the seasons of motherhood, when emotional, physical, and mental demands are at their highest.
In this week’s podcast episode, we break down the 5 key categories of needs most women have in marriage right now—especially mothers in the thick of parenting. Whether you’re navigating newborn life, toddler chaos, or school-age schedules, this conversation helps both partners understand what matters most for staying connected.
Relationship Resources ⏬
1) If you're ready to reconnect in small but meaningful ways, join the Prioritizing Us 30-Day Couples Challenge. It’s full of daily connection builders that fit into real life—especially in busy seasons like parenting.
2) To make sure that your partner has the best Mothers Day possible, we also have a FREE Mother's Day Prep Guide that you can access (and then use) for this weekend!
3) Also come see us in person at The Couples Workshop in Arizona on Oct.5th, 2025. This will be a half-day of learning and practicing communication and conflict resolution tools that will create real momentum in your marriage NOW!
It’s easy to assume that love alone should keep you feeling connected, but day-to-day life has a way of pulling couples apart without them even realizing it. In this episode, we break down why feeling loved and being committed are two different experiences — and what really determines whether you feel close or distant from your partner.
You'll learn the surprising factor that affects how you interpret everyday moments, why good intentions sometimes miss the mark, and what shifts help couples rebuild emotional closeness over time. If you want to feel more connected, seen, and understood, this conversation will give you the roadmap for the steps to take in your own marriage today.
Relationship Resources:
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting May 1st, 2025 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and raise their love accounts with daily actions! You get the Family Meeting Guide as a bonus, or get it on it's own here.
Suppose that something is bothering you about your partner. The two options are to express it or to suppress it. Likely you have had moments where you have chosen both options. At times when you have expressed it your partner received it well, other times it caused tension or even conflict.
Over time maybe you have started to hold things in instead for the sake of keeping the peace. But then down the line you end up reacting to another situation and you bring up your unhappiness and frustration with all you have been holding in. So when is the right time to bring things up?
This is the question you will get answers to in this episode. It does take a balance and some awareness about how and when to bring up an issue. During this episode you will hear 3 situations where you should express and another 3 situations where it would be best to ‘temporarily’ suppress. With this awareness you should be able to navigate emotional situations for the best outcome for both of you. After all, expressing needs and being understood is a key part of your marital satisfaction.
Relationship Resources 👇
If you want a consistent way to bring things up before they build up… The Family Meeting Guide is for you. It helps you check in weekly—so small frustrations can be shared as seeds, not weeds. Use it on its own, or get it FREE as a bonus when you join the Prioritizing Us Challenge starting May 1st, 2025. 👉 Grab the Family Meeting Guide here 👉 Start the Prioritizing Us Challenge (and get the guide)
Marriage isn’t static; it evolves, and to thrive in it, you have to evolve too. Often, it’s the resistance to this truth, not just the circumstances you face, that makes marriage feel more difficult. Satisfaction goes down, frustration goes up. That’s why personal growth and self-awareness are non-negotiables in a long-term marriage.
In this episode, we unpack what “personal growth and development” actually looks like in a relationship. You’ll hear six key areas to reflect on and bring more awareness to within yourself, before turning to what you want your partner to change. Growth starts with awareness, but we’ll also share specific ideas and actions you can take in each area. This is the path both partners must walk individually so the marriage can continue to evolve in a connected, fulfilling way.
Relationship Resources ⏬
If you’ve felt stuck in patterns lately, don’t miss this. We’ve temporarily re-opened the replay of our Marriage WebClass that 8,000 couples joined last month.
Go to OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com to watch it, and right after registering, you’ll get access to a rare bundle deal of our most powerful marriage guides.
“Throughout the course of your life, you will be married 2–3 times. For some, this will be to the same person.”This sentiment is becoming more widely recognized, and it means you need to be ready for your marriage to evolve. Those who aren’t ready (or who don’t accept this) often go through harder seasons and are more likely to split from their partners. We will all face difficult chapters in the lifespan of a marriage, but those who accept the evolution are the ones who can re-make their marriage with the same partner.
Today’s episode is about the importance of being able to rebuild a marriage when a couple arrives at this crossroad. You’ll hear the 7 steps couples go through to repair and rebuild their marriage for the next season ahead. This is one of the hardest things to do, so it’s not expected that you’ll take all these steps now, or even on your own. But knowing this is the path to rebuilding can give you clarity and hope that you can turn your marriage into what you want it to be.
This episode is meant to help you understand the process and then use one of these resources to guide you through practical steps in this difficult (but ultimately rewarding) phase of marriage. 👇
- Start the 30-Day “Rebuilding Us Couples Challenge", to get daily prompts straight to your inbox that give you the steps to have these rebuilding conversations.
- Use the “Steps to Rebuild a Marriage Guide” to see and follow the tangible steps of the conversations in each of the 7 steps discussed in this episode. Both resources can be found here: MeetTheFreemans.com/rebuild
You can love your spouse and still feel overwhelmed by the unspoken responsibilities constantly running through your mind. The mental load is the invisible to-do list in your head—and when roles and responsibilities feel imbalanced, it can quietly erode connection, create resentment, and impact intimacy.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Morgan Cutlip— author of the upcoming book A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load—for one of the most important conversations couples need to have.
Together we explore: • How to bring up the mental load in a way that unites you, not divides you • A simple but powerful question your spouse can ask instead of getting defensive • What unspoken resentment actually sounds like in day-to-day marriage • The surprising link between mental overload and decreased intimacy • And how to reset your roles and reconnect as a team
Whether you’re the one carrying the weight or you’re not even sure what the “mental load” really is—this episode will open your eyes and strengthen your marriage.
📚And make sure you order her amazing book right here!
Here’s Dr Morgan’s IG, too!
This is the logical followup from last week’s episode about emotional intimacy differences, which is about maintaining physical intimacy with your partner the longer you are together. It might seem obvious to say that men and women are different in this area yet in this episode you will hear a breakdown of some of the modern challenges that lead to a decline in physical intimacy for men and women. Many of these things are the predictable, daily life tasks and stressors that all couples will have.
The main takeaways from listening to this episode will be 6 different things you can take action on now to increase and maintain your satisfaction in your physical intimacy. These are not going to be the mechanics of intimacy however, but the things every couple needs to do and communicate about to be on the same page and better understand what intimacy means to each partner for the season you are currently in as a couple.
Relationship Resources:
1) The LIMITED EDITION Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge, is starting again April 1st, 2025. Over 4000 couples completed this challenge to start this year, many of which felt a real shift even after the first 5 days. We got so many requests for the challenge again, that we are bringing it back for April. But won't be available for another 5-6 months. So do not miss this opportunity to bring back that SPARK 💥
2) After this challenge window closes, take a look at the next available challenges of Prioritize Us or Rebuilding Us. ❣️
Emotional intimacy is a key part of your having high satisfaction in your marriage. The challenge becomes maintaining this the longer you are together with your partner. There are a number of reasons for this that you will hear in this episode, one of the obvious ones being that each partner feels connection in different ways.
In this episode you will hear a breakdown of the differences in emotional intimacy for men and women. You will hear 3 different ways that both men and women feel emotionally close so that you can begin to bring more emotional intimacy into your relationship that meet your current needs and preferences. Over time even your partner begins to seem like “just another part of your day” which reduces the potential for connection. You also might think you know what makes your partner feel emotionally close… but you will be surprised to find that idea outdated for what they need in this current season.
Relationship Resources:
1) The LIMITED EDITION Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge, is starting again April 1st, 2025. Over 4000 couples completed this challenge to start this year, many of which felt a real shift even after the first 5 days. We got so many requests for the challenge again, that we are bringing it back for April. But won't be available for another 5-6 months. So do not miss this opportunity to bring back that SPARK 💥
2) After this challenge window closes, take a look at the next available challenges of Prioritize Us or Rebuilding Us. ❣️
Things are going to happen in your life and marriage. When they do, are you on the same team or find that you turn against each other? This is one of the most important ideas when it comes to having a successful marriage. As hard as we try we just can’t avoid conflict or even external situations happening in our lives that we do not like. But the differnece for successful marriages is that they stay on the same team and do not let these stressors amplify an already difficult situation.
In this episode today you will hear 5 principles for staying on the same team when both small and big things happen in your life together. Remember that whatever situation you find yourselves in is temporary but how you handle it can have a lasting effect on your marriage. When you handle them together you build trust, confidence and your bond; when turn against each other, you make it worse, lose trust, and build resentment.
Relationship Resources ⏬
As mentioned in the episode, get the Family Meeting Guide to help you navigate challenging moments and seasons with the weekly, quarterly, and yearly check-ins to stay on the same team no matter the challenge 👉 https://thecouplesexperience.com/family
Alternatively, you can get the Family Meeting Guide for free as a bonus for starting the Prioritize Us 30-Day Couples Challenge starting in 2 weeks at 👉 https://mycoupleschallenge.com/
Everyone should have the appropriate expectation that things in life won’t always be easy or go your way. This is the same in marriage. Having harder seasons of marriage is a part of the journey a couple needs to accept. Now these harder seasons can come from two places: external circumstances and from poor interactions of your own making!
In this episode you will hear about the 3 changes that need to be made to better handle these hard seasons. The situation will be different based on whether it is an external circumstance out of your control or whether it is from a series of poor patterns that have formed between you. In both cases, making these 3 changes will allow you to handle the season with more togetherness and come out of it stronger.
Relationship Resources:
➡️ Level 1: “Prioritizing Us” is focused on strengthening your connection, communication, and fun “Love Deposit” ideas. LINKED HERE
➡️ Level 2: “Rebuilding Us” is focused on repairing and rebuilding after a harder season of marriage. LINKED HERE
🥇 Also if you have not watched the Couple Things interview with Shawn Johnson & Andrew East, make sure tune into this great interview about Navigating Happy and Hard Seasons of Marriage on YouTube.
Set aside all the things you DO in your marriage and answer this question. Is your heart more open or closed to your partner? It is easy to get stuck in all of the tasks and responsibilities within a marriage and even think that getting these done is the main goal. But what is your experience like most of the time? You can get all your tasks done, but have a heart that is closed off to your partner and you experience disconnection, distance, unappreciation, or even resentment.
The true goal in a marriage is to have an open heart because this is when you experience love, connection, joy, understanding, happiness, and fulfillment. In this episode you will explore this idea of living more with an open heart and get 5 steps to take to keep from closing your heart off to your partner. In the end, we are here to “adult” and get done what we need to, but it will really only add to your marriage satisfaction if you complete these tasks while staying open to each other.
Relationship Resources:
Join the 30 Day Couples Challenge that is the best fit for keeping your heart open:
➡️ Level 1: “Prioritizing Us” is focused on strengthening your connection, communication, and fun “Love Deposit” ideas. LINKED HERE
➡️ Level 2: “Rebuilding Us” is focused on repairing and rebuilding after a harder season of marriage. LINKED HERE
🌟 For all the other resources, including the guides and webclasses: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Last week was our LIVE Marriage Webclass on effective communication, de-escalating conflicts, and repairing after an argument. If you missed registering for that FREE event, you can still access the replay link here. There was so much that we covered that we did not have time to answer any of the questions pertaining to the Before, During, and After skills that we taught.
So on today’s episode we will cover the 3 most common questions we received at the end of the class, so that everyone that was on can get those answers. If you did not watch, you can use the link to still watch, even if you did not, these are very common questions that will be very meaningful for you to hear. These answers will be very practical so that you can use them in your own life immediately. These are the questions you will hear answers to:
✅ What can I do? How do I handle when my partner is defensive/not receptive despite the timing of the conversation.
✅ How do you communicate when expressed needs go unmet? What to do if/when agreements are broken?
✅ What do we do when our partner usually doesn't allow us to take a timeout from a conflict?
Relationship Resources:
➡️ As you listen, make sure you watch the REPLAY of our Live + Free Marriage WebClass. We only host this ONCE a year, and this link will only be available for one more week.
➡️ Find the links to all the guides and 30-day challenges with our resources page here. https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
When you are not having the same type of conversation it is very easy to misunderstand each other. When there is misunderstanding it is easier to get frustrated and have the conversation escalate into a conflict. It is important to know which type of conversation you are having, a logical or emotional one, so that this doesn’t happen.
As much as any one of us thinks we are logically minded people, there is still an underlying emotional need such as respect, understanding, love, partnership ect. This is definitely the case whenever there is some tension or upset. In those moments you have to realize that to be effective in your communication with each other, emotions come before logic. This statement can bring up a few questions so dive into this episode to undercover how to better identify when an emotional conversation is needed versus when you can stick to the logical details of a conversation.
Relationship Resources:
➡️ As you listen, make sure you register for our Live + Free Marriage WebClass coming up February 19th, 2025. We only host this ONCE a year, so don’t miss it!
➡️ Find the links to all the guides and 30-day challenges with our resources page here. https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Raising one’s emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical factor in the long term satisfaction and maturity within a marriage. Without this, the depth of a couple’s connection will be limited and small emotional disruptions will turn into bigger conflicts (and likely never address the root cause). This is a term you have likely heard of before in terms of marriage and other important relationships in your life. But it can often be too abstract and conceptual to be put into practice.
In today’s episode you will hear 5 skills that build EQ. You will get a clear definition of each of these skills as well as the practical action to take to strengthen that muscle. These 5 skills do build on themselves and can be seen as sequential. So as you work on each of these, be sure you are completing each step before moving to the next. By listening to this episode you will have a clear understanding of how to raise your EQ and the benefit it will be for your relationship.
Relationship Resources:
➡️ As you listen, make sure you register for our Live + Free Marriage WebClass coming up February 19th, 2025. We only host this ONCE a year, so don’t miss it!
➡️ Find the links to all the guides and 30-day challenges with our resources page here. https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
As fellow parents, we share in that deep responsibility you feel to equip your kids with healthy relationship skills—and conflict is a huge part of that!
How you and your partner handle disagreements doesn’t just impact your marriage; it actively shapes how your kids will navigate conflict in their own future relationships.
In this episode, we’ll break down four key aspects of conflict that your kids need to witness—and how small shifts can make a lasting impact.
➡️ As you listen, make sure you register for our Live + Free Marriage WebClass coming up in February. We only host this ONCE a year, so don’t miss it 🌟
For video content follow on IG: @meet_the freemans
You are likely aware that conflicts are going to happen, they shouldn’t be avoided, but accepted that they will happen. But how you handle the conflict determines whether it can be connecting and clarifying or it escalates and causes hurt. What really causes it to escalate is when you each are triggered and you let that trigger cause you to just react.
In this episode today you will hear how you can better recognize emotional triggers, which has to be the first step, and then how you can de-escalate before a bigger conflict arises. A key takeaway is that you need to recognize your own triggered events and reaction patterns, but as a partner, how to recognize these in your partner as well.
You will then hear the 2 responsibilities you each have, followed by practical steps to de-escalate as you practice these things. This is the true work to be done in marriage, your marital satisfaction depends on your ability to recognize triggers and keep yourself from reacting in more hurtful ways.
Relationship Resources:
DO NOT MISS the once per year LIVE Marriage Webclass with The Freemans. The date is set for Feb 19th, 2025. This will be a virtual, 1 hour weblcass to communicate more effectively, de-escalate conflicts, and repair from conflicts fully. The class is FREE, but will be limited to 1000 attendees live. There will be a recoding as well, but you will need to register to have it sent to you. We will see you there! Register here: https://onlinecouplesworkshops.com/
After the date passes, you will be able to find the recording and all the other guides and challenges with this link: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Follow us on Instagram @meet_thefreemans
When you have a marriage conflict there are a few options you have as a partner. You can react or you can suppress it. Neither of these are good options. Your two good options are to repair or have a more simple debrief conversation.
In this episode you will hear the simple steps to take to have a debrief conversation. You will hear the difference between when a repair conversation is needed and when you just need this type of debrief conversation. By implementing these steps you can avoid lengthy conversations and get back on the same page faster with the productive steps to be on the same team to move forward.
Relationship Resources From Epsiode:
DE-ESCALATE CONFLICTS GUIDE: A realistic guide to managing your emotions and keeping simple conversations from escalating into overblown fights. It’s the De-escalating Conflicts & Regulating Emotions Guide and it’s only $19.
REPAIR CONFLICTS GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
Most everyone gets into a marriage for the positive feelings of love, compatibility, passion, and creating a future together. It’s these great feelings and potential outcomes that can happen that make marriage a desirable thing. What most people miss is what it requires to be married and maintain the feelings of togetherness and high satisfaction through all the unforeseen challenges and obstacles. It is funny how we all think our relationship will be different from all those who went before us… but the fact is you need to be ready to evolve in ways you can’t see right now.
In this solo episode you will hear from Aaron as he walks through 3 areas of evolution that you need to accept and be ready for if you want to be successful in marriage. Continuing a thread from the previous episode about the acronym COMMITTED, you will dive further into the area of Evolution and Adaptation and these three areas you need to be willing to adapt in, first as an individual, and then as a couple, to have your marriage stand the test of time!
Relationship Resources:
1) This is the last week to participate in the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge. Over 3000 couples have started the challenge to start this new year, many of which felt a real shift even after the first 5 days. This challenge is for JANUARY ONLY, but you can register now and start on Day #1 immediately while getting the 30 consecutive challenge activities right to your inbox.
2) After this challenge window closes, take a look at the next available challenges of Prioritize Us or Rebuilding Us.
Marriage is about bringing out the best in each other. Are you in a season of marriage where you can say that you are bringing out the best in each other? This doesn’t always happen as it does take more intention the longer you are together. Sometimes your conflict patterns of reactions can make it seem as if you are bringing out the worst in each other. Other times you feel constrained and limited in your self expression and individual pursuits because your partner doesn’t accept those parts of you.
In this episode you will hear 6 different actions you can take to actually bring out the best in each other for this year ahead. These actions will be steps to take each day that demonstrate your acceptance, understanding, and support of each other and the person you are each becoming in the marriage. Marriage is itself an evolution and taking these 6 steps will allow for the required individual evolution to happen to become the best versions of yourselves.
Relationship Resources:
To go along with this epiosde, you can be securly on the path to brining out the best in each other by sign-up for the SPECIAL EDITION 30-day couples challenge “The Best of Us” which is now open (but for January ONLY!) This challenge is designed to reignite the spark in your marriage with Intimacy Activities, Connection Prompts, and Appreciation Gestures.
The end of a year is a time to reflect. For our purposes here, it’s a time to reflect on your marriage challenges and identify what you need to alter for the next year, or where you can celebrate the wins that you took from those challenges. Why this is so critical comes down to one of the fundamental aspects of successful marriage… the ability to adapt and evolve!
In this episode we will share our own challenges and wins from 2024 and then intentions and commitments we have going into 2025 in terms of our marriage getting better and better. We hope you can take away the principles and lessons learned from our own challenges and keep yourselves from experiencing the same challenges as we did!
THEN, Sign-up for the SPECIAL EDITION 30-day couples challenge “The Best of Us” which starts January 1st (and will be closed the rest of the year!) This challenge is designed to reignite the spark in your marriage with Intimacy Activities, Connection Prompts, and Appreciation Gestures.
No one gets married to feel like roommates, so let’s talk about being romantic partners. In this episode, we’re diving into how to reignite the spark, stay emotionally connected, and make intimacy a priority—even in the midst of busy schedules, kids, and daily responsibilities.
By listening you'll hear practical ways to overcome complacency, keep the romance alive, and create moments of connection that strengthen your bond. Whether it’s through small gestures or intentional conversations, you’ll leave with actionable tips to feel closer and more in love with your partner this year. Don’t miss this conversation—it’s one every couple needs to hear!
Relationship Resources:
Sign-up for the SPECIAL EDITION 30-day couples challenge “The Best of Us” which starts January 1st (and will be closed the rest of the year!) This challenge is designed to reignite the spark in your marriage with Intimacy Activities, Connection Prompts, and Appreciation Gestures.
Marriage is both challenging and rewarding. One of the reasons for this is that it takes evolving into a better and better partner as the years pass. If both people accept this evolution then it leads to a great marriage, even through the inevitable challenges that a couple will face.
With all the marriage content out there it can seem overwhelming, complex, or even uncertain about how one can become a better version of themselves in terms of the relationship. In this episode you will be given the acronym COMMITTED to outline the 9 things that an individual needs to do over the course of a marriage to become their best version and play their role in experiencing a truly great marriage together.
From the episode mention, join the brand new January ONLY "Best of Us" Couples Challenge starting January 1st, 2025 - this new 30 day challenge is for couples to get out of the function and routine of a busy life and spark more closeness, excitement, & intimacy for the new year.
If you are not experiencing this already, having a structured, reliable, and well functioning marriage is definitely a goal. This brings a great sense of relief, peace, and being a team. However, at different times for each of you, there will be a feeling that something is missing, that there is something more that is needed. A marriage is meant to go beyond the function and to strong connection and closeness.
What can make this slightly complicated is the timing for each of you, but also the activities that have you each feel connected are going to be different. This is where communication and meaningful conversations are needed that go beyond the daily tasks. You will also need to gain awareness of the more subtle “ways of being” with each other if you truly want to enter the state of connection, joy, closeness, and love. In this episode you will hear about the state of function and how to move into the state of connection and closeness in ways that are meaningful to each of you.
Relationship Resources
Join the brand NEW January ONLY "Best of Us" Couples Challenge starting January 1st, 2025 - this new 30 day challenge is for couples to get out of the function and routine of a busy life and spark more closeness, excitement, & intimacy for the new year.
36,000 couple have taken our previous challenges and so many of you asked for more daily prompts. Your requests have now been answered with this Best of Us Challenge!
Every couple experiences this particular moment of decision making when a small topic can turn into a bigger conflict. Here you are, minding your own business, your partner says or does something that frustrates you… this is the moment that can keep it as a “blip” or turn the tides towards escalating into a conflict.
Surely you can look back at moments like these and think it would be so simple to keep the conversation constructive. So why do these moments get the best of us and go the way of conflict?
In this episode we dive into the topics of the subconscious, memory, and emotion that gets stored in our bodies and drives our reactions over simple reasoning that would keep us on the same team with our partners. You will hear 3 steps to take to better handle these blip moments and stay more on the same team together (especially when holidays are around the corner)!
Relationship Resources from the episode:
1) Get The Family Meeting Guide - either on its own here, or as a bonus for starting the Prioritize Us Challenge that starts Dec 1st.
2) If you want to get access to the discounted 3 Guide Bundle we mentioned, go to our Instagram (@meet_thefreemans) and send us a DM using the word "special". We will then send the link to this extended limited offer.
Yes we have a secure relationship and marriage now. But we certainly had to overcome our initial anxious and avoidant tendencies early on. Even now, those tendencies can still show up; we have just done the work to handle situations, emotions, and conflicts in healthy and secure ways to stay on the same team.
In this episode you will hear us tell our relationship story as the background for how you can overcome any of your own insecure attachment patterns. You will hear the quick reminder of:
- the 4 attachment styles,
- the 5 core pillars within each style,
- and then the things we did in our own life to be in the secure place we are now, and no matter what life events happen to us.
In telling our story you will take away many great steps you can take to further cement yourselves a secure foundation to add to your connection, closeness, and trust in your marriage.
Relationship Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Get The Family Meeting Guide - either on its own here, or as a bonus for starting the Prioritize Us Challenge that starts Dec 1st.
- If you listened all the way to the end, take the action we mentioned while using the word "special". Be sure you listen all the way through for the special offer of the 3 guides together!
Imagine a scenario where you and your partner are having a conversation. In the middle you begin to feel as if what you are saying is clear, but your partner doesn’t seem to be getting it. You start to get frustrated, your tone or volume changes, so then they get annoyed or irritated and the conversation begins to escalate.
This episode is all about how the meaning of conversations can easily get misunderstood and misinterpreted. The longer you are in a relationship the higher chance there is of this happening. Now you do have two choices, you can keep trying to get your partner to understand in that moment, which leads to tension.
Or you both can take these 3 actions from this episode to better understand where these misunderstandings come from. It’s a common and natural thing to happen, but it takes awareness and execution to keep it from persisting in your relationship.
Relationship Resources
The 30-day challenge and all of the guides that were mentioned can be found with our resources link here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
- Be sure to take advantage of the Family Meeting Guide as you begin to refelct on your year and start to set your goals and intentions togther for the next year.
- You can get this guide as a FREE bonus for starting the Prioritize Us 30-Day Couples Challenge
Whenever you meet an obstacle it is common to ask “why” it happened or even “why” you started down this particular path. You might even ask yourself why you got married or why you should continue when it feels particularly challenging with your partner. There are different ideas (and even studies) that give reasons for why people get married. The top ones are for love and companionship while the next on the list are to have kids, followed by financial and legal reasons.
In this episode you will hear us propose our reason for getting married, which is different from any you will find on these lists. If being married was only for love and companionship for example, how would you then handle the harder moments and when you aren’t ‘feeling’ those positive emotions? Throughout this episode you will hear 3 alternatives for being married in hopes that it radically alters your current perceptions of difficulty in your marriage and gives you renewed strength to go forward as a team.
Relationship Resources:
The 30-Day Couples Challenge starts 3 days from the time this is posted, so you’ll want to pick between Level 1 and Level 2. Go to MeetTheFreemans.com/Challenges. See why over 36,000 couples have loved the prompts, no matter how busy you are.
Is feeling emotion within yourself something you welcome or try to avoid? What about when emotion is expressed by your partner, do you experience that as a sign of something bad starting up or as an invitation to listen? Emotion is at the root of relationships, it is what makes it satisfying and fulfilling as well as the starting point of conflicts.
So what is the role of emotion and does it have a real place in a relationship? In this episode you will hear the answer to this question as well as the common barriers and challenges to “holding space for” your partner’s emotions? This is not a simple task so you will know what this “holding space for emotions” term really means and get practical tips for being better at this type of listening with each other. This can lead to more connection and emotional closeness, which is a fundamental aspect of a satisfying relationship over the long term.
Relationship Resources
If you haven’t done our Level 2 “Rebuilding Us” Couples Challenge, we highly recommend doing that before the end of the year. We dive deeper into 10 foundation builders in a marriage, like emotional intelligence, the art of apologies, the needle-movers for each of you in the marriage, and more! You can look at both our Level 1 and Level 2 Couple’s Challenges at MeetTheFreemans.com/links
In marriage, unresolved hurts can pile up over time, creating distance and eroding trust. That’s why forgiveness is one of the most crucial (yet challenging) elements to maintaining a healthy, connected relationship. But what does true forgiveness actually look like? And what blocks it from happening?
In this episode, we dive into the depths of forgiveness: what it is and what it isn’t, why it’s essential for moving forward, and how it affects your closeness as a couple. We’ll also explore real-life examples of where forgiveness may be needed in marriage, what keeps couples stuck in hurt, and practical steps to move towards genuine healing. Whether you're navigating small offenses or deep ruptures, understanding forgiveness could be the key to breaking free from repetitive conflict cycles.
As you listen, we recommend these two relationship resources:
-
The Level 2 “Rebuilding Us” Couples Challenge
-
The Steps to Rebuild a Marriage Guide
Does it ever feel like you and your partner have different goals or even that your needs are conflicting with one another? This can be obvious when one partner is saying they need more quality time and the other is saying they need more time for themselves. But there is another conflicting goal that men and women have that is hard to detect.
In this episode you will hear what this conflicting goal is, that you would likely never guess. From all the sessions we do, as well as having hosted our Couples Workshop, this is an underlying subconscious goal that is more pervasive than you realize. Listen in to make sure it is not affecting your relationship and hear what a better more collaborative goal is to have.
Relationship Resources
You can find all of our best resources from guides, 30 day challenges, and webclasses, with this link: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
One of the most common questions we get is “how do we create more emotional connection” with each other. The most popular question is about repair, but this is in second place! This is a great question because there isn’t a single answer because it often depends on the season a couple is in and what the most meaningful needs are for each partner in that given season. Nevertheless, the constant creation of emotional connection is one of the single most important elements for having high satisfaction in a marriage.
In this episode, we will reveal what we see as the 5 key components of emotional connection. Though you will have to use each of these aspects and determine how it fits into your current season, you will be much more clear and confident that you can create more closeness with your partner at any time. Being able to do this, you will also feel more secure about facing challenges that arise as a true team!
Relationship Resources:
Join one of the 30 Day Couples Challenges starting Oct 1st, 2024:
Level 1: “Prioritizing Us” is focused on strengthening your connection, communication, and fun “Love Deposit” ideas. LINKED HERE
Level 2: “Rebuilding Us” is focused on repairing and rebuilding after a harder season of marriage. LINKED HERE
It’s important for all of us to admit that we have defensive mechanisms and that we do get defensive with our partners at times. Let’s allow ourselves some grace here. Many of you would probably relate to getting even more defensive about getting defensive! It is common to go on the offensive through deflection or blame, which can leave another feeling that their experience is being invalidated.
However that does not mean that someone is being gaslighted. Gaslighting is a much more serious pattern when it is happening, and is a strong accusation to make that can quickly escalate a conversation or conflict. In this episode you will hear the clear distinction between defensiveness and gaslighting so that you can use the terms properly and reduce escalation. By the end of the episode you will hear 6 different actions to take to reduce both defensiveness and gaslighting in your relations. Both of these lead to erosion of connection, love, and emotional closeness.
Relationship Resources:
Join one of the 30 Day Couples Challenges starting Oct 1st, 2024 - select either one with this link: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/challenges. Or see the individual details below:
Level 1 details: “Prioritizing Us” is focused on strengthening your connection, communication, and fun “Love Deposit” ideas. LINKED HERE
Level 2 details : “Rebuilding Us” is focused on repairing and rebuilding after a harder season of marriage. LINKED HERE
Today we explore the turning points where marriages either survive or fall apart, when they hit that "make it for break it" decision point. We've seen five couples end their relationships recently, one even filing papers yesterday, yet none of them reached out for support from us. Given marriage is what we do, it came as a shock to us when we heard the news.
We know many people have this expereince when they hear about friends ending their relationships. So we want to give you the reasons why couples get to this point and WAYS to work at it. In this episode we provide you with clarity as to the build up that gets couples to this point, but also how they can get THROUGH it together. Not just to survive, but to become more understanding, connected, and stronger as a team to face future challenges!
Relationship Resources:
The “Rebuilding Us” 30-Day Couples Challenge, The Steps to Rebuild a Marriage Guide, and more all LINKED HERE.
How would you rate the amount of stress in your life right now? We all know that some stress is good stress and that it’s a part of life. Its commonly known that stress plays a major role in physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all of us individually. It’s less known (or at least discussed) how much stress decreases marriage satisfaction and quality!
In today’s episode you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the effects of stress on your marriage. After listening to this episode you will know:
- The 3 sources of stress
- How stress directly affects 2 key components in your marriage
- Ways to use key coping methods to deal with stress individually and together
- 10 + positive coping strategies that you can use to better handle the current stressors that you are facing in your life and marriage. So that you can feel relief and be on the same side no matter what stress you face.
Relationship Resources:
1) You can find all of our resources from guides, webclasses, events, to coaching sessions with this link: Best Resources
2)Join us at the in-person Couples Workshop in Arizona on Oct 6th, 2024. Use this as a weekend getaway for you and your partner and attend this 1/2 day event with us to communicate even better and handle challeges as a team.
When there is tension or an upset in your marriage, it’s easy to point the finger at your partner as the source of the discomfort. But this often leads to further conflict. It also does not address this critical aspect of being in a marriage for a long time… that growth is a part of it! The common question for those that see these events as places to grow is “well, is this a me thing, a you thing, or a we thing”!
Today’s episode is more motivational (and aspirational) about growth in your relationship. You will hear how you can quickly distinguish between the necessary individual work that needs to be done as well as the relationship work that needs to be focused on. After listening to this episode you both will feel more grace for each other with the reminder that you are in this to grow and you are in it together!
Relationship Resources:
1) Discover all our online resources here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
2) Join us at the in-person Couples Workshop on Oct 6th, 2024. As of this episode, the event is 60% sold out so don't wait to grab your seats for this relationship changing event!
Last week’s episode focused on husbands was a huge hit, so this week we’re focusing on what inner-challenge wives are struggling with and how it’s affecting marriages. In this episode, we dive into the pressure many wives feel to constantly do more, grow more, and be more—often at the expense of their own well-being.
This relentless pursuit can lead to burnout, resentment, and a disconnect in marriages. We’ll explore why it’s crucial to recognize these patterns, how they impact your relationship, and what you can do to create a healthier, more balanced approach. Tune in to discover how you can start making small shifts that will lead to a stronger, more fulfilling marriage.
As you listen, make sure you sign-up for the upcoming 30-Day “Prioritizing Us” Couples Challenge so you can:
- Fill each other’s Love Accounts
- Strengthen your connection & communication
- And consistently feel like your marriage (and your satisfaction) is a top priority
Men are facing an inner-challenge that is also affecting the marriage. For men to feel a sense of meaning, empowerment, responsibility, value, and achievement they have to show up in the eternal world a certain way. Whether this be in business, profession, managing finances or contracts for the family, relationships with family/friends; men are supposed to show up as warriors, lions, unstoppable, and unshakeable in their pursuits…
But at home that same mentality causes issues and conflicts. Men are then supposed to be understanding, supportive, slow to anger, quick to listen, and in a loving attitude to meet their spouses needs. But without knowing how to transition back to being a partner; men can be defensive, quick to react, withdrawn, and with poor coping and communication with their partners. In this episode you will hear about how men can navigate this internal conflict so they can both be the warrior and protect the family in the outside world, and be a loving partner and father.
Relationship Resources:
Level 1: “Prioritizing Us” is focused on strengthening your connection, communication, and fun “Love Deposit” ideas. LINKED HERE
Level 2: “Rebuilding Us” is focused on repairing and rebuilding after a harder season of marriage. LINKED HERE
Are you able to have a disagreement with your partner without fighting against each other? To be honest many couples view having a disagreement as a fight, because anytime they disagree and there is a little bit of emotion, it always turns into a fight. We are here to tell you that you can disagree while staying on the same team and moving down the decision making path together to find the best route for both of you and your future.
In this episode you will hear 6 different tools/skills to implement in a moment of disagreement that will keep you on the same side and avoid it turning into a conflict or fight. This is a significant and powerful episode as you cannot avoid disagreement in a marriage, but you can use that to gain understanding and make even better decisions as a couple, rather than have it turn into a fight.
Relationship Resources:
1) Visit our top resources for the season you are in, find anything from guides, to challenges, courses, and even attending an in person workshop: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
2) The Next Couples Workshop is Oct 6th, 2024, in Arizona: http://thecouplesworkshop.com/
This is the second half of that age old question “what do men want” in a marriage? If having a successful marriage is directly related to meeting each other’s needs then it’s quite important to know what those needs are. This episode is the followup from last week about women's needs right now.
With the amount of coaching sessions we do, we have a great insight into the common needs that are going unmet for couples. There are themes that seem to show up in general, so even the specific needs we hear from men in one season, will not be the same in another (though admittedly more consistent than women’s it seems)!
In this episode you will hear the top 3 needs we are hearing from men right now. A little different from the start of the women’s needs episode, you will also hear 3 key traits that also need to be present in the marriage for there to be willingness and receptivity to these needs. Get ready for a great episode for insight into men’s needs (and the critical element of integrity)!
Relationship Resources:
1) As mentioned, get the Family Meeting Guide as a free bonus when you start the Priotitize Us 30 Day Couples Challenge for $1/day.
2) You can also get the Family Meeting Guide by itself for $19.
It’s the age old question “what do women want” in a marriage? If having a successful marriage is directly related to meeting each other’s needs then it’s quite important to know what those needs are. This episode will be a two part series that will follow up with exploring the needs that men have as well (so don’t feel left out guys)!
With the amount of coaching sessions we do, we have a great insight into the common needs that are going unmet for couples. There are themes that seem to show up in general, so even the specific needs we hear from women in one season, will not be the same in another.
In this episode you will hear the top 3 needs we are hearing from women right now, which are especially related to the longer a couple is together. As you will hear from the beginning, these needs are more like categories than specific actions. If you look at them this way then it won’t seem like a moving target from one season to another. Focus on these 3 categories and you will find more flexibility and effectiveness in meeting the needs in the years to come.
Relationship Resources:
Want fun, simple, and sweet ideas for feeling more Prioritized by each other? Make sure you take advantage of the 30-Day “Prioritizing Us’ couples challenge that is starting less than 2 days from when this is posted. Go to MyCouplesChallenge.com
No matter how busy you are, these prompts are realistic but shake things up a bit and get you out of the routine in your interactions. Just read the testimonials and you’ll see why over 32,000 couples have loved our challenges.
The success of your life and marriage isn’t as much about the things that happen to you, but how well you can course-correct. This goes for bigger life decisions about where to live, send your kids to school, and where to spend money. As well as the amount of time to pass before initiating repair after a conflict, the attitude you wake up with, and even the thoughts you let your mind focus on.
So then what does “course-correcting” actually look like in regard to these decisions? That is exactly what you will hear in the episode. You are going to hear 4 questions to ask yourselves that will help you to determine whether you are on path or off path, which greatly impacts your satisfaction in your life and marriage together. (So yes it’s pretty important!)
Relationship Resources Mentioned
The Level 1 “Prioritizing Us” 30-Day Couples Challenge (you get the popular Family Meeting guide as a bonus gift with this)
The Level 2 “Rebuilding Us” 30-Day Couples Challenge (repairing and rebuilding after a harder season of marriage)
Additional Guides - https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Whether you’ve been in a funk as a couple, or things have just felt pretty routine with your “adulting” responsibilities, this episode will help you SPARK more fun together!
The truth is, life is short. And we don’t believe we’re meant to just let the weeks pass by and survive our busy schedule. Of course there are challenging days (and you hear us talk about that), but let’s enter into a season of more fulfillment, connection, and play together.
You will hear 5 very tangible and actionable ways to spark more fun together, so dive on in!
We often hear couples say, “we get inspired and motivated to create these changes for a few days, and then we forget or get off track.” And that’s exactly why we created the 30-Day Couples Challenge!
Relationship Resources (pick between):
Level 1: “Prioritizing Us” is focused on strengthening your connection, communication, and fun Love Deposit ideas. LINKED HERE - https://mycoupleschallenge.com/
Level 2: “Rebuilding Us” is focused on repairing and rebuilding after a harder season of marriage. LINKED HERE - https://mycoupleschallenge.com/rebuilding
Talk about things before they become a bigger issue. On our vacation with family, I brought up the topic of intimacy (physical specifically) and it sparked a great conversation between us. Now for many this could be a conversation that isn’t brought up and turns into a bigger issue later. This is when it can turn into a “weed” that impacts your marriage. Or it could be a conversation that causes defensiveness and conflict. Neither of these are positive options.
You see, we want to talk about how we’re feeling and what we want BEFORE it starts to affect you and the connection, trust, or openness you have with your partner.
In this episode you will hear us discuss:
- What’s a “seed” in the relationship vs a “weed”
- What happens when we don’t discuss things soon enough
- How to think about bringing these things up and making it a productive conversation
Relationship Resources:
The Level 1 “Prioritizing Us” 30-Day Couples Challenge (you get the popular Family Meeting guide as a bonus gift with this)
The Level 2 “Rebuilding Us” 30-Day Couples Challenge (repairing and rebuilding after a harder season of marriage)
You’ve likely heard of the now popular Attachment Theory about having a secure, safe, trusting, and connected relationship. If you have, likely what you’ve seen is quite conceptual and you are not sure how to use the information. If you have not heard of this theory it simply describes how you connect and bond with a partner and how that was influenced by your parents (or primary caregiver) as well as other romantic relationships you have been in (primary attachment figures).
For us Attachment Theory has become so popular online, rightfully so, but without the right experts describing how to use this theory to make a difference in your own relationship, or how to actually change your style. In this episode you will hear from Attachment Theory expert, counselor, PhD, author, and founder of Personal Development School, Thais Gibson! You will hear her cover:
- The 4 Attachment Styles (quickly)
- The 5 Pillars and traits of each style
- How to reprogram your conscious mind (where attachment needs and behaviors come from) with tools like autosuggestion to change your style
Relationship Resources
Take the FREE Quiz to determine your Attachment Style: https://attachment.personaldevelopmentschool.com/quiz
Learn more from the Personal Development School:
https://university.personaldevelopmentschool.com/
Join our 30-Day Couples Challenges (level 1 or 2) starting July 1st, 2024
https://www.meetthefreemans.com/challenges
Many communications between couples can cause misunderstandings. This leads to more expectations and further frustrations and upsets. Then these upsets can turn into conflicts. Though it seems simple to just “listen better”, listening is not the same as hearing.
Listening is the requirement for understanding, but even then, it does not guarantee complete and accurate understanding of what was actually meant by your partner.
Though much of this has to do with the listener's role, there is also much to say about the speaker and how they deliver the message so as to not create mistranslations.
In this episode you will hear:
- Mistakes the speaker makes
- Mistakes the listener makes
- 5 tips for more productive conversations
- Plus the psychology principles that can prevent communications from being misunderstood or turning into conflicts.
Relationship Resources:
1) Join the upcoming 30-Day Couples Challenge “Prioritizing Us”, proven to improve your interactions, help you understand each other more, strengthen your connection, and fill your Love Accounts. https://mycoupleschallenge.com/
2) For links to our top resources and guides: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
“I’m sorry” - 2 little words that can not only be challenging for some partners to say, but also can mean MANY different things.
So in today’s episode we cover:
- Several specific reasons apologizing can be harder for some (self-awareness)
- Why couples can battle over whether the ‘I’m sorry’ is deemed “necessary”
- The different meanings of “I’m sorry” and how to expand your language for more things to say in these moments
- How to get better at apologizing, big or small
We encourage BOTH of you to listen to this episode and talk about how you can both be better. Because these little moments truly can strengthen your bond or erode your ability to respect each other. We know, strong statement, but respect is tied to this.
As you listen, make sure you get our popular Making Up & Moving Forward guide. These repair steps prevent re-triggering a conflict, having to re-hash the details, and ensures you both feel resolved.
“How do I get my partner to _____?” This is one of the most common questions we get. Obviously this is referring to wanting a partner to change a behavior in a certain area of the relationship. Underneath that question is the real question of “what is going to motivate my partner?”
If you have ever had this experience of wanting your partner to change something, but they didn’t, you likely felt discouraged or even burnt out. This was likely because you have been asking for things to change for some time now, but nothing did.
In this episode you will hear about the process of motivation and being able to achieve a result you have been wanting to have in your relationship. You will get the 6 steps of the decision making process and how to overcome the motivation threshold so that you do not feel that same burnout or discouragement from not seeing a change happen. In the end you will realize there was something even better for you than the goal you initially set out to achieve!
Relationship Resources:
1) For use in your "Evaluation Step" from the episode, here is the link to the Family Meeting Guide - https://thecouplesexperience.com/family
2) Start the level 1 Prioritizing Us 30-Day Couples Challenge and get the Family Meeting guide as a free bonus. - https://mycoupleschallenge.com/
3) Start the level 2 Rebuiulding Us Couples Challenge - https://mycoupleschallenge.com/rebuilding
We said to several couples last week: “The ultimate sign of a secure marriage is knowing that even if one of you says something at the wrong time, in the wrong way, or with the wrong tone, the other person will be responsible for their reaction.”
And this is the ultimate goal for so many couples.
So dive in today as we cover:
- The 4 D’s that derail conversations and destroy your connection
- 3 strategies for being responsible for your reactions
- Further understanding of the brain so you don’t act from 2 of them in unproductive ways.
As you listen, get 2 of our popular guides:
De-escalating Conflicts & Regulating Emotions HERE
Making Up & Moving Forward (repair steps after conflicts) HERE
Do you know what you need in your relationship? Whether you do or not right in this moment, knowing what you need is certainly a requirement for being able to communicate and act to fulfill it. This is the basis for having a satisfying relationship.
In this episode we go deeper into explaining our process for effectively communicating your needs and what being assertive really means. But you will also have a new perspective on whether you really know what you need or not. It is not as simple as you think.
Relationship Resources:
Both of the 30 Day Couples Challenges start on Jne 1st.
The Level 1 - Prioritizing Us Challenge
The Level 2 - Rebuilding Us Challenge
Can you count on each other completely? Not with just the BIG things, but also with the small daily things in your life?
Building and living a great life with each other is only possible if you can count on, TRUST, each other. When you see the word “trust” it’s easy to think of big things around feeling physically safe or being truthful in what you say. But this conversation gets way more into your day-to-day experiences that either lead to doubting each other and losing trust or increasing the reliability and foundational confidence you have no matter what comes up.
Being attracted to each other, feeling connected, being intimate, and having fun together, is only possible if you can COUNT on each other as partners and that you each are operating as people of integrity to these 4 things…
Relationship Resources:
It is the last week to attend the in person Couples Workshop with us in Arizona on May 26th. Check out the details and reserve your seats here: http://thecouplesworkshop.com
If that date is past, or you are looking for immediate resrouces, like the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide: you can see all the resoruces here.
Which of these 7 stages of marriage are you two in right now? Knowing this not only gives you perspective about navigating your current season, but also what’s ahead of you in the bigger picture of being married for many years.
It is unrealistic to think that every season of marriage should be the same, or will be in the same order as another couple’s. But also, we should be able to navigate some of the harder stages more quickly so they don’t last too long or rob us of joy and fulfillment in living life together.
RELATIONSHIP RESOURCES:
- Meet us in-person at The Couples Workshop in Arizona at the end of May.
- Start the Prioritize Us 30-Day Couples Challenge and see why over 25,000 couples have loved these prompts!
We all want some degree of change in our lives, and our relationships. So long as they are the changes we want! Change can be difficult if it brings about a lot of unknown, or if the change you desire requires your partner to change some of their behavior.
But what is it that creates change and how do you get the results that you really want? In this episode we outline the drives and motivations behind creating change and the one foundational element that you must be able to identify if any real change is going to happen, let alone last!
Relationship Resources
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May 26th, 2024 is The Couples Workshop in Arizona. If you have been wanting to join us in person for this 1/2 day event to create positive change in your communiation and conflict resolution, save your seat today! Make this a little vacation/reset for both of you.
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If the May workshop is past, make sure to check out which online resource is best for the change you are looking to make: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Building connection (and closeness) with your partner is fundamental to having a happy and satisfying relationship. Yet it’s the first thing that takes a back seat when you are busy, stressed, or just in the routine of your life.
Yes, maintaining connection takes effort. If you thought you could be in a marriage without effort, someone needs to inform your partner! But it doesn’t need to be extravagant or just be when you have time for date nights. In this episode you will hear 3 ways to build and maintain connection in your everyday life, so that your long-term life can be satisfying for both of you!
Relationship Resources
The next round of 30 Day Couples Challenges start May 1st. Now we have the level 1, prioritizing Us, and the level 2, Rebuilding Us challenges. You can see the details of both of them at our main weblink here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
The last 2 years could have torn us apart and made us turn against each other. It felt like life was throwing everything at us at once, all while we had a newborn baby.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Our personal journey of what trials we faced over the last 2 years
- How exactly we triumphed after these challenges and got stronger than EVER
- What social psychology says about overcoming stressors and adversity
- 4 areas of wisdom to guide you through anything you face as a couple
As you listen, make sure you also get signed up for one of our 30-Day Couples Challenges:
The Level 1 ‘Prioritizing Us’ Challenge focuses on filling your Love Accounts, improving your communication, and strengthens your connection.
The Level 2 ‘Rebuilding Us’ Challenge focuses on repairing and rebuilding the foundation of your partnership after being in a harder season of marriage.
Who's to blame for your frustrating problems and patterns in your relationship?
It's obviously your partner, right... they're the problem. No… blaming them doesn't get you anywhere, in fact it makes things worse and more difficult to get out of.
If there's one thing that is inarguable in social psychology it's that relationships are bi-directional.Meaning, your attitude, actions, and choices affect your partner's attitude, actions, and choices, and vice versa.
Unfortunately many couples stay stuck in frustrating cycles or without a solution because they aren't in a problem-solving state. If you truly operate as a team and dive a little deeper into WHY you keep encountering this frustrating pattern, you can overcome it together.
In this episode you’ll hear a deep-dive into:
- The 5 root causes of most marriage problems/issues
- 4 self-reflective questions to ask yourself to identify your partner in the situation
- Understanding more about a psychology approach to effective problem solving
Use this link to join the mentioned Rebuilding Us 30-Day Couples Challenge (level 2).
Or for other resources, link on our general website link.
There are disagreements in your relationship, and then there are Power Struggles! These power struggles are more detrimental and have deeper rooted contributing factors. They keep you from being the best team possible and being able to come up with mutually beneficial solutions for your family. In today’s episode we dive into:
- How to define a power struggle
- The goal of interdependence, rather than co-dependence or independence
- Contributing factors to being in a power struggle
- Communication skills to be more collaborative + harmonious
Dive into our Relationship Resources:
📔 Family Meeting guide
💻 Marriage WebClass
❣️ Our NEW 30-Day Couples Challenge: Rebuilding US
…and more!
ALL LINKED HERE
Your family is a source of support, love, and acceptance. Now there are certainly times that our perception of actions from family members make us forget those underlying intentions. Of course this can be even more true when you are interacting (or dealing with) your partner’s family members (your in-laws)!
There is always the grand idea that two sides of a family can come together and just magnify the sense of community, family, and support, but that doesn’t always happen. It can be common that each of your own families (and how you individually interact with them) can be a source of conflict, even between you and your partner. In this episode we dive into some of these sources of conflict and 5 particular patterns that you should avoid as to not make your partner out to be the bad guy with your family!
Relationship Resources:
It's April 1st, 2024 and we now have TWO 30-Day Couples Challenges that you can start!
1) The Prioritize Us Couples Challenge - daily activities to grow your love accounts
2) The Rebuilding Us Couples Challenge - daily prompts to repair and rebuild after a hard season.
The basis of a strong marriage is how well you handle 3 “stages” of interactions. These 3 stages are before, during and after conflicts. The before stage is all about communication and being able to prevent conflicts from even happening. The during conflict stage is about de-escalating tensions and potential conflicts. The after stage is about how you repair when conflicts to happen (because they will)
In this episode you will hear the tools you will need to master each of the 3 stages and putting them all together will make you feel unstoppable and confident that you can handle any challenge as a team.
This episode is our "audio version" of the webclass we just hosted. So be sure to watch the replay of the webclass while it’s still available. You can find it here on our Top Resources Page.
There you can also find the BRAND NEW ‘Level 2’ 30-Day Couples Challenge that is all about repairing and rebuilding from a hard season. This is the advanced “Rebuilding Us Couples Challenge”!
Emotional Intelligence (or lack thereof) can truthfully be a make it or break it factor for a marriage. It’s a big part of what helps you be connected, navigate hardship and disagreements, and embrace your differences. It’s also what can cause feelings of “walking on egg-shells” or be what escalates simple miscommunications into big conflicts. Yet nowadays this term can be used too conceptually, and you know we are all about making things useful and practical!
In this episode you’ll hear:
- 6 keys to Emotional Intelligence
- Examples of how these look in your marriage
- How to improve in each one
Also, our LIVE Marriage WebClass is next week, March 25th! And we only host these two times a year, so get signed up here. (yes, it’s free!) Spots will be limited to 500, so make sure to join early for Communicating Constructively, De-escalating Conflicts, and Repairing Arguments webclass.
After March 25th, visit our resource link for the latest guides, courses, and events
You can’t build a strong marriage on a weak foundation. But do you know what the ingredients for a rock-solid foundation are? Well don’t worry, we’re covering that today and we’re certain this will open up some great conversations for you two.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The 5 foundations to a strong marriage
- Specific examples so that you can have these conversations with your partner
- How these can help guide you when you disagree and/or encounter hard moments
Also, make sure you utilize our resources because we have a long waitlist for private sessions:
- Steps to Rebuild guide
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Prioritize Us 30-Day Couples Challenge
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Making Up & Moving Forward guide
You don’t often “think about your own psychology”, life is just happening and you are responding. So when it comes to interactions with your partner, it's easy to defend yourself when your perspective is brought into question. The cycle continues when you go back and forth about who remembers events more accurately.
Your perception and memory are all a part of your psychology. These are actually very complex cognitive functions that can easily make errors and include bias you are not even aware of. In this episode we intend to share some of these errors and biases with the intent that you loosen the grip you have on being right and be willing to be more flexible with your own perception to bring more understanding into your marriage.
Resources For Your Relationship:
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Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting April 1st, 2024 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
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STEPS TO REBUILD A MARRIAGE GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to the process of rebuilding a marriage after a hard and prolonged season of disconnect or hurt. It’s the Rebuild a Marriage Guide and it’s only $19.
From the thousands of coaching sessions, DMs, and emails that we receive, we tend to see themes come up in marriage. You would be surprised to learn how common certain topics are for couples, that all seem to come up in the same weeks and months. We are not here to hypothesize about why that is, but just make these themes known.
This is the highly anticipated followup episode from last week’s on mistakes men are making. Lately we have been noticing themes around Women and mistakes they are making in marriage. These are not character flaws but just patterns of behavior that we see adding to the dynamics in marriage. Today you will hear from Jocelyn on this solo episode about the 3 mistakes women are making: Criticisms, Conclusions, Consistency
Resources For Your Relationship:
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Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting March 1st, 2024 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
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If the challenge start already passed, you can find all of our resoruces from guides, to courses, to coaching sessions with this link: Best Resources
From the thousands of coaching sessions, DMs, and emails that we receive, we tend to see themes come up in marriage. You would be surprised to learn how common certain topics are for couples, that all seem to come up in the same weeks and months. We are not here to hypothesize about why that is, but just make these themes known.
Lately we have been noticing themes around men and mistakes they are making in marriage. These are not character flaws but just patterns of behavior that we see adding to the dynamics in marriage. Today you will hear from Aaron on this solo episode about the 3 mistakes men are making: Reserved, Responsibility, and Receptivity.
If you are new to listening or just looking for where to go for the best relationship resources we have, you can find everything from simple conflict guides, webclasses, books, and dates for upcoming events here with out Resources Link.
The scenario is that your partner makes a comment, you sense they are a little irritated. They may very well have a frustration but have expressed it with a mild (level 2) upset. Yet you are not in a conflict or argument. But as you talk back and forth, you start giving explanations and justifications and an early onset of defensiveness starts to create a divide. This is a critical moment where you could even say to each other “this doesn’t have to become a thing …”
Often these moments are not handled properly and now it does turn into something. You have this energy between you and your partner that for many can cause you to go do your own separate things and even have you ruin/cancel plans you had together for the evening. We have heard this happens for date nights, and even Valentine's Day plans, which happens to be tomorrow from when this podcast came out.
This episode is about how to discern between tension and a true issue in marriage with 5 actions to take to “bounce back” faster.
Resources:
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting Feb 14th, 2024 for Valentines Day - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
Find all our other guides and resources here on our website resources page
What is the bare minimum to expect in a marriage? You likely read that question and think about your expectations about your partner… However this is actually about what to expect from yourself!
There are a lot of social media comments on relationship posts that judge the portrayal of a partner. That shows that most people think about what changes a partner needs to make in order to better meet one’s own needs. But that is quite backward. In this episode you will hear 6 traits that are the bare minimum to expect within yourself if you want to be a good partner.
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting Feb 14th, 2024 for Valentines Day - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
Find all our other guides and resources here on our website resources page
You have heard about the "7 Year Itch" in a marriage. Though that was the name of a Marilyn Monroe movie in 1955, studies have shown that a couples satisfaction in marriage hits a low around 10 years into a marriage. Whether you’ve been together 2 years, 10 years, or 30+ years, you’ll get a lot out of this episode by understanding what couples lose sight of and causes an increase of dissatisfaction.
We dive into:
- What the studies say about the “peak of dissatisfaction” being around year 10 together
- The actions that lead a couple to these rough patches
- What to do about it so you two can stay satisfied or boost it up, no matter how long you’ve been together.
As you listen, make sure you join our upcoming 30-Day Couples Challenge here.
Are attachment styles fixed? This is the essence of all the questions and messages we received after last week’s episode on attachment style, behaviors, and needs. This required a Part 2 episode this week where you will hear how to overcome your avoidant or anxious style pasts and tendencies.
Not only is attachment style not fixed, it’s a range, and can be very situational. You may have created a secure relationship experience for both of you, but circumstances and your environment can have you fall back into insecure behaviors that remind you of your past. Today we share more of our own back stories of being anxious and avoidant, how those would creep back in over the years, and 5 ways to move yourselves back into that secure attachment experience you are used to operating in together!
Resources:
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting Feb 1st, 2024 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
P.S. - you also get the Family Meeting Guide as a bonus for start the Couples Challenge!
Attachment is a key term and principle for relationships and refers to the way in which you bond and connect with your partner. The theory of Attachment Style has become much more popular in recent years from its conception by John Bowlby in 1969. Though many are familiar with the Secure and Insecure categorizations and the insecure types of avoidant, anxious, and fearful; people are not so familiar with the attachment needs and behaviors that are as critical.
All of this as a theory can feel very conceptual so in this episode you will hear even more depth about the attachment needs, and behaviors so that you can take more practical action to move in the direction of a secure relationship experience. Even if you are securely attached with your partner you will hear how to maintain this on a range of relationship confidence and trust.
Also, utilize our resources to put this into practice:
- The Family Meeting guide and tempaltes.
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The Steps to Rebuild a Marriage guide
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All of our resources are here.
What is Love in a very practical sense? We hear people say “we fell in love” or “we fell out of love”... so what is causing this experience of love? Or why do couples start to feel more like roommates?
As the years pass, it can be easier to fall into what is called “empty love” or “friendship love” and miss the 3rd element of love that we all crave.
So dive into today’s episode where you’ll hear:
- The 3 components of love
- Variations of relationships that have one or 2 components but are missing the 3rd
- How to maintain “complete love” encompassing all 3 components
Also, utilize our resources to put this into practice:
- Our "Prioritize Us" 30-Day Couples Challenge is open for just a couple more days.
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The Family Meeting guide for weekly, quarterly, and yearly check-ins
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Or see all of our resources are here (including in-person events & coaching)
The one thing that the beginning of a year allows you to do is draw a clear line in the sand. It’s a psychological distinction to review your last 12 months and see how well you executed on your game plan. Some do this for work, for individual achievements, as sports teams, and it is very powerful to do for your marriage.
In this episode you will hear how to go through a Yearly Check-in to start off your new year. This will allow you to reestablish your core values, set your vision and goals, and remove any old distractions and barriers that didn’t serve you from the previous year.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting Jan 1st, 2024 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication. PLUS you get the Family Meeting Guide as a Bonus
FAMILY MEETING GUIDE: The step-by-step guide to having your family meeting, with templates for weekly, quarterly, and the yearly meetings. This is the Family Meeting Guide from the episode and it’s only $19.
Parenting definitely shifts priorities, but that shouldn’t mean we de-prioritize our marriage, right? This week was our daughter’s 2nd birthday and we were reflecting on our own parenting journey up until this point.
We know from many couples that parenting really does shift many things in a marriage, even studies have shown that satisfaction goes down in the first 5 years of becoming parents. Though there are so many great positives that also come with being a parent, in this episode you will hear about the challenges that we have faced in the first 2 years, the common challenges other parents face, and the steps to take to better handle these challenges. All so that they do not negatively impact your marriage and you can focus more on all the benefits of being a parent and a great partner.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting Jan 1st, 2024 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
STEPS TO REBUILD A MARRIAGE GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to the process of rebuilding a marriage after a hard and prolonged season of disconnect or hurt. It’s the Rebuild a Marriage Guide and it’s only $19.
If you have listened to the podcast at all you probably have thought “Yes, I get the importance of validating my partner but HOW exactly do I do that?” Even if this is your first time listening you likely have the same question about how to have your partner feel validated in their experience especially when you do not agree with their feelings or details of an event!
Validating a partner is a difficult thing to do because you will not always see (or experience) events the same way. You also might feel as if they are blaming you for how they feel, which makes it more difficult to validate because it seems you have to take the blame. In this episode you will hear 7 easy actions to take to have your partner feel validated but also understand the real importance of validation on positive influence!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting Jan 1st, 2024 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
STEPS TO REBUILD A MARRIAGE GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to the process of rebuilding a marriage after a hard and prolonged season of disconnect or hurt. It’s the Rebuild a Marriage Guide and it’s only $19.
All Work & No Play Makes For A Dull Marriage. If you’re like most of the couples we talk to, you’ve been working at overcoming patterns and challenges that have kept you stuck and in frustrating cycles. Many couples even say, “I’m so exhausted” or “When do we get back to more fun times?”
If you have ever seen the movie Moneyball, it’s just clicking in a few key aspects so that you can get on a winning streak! In this episode you will hear a brief answer for why you might feel like you’re on a losing streak, but how you can use the same ideas to turn it into a winning streak. Then we give you categories that you can take an action in to keep the positive momentum going.
Resources For Your Relationship:
1)Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting Jan 1st, 2023 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
2)STEPS TO REBUILD A MARRIAGE GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to the process of rebuilding a marriage after a hard and prolonged season of disconnect or hurt. It’s the Rebuild a Marriage Guide and it’s only $19.
We were not going to leave the men out from last week’s episode about what women need in a marriage. This episode is about what men need that is often overshadowed and not expressed. Just so you know, the answer is not going to be sex… we have our own issue with accounts that tote sex as men’s only need in a marriage (but you will hear that in the episode)!
In this episode you will hear about the need of Harmony and how that is a key need for men, even if they would not have said it that way. You will hear 5 pathways to practically move into more harmony and how to have men’s underlying needs in this area be met so that each of you can be more fulfilled in both the short and long term!
Relationship Resources:
STEPS TO REBUILD A MARRIAGE GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to the process of rebuilding a marriage after a hard and prolonged season of disconnect or hurt. It’s the Rebuild a Marriage Guide and it’s only $19.
In this insightful podcast episode, dive into the heart of successful marriages and discover a nuanced perspective on meeting the emotional needs of women, a crucial but often overlooked aspect. Women generally prioritize people and nurturing, while men care more about things and problem-solving. This difference poses a challenge to men in grasping the seemingly ever-changing emotional needs of their partners and introduces a vital skill: Emotional Attunement.
You will hear a vivid contrast between what it looks like to be unattuned versus the transformative qualities of attunement. Attunement is commonly absent in many male partners stemming from childhood experiences, unresolved conflicts, and a lack of self-validation. Ultimately, the episode empowers you with the profound understanding that emotional attunement is a cornerstone for creating a deeply connected and fulfilling marriage.
Resources For Your Relationship:
1)Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting Dec 1st, 2023 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
2)STEPS TO REBUILD A MARRIAGE GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to the process of rebuilding a marriage after a hard and prolonged season of disconnect or hurt. It’s the Rebuild a Marriage Guide and it’s only $19.
If you plan to be married for a long time, you need to work through hard seasons, course-correct, and commit to make changes. These are the times that you need to take steps to rebuild the marriage and start a chapter. This is PART 2 of the “Steps to Rebuild a Marriage” episode #312 as we got so many messages about this topic.
In this episode we will briefly remind you of the steps to rebuild, which we have shortened from 8 to 6. Then we will dive further into 4 ways that you can easily get off track in these difficult conversations for rebuilding. These conversations are inherently going to be more vulnerable and potentially charged, so you will need to quickly adjust when you feel them getting off track.
Relationship Resources From This Episode:
The brand NEW Steps to Rebuild a Marriage Guide so you can end a hard season and create a new chapter together.
Meeting each other’s needs is the basis for a great relationship. This can get complex especially when it comes to the need of intimacy in a marriage, a fundamental need that often takes different forms for men and women. While some men seek physical intimacy to feel connected, their female partners emphasize the need for emotional intimacy.
In this episode you will hear the significance of first establishing emotional safety (in its various forms) before either type of intimacy can be created. Then how each person’s need can be accepted as valid and a roadmap for building emotional intimacy through 4 key elements: attunement, honesty, vulnerability, and initiation.
As for physical intimacy, you will hear the keys of emphasizing love deposits, injecting fun, and introducing intentional variety into the experience. You will understand that you can in fact meet both of your needs as they are independent of each other first. The meeting of those needs further raise both the emotional and physical aspects of your marriage.
Relationship Resources (mentioned in the episode):
1) Register for the next "Prioritize Us" 30 Day Couples Challenge and get the Family Meeting Guide as a part of it.
2) Get the Family Meeting Guide on it's own now.
It's not that difficult to show up as a great partner when everything is going smoothly in your life. Being an exceptional partner has much to do with how you show up in the face of challenges and things not going how you planned.
In this episode you will hear 5 ways to be an exceptional partner that will be demonstrated through aligning your words and actions, being responsible for the attitude you bring to the environment, how you show up in support, focusing on the satisfaction of your partner, and your mental and emotional resiliency.
Relationship Resources:
Check out the in-person couples workshop in Arizona Jan 28th. http://thecouplesworkshop.com/
Explore all the resources from simple guides to private coaching. https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Disconnection and dissatisfaction can often stem from a power struggle for leadership, especially if it’s been absent. This episode highlights the unique marriage challenges in contemporary relationships, where misconceptions about domination and disengagement can create more conflicts.
Leadership within a marriage is not about control but influence and the initiative to guide. This episode explores essential leadership values including a just cause, trust within the team, accountability, collaborative rivalry, substantial flexibility, and the courage to navigate life's challenges together. Ultimately, you'll be inspired to approach your marriage with a renewed perspective for sharing leadership for long-term satisfaction.
Marriage Resources:
Find all the resoruces you need from simple step-by-step guides, to webclasses, in person workshops, and even private coaching at https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
In this thought-provoking episode, you'll explore the intriguing concept of "crucible moments" and where you have already experienced them in your own relationship. These pivotal junctures, situations, or decision points test the strength of your bond and commitment, with choices leading to breakthroughs or declines in your relationship.
You’ll hear real-life examples, from navigating the newborn stage to handling heated arguments or even a big financial loss. This episode encourages you to make decisions aligned with your values, practice ruthless self-honesty, and consider the long-term consequences, leaving you with essential guidance for when you are confronted with critical crucible moments in your marriage!
Relationship Resources:
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge starting Nov 1st, 2023 - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
In this podcast episode, the fifth step in rebuilding a marriage takes center stage – expressing and agreeing to non-negotiables. Overall this is a crucial step for building trust and granting forgiveness. You will hear 4 non-negotiables that we feel are paramount to a strong and lasting marriage. Those steps are individual responsibility, emotional intelligence, open communication, and developing the traits of flexibility and resilience. You will discover how these keys lead to a stronger, more connected partnership, where both partners actively participate in nurturing a resilient and fulfilling relationship that will last.
Resources:
1) Join the FREE Marriage Webclass on communication, conflict repair, and deescalation on Oct 19th, 2023. Register at: https://onlinecouplesworkshops.com/
2) After that date, find the resource guides here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Are you facing a difficult season in your marriage, feeling weighed down, worn out, or dissatisfied by challenges and conflicts? This type of season is not uncommon for marriages. Though it seems complex and ominous to tackle, there are specific patterns that have brought you both to this place.
In this episode you'll explore the process of revitalizing a marriage mired in challenges, resentment, and conflicts and provides you with crucial steps to navigate this journey. You'll learn the importance of committing authentically to your relationship, focusing on effective communication, shedding old patterns, and identifying non-negotiables. By listening, you'll gain insight and guidance to embark on the challenging yet hopeful path of rebuilding your marriage and becoming the partners you aspire to be for a stronger future together.
Resources:
You can find our top resources, incuding step-by-step guides and online courses, with this one link here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
In this episode, you'll explore the critical role of agreements during times of conflicts in your own marriage. Just like any game, your marriage really only works on the adherence to certain rules or guidelines, then everyone can have fun playing the game! While your marriage involves various agreements for different aspects of life, the most vital ones are those designed for navigating conflicts. These agreements, treated as laws, encompass actions for you to take or avoid when emotions run high, including refraining from yelling, name-calling, bringing up past grievances, or storming out without communicating the need for a break.
Beyond mere verbal promises, these agreements demand your genuine commitment and personal responsibility. Emotions are viewed as data, not directives, and you're encouraged to recognize your emotions, calm your nervous system, and pause when necessary. Even when your partner fails to uphold their agreements, this episode stresses the importance of your personal integrity and establishing minimum acceptable standards for yourself, ultimately providing you with a roadmap for resolving conflicts constructively and maintaining a healthy marriage.
Resources:
NEW DE-ESCALATE CONFLICTS GUIDE: A realistic guide to managing your emotions and keeping simple conversations from escalating into overblown fights. It’s the De-escalating Conflicts & Regulating Emotions Guide and it’s only $19.
What truly determines the health and success of a romantic relationship? While popular resources online suggest differences in personality traits, attachment styles, past traumas, or external stressors as contributing factors, the episode sheds light on a more precise concept – "relationship stability."
Psychologists have coined this term to better measure long-term success in relationships, ultimately linked to the duration of the partnership along with a sense of fulfillment, not driven by obligation or fear. The VSA model of Marriage, encompassing Vulnerabilities, Stress, and Adaptation, takes center stage, highlighting the significance of effective communication, problem-solving, compromise, support, and the ability to adapt and evolve behavior to nurture a healthy and satisfying marriage.
This episode invites you to reflect on their own relationships, emphasizing that it's not about what happens to you, but how you respond when vulnerabilities surface amidst external stressors. Also, make sure you join the upcoming 30-Day Couples Challenge here. Receive daily prompts to fill your “Love Accounts,” improve your communication, and become more connected.
In this heartfelt podcast episode, you'll explore the crucial difference between falling in love and staying in love. The hosts share insightful points on making your partner feel seen, appreciated, adored, respected, and accepted over time. They also emphasize the importance of navigating the natural ebbs and flows of intimacy, remaining receptive to each other's needs, course-correcting when necessary, and investing the effort required for enduring love. This episode provides you with a roadmap to cultivate a deep, lasting connection with your partner, reminding you that love is a journey, and staying in love is an ongoing commitment, regardless of the stage of your relationship.
Resources:
Use this link to find our top communication and conflict resolution resources and guides. https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
FREE BOOK for reviews through Sept 21st, 2023:
Want us to personally sign and mail you a copy of our book, The Argument Hangover? For EVERY SINGLE one of you that writes a review for our podcast, or emails us about how our guides or challenges have benefited you, we will send this book. Due to shipping restrictions, this applies to those in the United States. For those of you outside the U.S., we will send you the E-Book plus a bonus thank you gift. Just email us the review: connect@newpowercouples.com. This goes through Sept 21st, 2023.
We know this can be a hard conversation, but it’s critical in order to protect our children from the very real threats and predators. You might think that trafficking is something that is distant or would not affect your area or town. But as you’ll learn from today’s guest, Rosalia Rivera, the abuse and trafficking of children occurs mostly in plain sight, in areas near and around you.
But this episode is not to put you in fear; in fact, it’s to empower you to have specific ACTIONS to take, whether your kids are 2 or already up to teens.
You will hear:
- The difference between human trafficking and sexual abuse of children
- What it means to teach “consent” to children, and conversations to have from parent to child
- What age you can start having these conversations about body autonomy and consent
- 3 specific ways to protect children from online predators or exploitation
- 3 specific ways to protect children from local threats, even that can occur in their clubs, sports activities, and sleepovers with neighbors
- Conversations to start with your local community, their schools, and daycares,
- And so much more. All of it is sobering and somewhat shocking that we have to think about this, but we DO
Dive into her helpful resources here on her website and instagram!
After you dive into the episode, be sure to sign-up for the 30-Day Couples Challenge starting Sept 1st! This is the best step to consistently add to your love account levels and be more connected on a daily basis.
Of course not all relationships are the same because of the personality dynamics that are unique to the two of you and also the specific events or challenges that you face in your marriage. This is where the episode really makes a claim; that you will face challenges in your life and marriage together.
As you listen to this episode you are going to hear 3 inescapable truths that you must accept and navigate as to lead to having more happy than hard days. This will be even more critical when you are facing challenges, whether internal or external, so that you can still have happiness, understanding, and collaboration no matter what challenges arise!
Becoming a mother is a transformative and in some ways challenging journey. Everyone focuses on the actions of being a parent and not enough on the identity shifts and emotional journey that it really is.
Today’s guest expert, Dr Morgan Cutlip, wrote the book, Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself. In today’s interview with her, you’ll hear:
- Why “balance” is bologna and what to seek instead
- The core inner conflicts a mom faces, and likely doesn’t expect
- The impossible standards we set for ourselves and how that affects us
- How to banish or tame the guilt we encounter with the decisions we make as a mother
After you tune in to the interview, please support this hard-working mom by ordering her book and claim the bonuses she provides HERE.
Picture this: you and your partner on vacation at your favorite spot, yet you haven't exchanged a word in three days. The silent tension, the "stand-off," can feel like it's tearing your relationship apart, whether it's a recurring pattern or a prolonged icy silence. But fear not, because in this episode, we dive into the fascinating realm of how our minds can play tricks on us, especially in the heat of a relationship blow-up. Discover the cognitive twists and turns that can lead to misunderstandings and emotional chaos.
We explore the psychology behind intelligence and how our cognitive development shapes the way we interpret conflicts. From confirmation bias that paints your partner as the villain to cognitive distortions that blur the lines between feelings and facts, we unravel the mysteries behind these mental mechanisms.
Join us as we guide you through navigating the complex landscape of emotions, reminding you that while feelings are valid, they might not always align with reality. Tune in to learn how to dismantle the stand-off, focusing on self-reflection, responsibility, and solution-oriented repair. Don't let your relationship be a casualty of the stand-off – let's bridge the gap together.
Additional Resources From the Show
Join us in-person at The Couples Workshop on September 10th, 2023 in Arizona.
Get the Making Up & Moving Forward guide to repair faster and more effectively.
Proactive communication allows you to have more harmony, ease, and unity in your relationship. But what does that really mean, is it just speaking your mind more often?
We all know that “our partner can’t read our mind,” but how many of us try to just survive the chaos of life without communicating enough with our partner? Or worse, communicate “reactively” once there’s already tension, frustration, and miscommunications.
Today’s episode gives you 3 helpful steps to focus on more proactive communication as a couple. These steps will help you be more on the same page, avoid little upsets, and build more trust in each other.
Resources For Your Relationship:
To help with these conversations ongoingly, you can get our Family Meeting Guide here for constructive weekly, quarterly, and yearly check-ins.
Join us in this episode as we dive deep into the intricate ways your upbringing shapes your approach to 4 crucial dynamics of your marriage. You will hear the subtle yet profound influences of your past on how you navigate these dynamics with your partner. We all recognize the power of our formative experiences, from childhood to early romance, and their lasting effects on us, but what can you really do about it, right?
We'll explore how your emotional regulation, sense of responsibility, reception of feedback, and ability to repair are intricately tied to your upbringing. Discover how your family's approach to emotions, promises, feedback, and conflict resolution unconsciously shape your behavior in these key areas. Tune in to gain insights that will empower you and your partner to create a harmonious and fulfilling relationship, building a bridge between your past and your future together.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Attend the LIVE Couples Workshop in Arizona on Sept. 10th, 2023:
http://thecouplesworkshop.com/
Find our recomended guides, webclasses, and courses on our main website:
https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Having good friendships is critical to your fulfillment in life and plays a big role in your marriage as well. However, not all of your friends will tell you the hard truth and some of the things that you really need to hear if you are to get out of a hard season in your relationship.
It’s also unlikely that your friends are relationship coaches so there is a key piece of advice that you will not hear from any of them, that you really need to hear. This episode is all about how you need to stop acting from how you feel and start acting from your commitment. Listen to this episode so that you can take a stand to turn a hard season around and keep it from any further decline or disconnection.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Attend the LIVE Couples Workshop in Arizona on Sept. 10th, 2023:
http://thecouplesworkshop.com/
Find our recomended guides, webclasses, and courses on our main website:
https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
We went on an impromptu staycation this weekend… just us! And we used some of our time (besides playing, flirting, and relaxing) to have some meaningful conversations. We like to call them “check-ins.” This one in particular happened to be getting on the same page about our life and marriage priorities for the rest of the year.
Do you and your partner feel on the same page about what your priorities are? If you don’t take some time a few times per year, you can just be going about the motions expending energy in two different directions… or nowhere at all, really.
So dive into today’s episode to get some inspiration for a great conversation you can have together!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication. This one starts Aug 1st, 2023 and you get the Family Meeting Guide included.
If you just want the Family Meeting Guide on it's own, you can get it separately here too.
This highly anticipated episode is finally here! Today we dive into underlying frustrations and areas of dissatisfaction for men that we want to be mindful of in our relationship.
Remember, these aren’t to blame one person. We both can participate in meeting each other’s needs, preventing frustrations, and talking through the patterns that are interconnected.
After you dive into the episode, be sure to sign-up for the 30-Day Couples Challenge starting August 1st!
Getting married and choosing to do life with someone means that you're also saying, “I am going to care about your needs, I am going to care about whether you’re satisfied or not, and I am going to do my best to meet the standards we’ve set for a partnership.”
When this stops happening for various reasons, then the fulfillment and satisfaction for that partner can start to go down. So today’s episode is really about boosting satisfaction in the partnership by understanding the top sources of dissatisfaction for women specifically and how to prevent them.
To go with today’s episode, also get access to our Family Meeting Guide and Templates here:
https://thecouplesexperience.com/family
All great teams “huddle” often, whether a sports team or a professional team. But how often do you guys check-in? Today’s episode covers how to have a weekly, quarterly, and yearly check-in. This is a major update to our process we shared in 2021, which was a SUPER popular episode. You’ll hear the 5 questions to ask each other every week, what to discuss about your relationship every quarter of the year, and big picture topics to stay on track on a yearly basis.
We promise, these can be accomplished in just a few minutes and will help you prevent miscommunications, tackle issues proactively, and experience more harmony in the relationship!
To go with the episode, get our BRAND NEW Family Meeting Guide & Templates here:
https://thecouplesexperience.com/family
Also from the episode, you can get the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide if you need more guidance on how to repair things that were unresolved.
Life will always have challenges and we believe it’s about how you respond to them as well as how well you learn and grow. This is a huge aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship, how you handle challenges as a team.
Hopefully you know that we are not here to sugar coat anything or give you any advice that is not practical or useful in your daily marriage. So in this episode we share updates from the last 18 months as it was the hardest season we have had as a couple. It is our intent to share these challenges and updates while sharing the lessons and wisdom we have gained (and are still gaining), so that maybe you can learn the lessons without going through it yourself!
A major part of us getting through this hard season, truly united as a team, is how often we checked-in with each other. We always knew where we were each at mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We also knew what actions and patterns we needed to change. We did all this by using our Family Meeting Guide & templates that we now have available for you for ust $19. We hope this can get you back on the same page and kepe you there though any challenge you are facing as a couple!
For the Guide just to go https://thecouplesexperience.com/family
In this episode we unravel the crucial distinction between repair, finding a solution, and resolution in relationships. Repairing conflicts, rather than simply reducing the frequency of them, is a powerful indicator of a healthy and lasting partnership. You will hear the misconception that finding a solution automatically leads to resolution, and why the emotional aspect of repair is equally vital. By understanding the formula of Repair + Solution = Resolution, we provide you with the tools to navigate conflicts more effectively and create lasting harmony.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Last chance to sign up for the 30-Day Couples Challenge starting July 1st. Join here.
- Get the Making Up & Moving Forward guide here.
We all know that relationships can be challenging, especially when it comes to expressing our needs. Ever found yourself in a situation where you're feeling frustrated but can't quite put your finger on why? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into the importance of identifying and expressing your needs within a romantic partnership. We'll explore why simply venting your frustrations isn't enough and how it can lead to misunderstandings and communication breakdowns.
By learning to articulate your needs, you'll unlock a whole new level of understanding and connection. We'll discuss fundamental human needs, drawing inspiration from Maslow's Hierarchy and the 6 Human Needs model, and provide practical examples of physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Join us as we share relatable insights and actionable tips that will empower you to create a stronger and more fulfilling relationship.
Join The 30-Day Couples Challenge called “Prioritizing Us” as it starts July 1st HERE
In this episode we tackle a common challenge in relationships: expressing strong emotions to our partners without considering the present mood. We've all been there, feeling the urge to let it all out, only to realize it may not be the best time or could escalate tensions further. That's why we're here to guide you through the art of discerning the mood before speaking up.
By understanding the momentum and direction of the interaction, you can make informed choices that either diffuse the energy or lead to a positive outcome. We'll also explore the importance of nurturing your partner's "Love Account," which acts like a bank account for love and connection. But that's not all! We'll share practical tips on how to approach these situations with empathy and curiosity, asking your partner what they truly need rather than jumping to conclusions.
Sign up for The 30-Day Couples Challenge, which simplifies how to make positive shifts in your relationship with daily prompts/actions directly from us to your phone for 30 days.
https://mycoupleschallenge.com/
As parents, we know that feeling of guilt from knowing that our kiddos saw or heard the argument. But instead of guilty, we want you to become motivated to focus on the 3 keys in this episode. Make sure they see you:
- DE-ESCALATE the rising emotion and conflict
- Implement a constructive pause, and not a rupture
- Fully REPAIR after an argument
For more detail on these principles, get our 2 popular guides:
- De-Escalating Conflicts & Regulating Emotions guide here:
- Making Up & Moving Forward guide here:
You know that conflicts will happen in a marriage, this truth should not be resisted or avoided. However what if that same conflict comes up again and what if that turns into a pattern that shows up over and over again? This is what creates a hard season in marriage. But if this goes on for multiple weeks, months, or even years then you feel as if nothing is going to change and you lose hope in the marriage.
Some people see ending the marriage as the only option, because honestly who would want to continue to expose themselves to the same pain over and over. You need relief… and we agree. But this episode gives you 7 steps to take to get yourself out of this pattern and subsequently out of this hard season in your marriage. It’s not easy, but then again neither is this current situation and neither is a divorce. So really this is the best option for you.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge - the 30 day challenge for couples to simplify how to make positive changes in their marriage and prioritize loving actions and respectful communication.
The obvious statement is that men and women differ in how they emotionally connect. But the actions one can take to close the gap between how men and women connect is not as practical. Couples get stuck in the trap of “I just don’t connect the same way as my partner”.
In this episode you are going to hear 3 different ways that men feel emotionally connected and 3 different ways for women. No matter how different you think you and your partner are in this area of connection, you can use one of these ways to better connect and be in harmony with your partner.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the "Prioritize Us" Couples Challenge - the 30 day challenge for busy couples to re-prioritize each other and be more connected.
Do you ever wish that you were back in that infamous "honeymoon" stage of your marriage? Believe us we understdand why we hear this from couples. You want to be in that feeling of newness, optimism, passion, and infinite possibilites with a true partner at your side. There is something to honor about this stage but the reality is that this is not just a short window of time that you cannot get back.
It's just that you were doing a bunch of things unconsciously that were leading to this feeling of marrital bliss. In this episode you will be enlightened hearing these 4 things that you just forget to do after being together for years. In some situations it's not that you even forgot but they you never realized you were doing them in the forst place. But now you can relaize what these actions are and consciously bring them into your life to add to increaes your connection, optimism, and feeling of possibility!
Resources For Your Relationship:
NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
NEW DE-ESCALATE CONFLICTS GUIDE: A realistic guide to managing your emotions and keeping simple conversations from escalating into overblown fights. It’s the De-escalating Conflicts & Regulating Emotions Guide and it’s also only $19.
Do you ever feel that your partner just doesn’t understand and that they just don’t empathize with what you are feeling? This is a big topic for many couples. A key element of a great relationship is that you can be going through a difficult time (even if caused by your partner) and you have a partner that can be comforting and compassionate to be on your side as you go through it.
In this episode you will hear the difference between empathy and sympathy so that you can better understand which you are actually needing from them. Then you will hear some of the blocks to showing empathy and sympathy and a few steps to better demonstrate that in your relationship.
Resources For Your Relationship:
NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
NEW DE-ESCALATE CONFLICTS GUIDE: A realistic guide to managing your emotions and keeping simple conversations from escalating into overblown fights. It’s the De-escalating Conflicts & Regulating Emotions Guide and it’s also only $19.
You can feel so taken off guard and frustrated when a seemingly simple conversation with your partner escalates into a conflict. When this happens both of you tend to say or do things that do more damage to the other. This is even more irritating because it could have been easily avoided in your mind.
This is exactly the point of this episode, the mistakes that escalate conversations into conflicts. In this episode you will hear 3 mistakes so that you can better recognize them and take a more constructive action so that you can de-escalate the emotion, accept it, and still stay on the same team with each other.
Resources For Your Relationship:
NEW DE-ESCALATE CONFLICTS GUIDE: A realistic guide to managing your emotions and keeping simple conversations from escalating into overblown fights. It’s the De-escalating Conflicts & Regulating Emotions Guide and it’s only $19.
If you haven't yet got the repair guide to go with it, it's the step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s also only $19!
At first you might not think that you feel any jealousy in your marriage. But jealousy is simply the feeling of unhappiness or anger because someone has something you want. Yet there are others that might feel this emotion more prevalently.
In this episode you will understand more about jealousy and where it can come from. Then you will have 5 steps to take to overcome this feeling in collaboration with your partner.
Resources For Your Relationship:
1) NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
2) Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
3) To find even more resources like webclasses, books, guides and coaching; visit our resources page here https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links
Understanding the concepts of inner child and shadow patterns is crucial for a healthy marriage. We are not going to sugarcoat this either, it's one of the most difficult yet necessary things to do. In this podcast, you will explore how these two aspects can impact your behavior and dynamic in your relationship. Then you will learn practical strategies for working with these deep rooted patterns, you'll gain valuable tools for integrating these parts of yourself, promoting greater self awareness and ability to break old patterns in your marriage.
Resources For Your Relationship:
NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
By now you know that repairing after your conflicts with your partner is one of the most critical aspects for a marriage. It might even be the most critical. If you do not repair, you just create more problems later on and you drive an emotional wedge between you. Repair is not an easy thing to do for two reasons that you will hear in this episode.
One of these reasons is the whole purpose of this episode… you do not identify the real root cause of the conflict. Most people just try and move on, but this will only have the problem repeat. In this episode are 5 root causes of conflicts that you need to reflect on in your repair process so that you can actually address and change the actions that are needed in your relationship.
If you want to listen to the replay of the full webclass on this topic, just use this link here: Why Are We Arguing Again Webclass. Then if you are wanting to better use these root causes in your repair process, be sure you get the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide so you can stay on track all the way to resolve your conflicts.
Is it just random and based on your inherent personality traits whether you are a great spouse and partner? What if it wasn’t so much about your personality traits anyway, as it was other character traits that you could develop along the way? That would feel encouraging and empowering to us, and it should to you as well!
To us it doesn’t matter as much about the personality traits that you come into a relationship with. The fact is everyone is different and that makes every relationship unique in the dynamics that will happen based on your trait differences. However, as you will hear in this episode, there are 4 crucial traits that you can proactively develop that will make you a great partner consistently! No matter what your personality these traits can and should be developed to have a great marriage.
Resources For Your Relationship:
We don't do this often so make sure you attend our FREE LIVE WebClass on March 30th, 2023: Why Are We Arguing Again? a weblcass to identify the real root causes of conflict so you can ultimately resolve them
NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
We don't do this often so make sure you attend our FREE LIVE WebClass on March 30th, 2023: Why Are We Arguing Again? a weblcass to identify the real root causes of conflict so you can ultimately resolve them
When a challenge comes up in your life or you have a conflict with your partner, do you shrink down to your default responses or rise to the occasion? When you face situations that call for you to change a pattern of behavior or adjust your willingness to have the hard but necessary conversations do you resist or embrace it?
Today’s episode is all about becoming a “Resilient” versus “Resistant” couple. A resistant couple is going to find themselves in the same patterns of conflict, results in life, and attitudes toward each other. To break out of these patterns you need to adopt the mindset of being resilient. You will hear examples of ways to adopt this new mentality so that you can make the real change you desire in your marriage and face life’s challenges as a team!
Ongoing Resources For Your Relationship:
NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
Red flags in regards to relationships are warning signs. But often these warning signs are spoken about as a reflection into the past as a reason to have gotten out of the relationship earlier.
Though this is a fine practice if you are dating or even engaged, when it comes to a committed marriage, these red flags signify something different. These red flags are not reasons for you to leave the marriage at all, these are signs you want to be on the lookout for throughout your years together to help signal you both about the patterns that need to shift in your relationship together.
In this episode you will hear which red flags you should be on the lookout for and then come together to figure out what needs to shift between the two of you. You will get examples of types of changes to make for each red flag so that you are constantly on the same page, growing closer together, and better managing the challenges that arise in life.
Resources For Your Relationship:
NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
At this point you know that arguments are going to happen. It’s not the right goal to try and not have them. It’s all about the repair. Now a big problem that you have likely experienced yourself is that when you try and come back to the conversation, it just escalates and you relive the whole argument. Now you are probably even more angry and frustrated with each other.
So in this episode we take you through an argument we just had 3 days ago while we were at the airport coming back from a trip. This one we did not keep from escalating and disconnecting us for over 24 hours. But then we did debrief our argument to find the root cause and resolve it together. You will authentically hear from us the mistakes even we made, but how you can debrief after an argument so that you too can shorten your argument hangovers and be able to learn the value lessons from an argument and change the patterns for the future!
MAKE SURE YOU GET THE NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
In a marriage is it right to have expectations or does that just set you up for failure? If the answer is no, is it even the right goal to not have any expectations at all? When it comes down to your practical day to day life with your partner, the fact is you will have expectations, this cannot be avoided. Expectations are also the root cause of all your upsets. So what to do?
In this episode you will hear about the expectations that are unfair and unrealistic to have because they will cause the biggest problems for you. If you can be open enough to communicate these with your partner you will be able to have a much smoother journey in marriage.
There still will be times that conflict comes up from your “local” expectations momentarily. To repair these conflicts quickly, get the step-by-step guide to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
Love can feel simple and effortless in the beginning stages of a relationship, but it's not always easy to maintain that feeling over time. In this episode, we explore the 5 essential parts of love in a marriage that can help couples maintain and even grow their love for each other. We discuss how each part of love plays a crucial role in building a strong and mature relationship, and why neglecting any one of these parts can lead to challenges and struggles.
We dive into the importance of passion and desire, friendship and companionship, safety and trust, shared experiences, and commitment in a marriage. We explore the common mistakes couples make in relationships and provide practical advice on how to nurture each part of love in a way that can strengthen a couple's bond. Whether you're in the early stages of a relationship or have been married for years, this episode will provide insights and tips to help you create a lasting and fulfilling marriage.
Get the Making Up & Moving Forward guide here - get instant access for only $19 and gain trust and safety with your partner to resolve arguments for good!
As you now know from listening to this podcast, repairing conflicts is a critical skill to have a great relationship. BUT there is actually a key aspect of “conflict repair” that allows you to repair faster and more effectively. The opposite is actually just as true if not even more so. If you do not get this initial step correct, then it will lead to drawn out argument hangovers, leaving the conflict unresolved, and even resentment building up.
In this episode you will hear about this one critical (initial) step that you must get better at to have a long term healthy, successful, trusting, and loving relationship! Also do not forget to grab your copy of the NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
- If you want an immeidate resource to help you repair from a conflict RIGHT NOW, make sure you get the Making Up & Moving Forward guide for just $19! Save yourself hurt and disconnect by repairing fully and quickly.
Giveaway Details:
We also mentioned that we would giveaway our course for free in a drawning. To participcate just email us your 1-2 sentance 'testimony' of how you used the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide. We will do the drawning by the end of Feb 2023. Email the testimony to: connect@newpowercouples.com
Communication should seek to connect rather than disconnect. When you get to a place of one being right and one wrong then you are just creating the environment of disconnection. This isn’t the feeling you really want in a relationship, and you certainly do not come up with the best ideas for action that best serve the relationship itself.
In this episode, you will learn how to keep yourselves from getting caught in this common dynamic of feeling like one person is right and the other is wrong, which can lead to disconnection and a lack of creativity in solving relationship issues. You will gain insight into the importance of understanding and accepting the impact on the other person before explaining your intent.
The episode will also address why it's difficult in the moment to understand and accept the other person's experience and will provide solutions to help you transform these dynamics in your own relationship. You will discover tips on how to navigate disagreements without causing further damage to your relationship.
A further help from getting caught in this dynamic is the "Making up and Moving Forward Guide" for just $19, which has helped hundreds of couples transform their dynamics and improve how they repair and resolve after an argument.
Resources For Your Relationship:
NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
Also visit this page for all our other resources from free webclasses, to our books, and even the communication mastery course!
Resources For Your Relationship:
NEW REPAIR GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to being truly connected as a couple. It’s the Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19.
About the Episode:
You will face obstacles and hardships in your life as a couple. These hardships will show up as external factors in your life whether with your adult children, behavior of young kids, how your in-laws treat you, getting let go from a job, or even difficult medical news. Many things that happen to you are out of your control!
However in this episode you will discover how to cope with hardships as a couple so that you can feel supported and connected with each other. In being able to face these obstacles together you strengthen your own bond and find better solutions.
What does it mean to be a truly great communicator in your relationship? There is the idea that this means you will dramatically reduce the amount of tensions or challenges that you face. Relatively speaking that might be true but that is not the ONE thing that couples have in common who are great at communicating!
In this episode you will hear what this one thing is. The fact is that you will have tension and face challenges in your marriage, that is not going away all together. After this episode you will have a better idea of what your goal is for communication and conflict resolution so that you can grow into truly masterful communicators and better stay on the same side with your partner when challenges arise!
Resources For Your Relationship:
NEW CONFLICT GUIDE: A step-by-step guide to repairing after an argument; to ensure it’s resolved for good and get back to the good times. It’s called Making Up & Moving Forward Guide and it’s only $19. It is not available to the public yet, you can be the first to get it right now!
This episode provides bold reminders for the women to make positive changes in the relationship. It’s easy to find ourselves unconsciously acting in ways that aren’t our best, which can deplete and diminish the love in the relationship. This episode provides you the “tough love” that your friends and family won’t provide for you. We’re all human and so we’re not expecting you to be perfect, but instead to see how you can be even 10-20% better for your relationship.
Tune in for 3 pieces of feedback for the wives and women. Also, make sure you listen to the episode for the husbands and men.
Sign up for the 5 Day Couples Challenges Challenge starting January 22rd, 2023 HERE
Relationship Resources:
1) After that date you can watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
2) Get The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter! As a listener get $50 off with the code: 50bundle
This episode is a strong invitation for the men to step up and be a leader of the relationship. Being a leader is about acknowledging where you can be a better person and a better partner. It’s about looking at the patterns that you have that are not serving you or the relationship. Then go to work on transforming those patterns first before asking your partner to change their own patterns.
In this episode you will hear 3 pieces of feedback that we have for the men that come from the coaching sessions we have been having most recently. There are common threads that men can be responsible for right now to have an even better relationship.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the 5 Day Couples Challenge that starts on Jan 23rd, 2023.
After that date you can watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Get The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter! As a listener get $50 off with the code: 50bundle
Forgiveness is one of the most important aspects of a relationship. It is usually spoken about as this thing that should be easy to do however. Mainly because it’s accompanied by the statement “just let it go and move past it already!”
But forgiveness isn’t an easy thing to do and just moving on creates an environment for it to just pop up later. Or at the very least it creates an emotional wedge of disconnection with your partner. In this episode you will hear 4 steps you can take to be able to truly forgive and be able to move forward into a new future without bringing anything from the past!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the 5 Day Couples Challenge that starts on Jan 23rd, 2023.
After that date you can watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Get The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter! As a listener get $50 off with the code: 50bundle
When you get down to it, your life is not made up of big exciting events, it’s actually all the tiny moments that make up the large majority of your life. That being said, are these moments fun, playful, connected, or intentional? Or do you fall trap to them being mundane, frustrating, disconnected, or checked out?
In this episode you will hear 3 daily, weekly, and monthly habits to put in place so that your relationship can be successful by having all these small moments be meaningful. The small moments can only be mastered by small habits, so we invite you to commit to these as you start your new year! As a bonus, hear our word for the year and talk with your partner about the intention word you both want to set for your new year ahead!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Find all of the best next steps to contionue the growth within your relationship here.
For those of you that are parents, did that make your marriage more difficult or bring you both together? This could be asked about any challenge that you face as a couple, but parenting is definitely unique, at least it has been for us! We polled parents and found that it often changed their marriage in some common ways: they felt they became roommates, it was hard to make time for each other, more conflicts around different parenting styles, feeling of losing their identity, and the division of labor seemed unequal.
This episode is about us completing our first year as parents since Skye was born on Dec 21st, 2021. This has been the hardest year of our marriage, even though there were other outside forces at work beyond being parents. So in the end of the year fashion where lots of reflection happens; we are sharing about how this first year our parents have changed us, felt difficult, and keeps us united.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Get The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter! As a listener get $50 off with the code: 50off
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
The end of the year is always a time for reflection. Typically this is about personal and professional events and how we would have liked them to go differently. This is also a prefect time to reflect on your relationship with your partner. We will all face challenges in life and it is the same in a marriage. Though every challenge is an opportunity, you will never see it if you do not take time to reflect and uncover what that is.
In this episode you will hear our own reflections of this past year and the wisdom we took away from the challenges we faced in our own life and marriage. You will get 6 pieces of wisdom that you can utilize to change your perspective on the challenges that you faced, and how to use it to set a new course into the new year.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Get The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter! As a listener get $50 off with the code: 50bundle
You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
It’s likely that you have said one of these two things to your partner. “Why don’t you just accept me for who I am” or “I really need you to change this _____”. At some point in your relationship you will find yourselves getting more upset about things that your partner does, says, or ways they show up for you. Of course relationships are about supporting the needs of the other person but a big question arises at this junction… Where is the line of accepting my partner the way they are versus being able to ask for a change to be made.
This is a thin line between resigning yourself to things continuing to not serve you or the relationship and constantly asking your partner to be different. This is especially when it comes to who they are as a person and their base personality traits.
In this episode you will understand where this line is between change and acceptance so that at the end of the day you both are able to feel accepted as the person you are and be on a healthy path to growing into even better people and partners for each other.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Visit our website here for the best communication and conflict resolution resources! Everything from free webclasses, our book, and the communication mastery course bundle for online video training.
Have you never had that feeling of being perplexed and thrown off guard when you tried to bring something up to your partner? You might have had a recent upset, an event that you were frustrated by, or another emotion that you needed to express to your partner. Within a few seconds your partner dumps all their own upsets and frustrations at you; even going as far as to compare how their pain is worse than yours!
This is an “emotional hijack” that makes the conversation all about them and leaves you feeling stunned, caught off guard, that it’s unfair, and even selfish of them. What makes matters worse is that you had a positive intention to communicate openly and often vulnerably with them. After this, why would you even want to bring up anything in the future?
In this episode you will hear about the reasons this dynamic happens and what is really going on for them to take over your conversation. Then you will hear 2 things that can be done differently so that you do not lose faith and trust in each other to be able to express yourselves without you feeling hijacked!
Resources For Your Relationship:
As a listener get $50 off The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you to be better at both the speaker and listener role, as to not hijack important conversations with your partner! At checkout use the code: 50bundle
Food that is “bland” isn’t bad or inedible, it just lacks any zest or real flavor. Marriage can take on a similar feeling too, it’s not that anything is a major problem, but you are not feeling any real zest, excitement, or even newness.
As you will hear in this episode, all relationships will find themselves in this type of season for some specific reasons. You will also hear some examples, that might even be happening for you now, that signify that you need to take these steps to bring in some freshness, newness, and intentionally to your zest for life and each other!
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument so you reconnect in minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks).
- Watch our free webclass on: End the Battle for Fairness to align relationship roles, reduce overwhelm, and be a united team again.
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training).
Food that is “bland” isn’t bad or inedible, it just lacks any zest or real flavor. Marriage can take on a similar feeling too, it’s not that anything is a major problem, but you are not feeling any real zest, excitement, or even newness.
As you will hear in this episode, all relationships will find themselves in this type of season for some specific reasons. You will also hear some examples, that might even be happening for you now, that signify that you need to take these steps to bring in some freshness, newness, and intentionally to your zest for life and each other!
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument so you reconnect in minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks).
- Watch our free webclass on: End the Battle for Fairness to align relationship roles, reduce overwhelm, and be a united team again.
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training).
This is a bit of a celebration episode for us personally… Just in the past week this podcast broke into the Top 20 relationship podcasts on Apple, we went over 100,000 followers on Instagram, and we had over 500 couples join the Fight Smarter Weblcass! (by the way if you missed the weblcass you can watch it again with this link)
As you can imagine for us, we are very proud and excited, plus we have been receiving SO many questions from all the new couples in this relationship ecosystem. So this episode is focused on the 5 top questions we have been receiving over DMs and through emails from all this new activity.
We are doing this in part so that the one thing WE KNOW, you can come to know too… That most couples are really dealing with the same kinds of challenges. Though the circumstances and emotional responses might be different, many of the relationship themes are the same. This is so that you know you are not alone in what you go through!
Resources For Your Relationship:
- If you missed the Fight Smarter Weblcass you can watch it again with this link.
- The best parenting and discipline course we have found is from a good friend Amy McCready called Positive Parenting Solutions.
- The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
This is a bit of a celebration episode for us personally… Just in the past week this podcast broke into the Top 20 relationship podcasts on Apple, we went over 100,000 followers on Instagram, and we had over 500 couples join the Fight Smarter Weblcass! (by the way if you missed the weblcass you can watch it again with this link)
As you can imagine for us, we are very proud and excited, plus we have been receiving SO many questions from all the new couples in this relationship ecosystem. So this episode is focused on the 5 top questions we have been receiving over DMs and through emails from all this new activity.
We are doing this in part so that the one thing WE KNOW, you can come to know too… That most couples are really dealing with the same kinds of challenges. Though the circumstances and emotional responses might be different, many of the relationship themes are the same. This is so that you know you are not alone in what you go through!
Resources For Your Relationship:
- If you missed the Fight Smarter Weblcass you can watch it again with this link.
- The best parenting and discipline course we have found is from a good friend Amy McCready called Positive Parenting Solutions.
- The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Have you ever tried to validate your position during an argument by saying “Oh but that wasn’t my intention”? Have you noticed how that doesn’t help at all? At least in that moment, because it is not the right time. It shows the need to understand the big difference between intent and impact.
In this episode you will hear about how intention doesn’t matter in these moments and the more you fight for explaining it, the further down you will go into conflict. You will hear how to switch into acknowledging impact, which is the most important, and only thing, to do when your partner has emotion present.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join our LIVE FREE WebClass on Nov. 3rd, 2022 - Fight Smarter: Prevent Unnecessary Arguments, Deescalate Emotional Triggers, and Repiar Faster as a Couple.
If that date has already passed then watch the replay WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Though you, and every other couple, face different challenges in your life and marriage; why do some struggle and some thrive? Struggling doesn’t mean that you are just facing a challenge, because everyone will. Struggle then is the experience you have while facing a challenge.
Of all the couples we talk to and coach, we have seen patterns between those that experience disconnection, anxiety, and tension and those that maintain connection, togetherness and being a team during challenging times.
In this episode you will hear 4 differences that we have seen between couples that “struggle versus those that thrive”. By knowing these differences, you will be able to implement a few simple things to move out of a state of struggling to one of progress and growth.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join our LIVE FREE WebClass on Nov. 3rd, 2022 - Fight Smarter: Prevent Unnecessary Arguments, Deescalate Emotional Triggers, and Repiar Faster as a Couple.
If that date has already passed then watch the replay WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
A part of a thriving relationship depends on the work done by each partner to grow individually. You have heard common phrases like your “wealth grows at the extent you grow” and this could be said about your relationship as well. As much as it takes using the right skills and tools as a couple, it all starts with your own willingness to progress on your own individual path of growth.
In this episode you will hear 3 things that women need to work on in marriage right now. This is coming from the most common things we are hearing from couples in our own private coaching every day. Men and women do ‘deal with’ different challenges and even general patterns within a marriage; so get ready to help advance the growth for all women in their respective relationships! Let’s go…
Resources For Your Relationship:
Start your relationship growth now with The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here if that is the next right step for you!
A part of a thriving relationship depends on the work done by each partner to grow individually. You have heard common phrases like your “wealth grows at the extent you grow” and this could be said about your relationship as well. As much as it takes using the right skills and tools as a couple, it all starts with your own willingness to progress on your own individual path of growth.
In this episode you will hear 3 things that men need to work on in marriage right now. This is coming from the most common things we are hearing from couples in our own private coaching every day. Men and women do ‘deal with’ different challenges and even general patterns within a marriage; so get ready to help advance the growth for all men in their respective relationships! Let’s go…
Resources For Your Relationship:
Start your relationship growth now with The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here if that is the next right step for you!
We are just off hosting the Couples Workshop in Arizona yesterday, and this was one of the biggest takeaways from the ½ day in person event. Communication seems easy when you only think of it as “verbalizing what you are thinking”. But this often leads to the biggest communication mistake that turns simple conversations into an argument.
In this episode we will give you the inside look at the most effective communication tool that we teach at the Couples Workshop and in our coaching. By changing your very first sentence to your partner you can stay on the same team together and support each other in fulfilling your relationship needs and wants!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
Do you feel like life is piling things onto you and your partner right now? There are defintely seasons where a lot of hard things can hit you all at once which really makes it difficult to stay positive and stay connected as a team.
In this solo episode you will hear from Jocelyn to get two things to do in seasons like these. Everything, even challenges, are temporary. But use these two things so you can stay connected until the ride is over!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
Here you are having a slightly tension filled conversation with your partner, then out of nowhere they bring up something from the past! “You did the same thing last week” or “this is exactly what you do, you don’t respect me”.
One of the most common things we hear that escalates things quickly is the past being brought up. This is not just random however, this is an indication of a few things. In this episode we’re going to share FOUR of the most common things this indicates and all 4 could really strike a chord, so be sure to listen all the way to the end!
Resources For Your Relationship:
There are 3 SPOTS for Couples to take the #1 Relationship Assessment in the world and do a Results Analysis Call privately with us. Couples say, “that was the most clarifying 1 hour we’ve spent in a long time.” To snag one of these 3 spots for only $147 (a MAJOR discount), either text or email us before they’re gone.
Text: 602-321-5652 or email connect@newpowercouples.com
If that date is already past then you can sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
Men, there is something you don’t understand about your female partners… Being completely honest here, this is something that women might forget in the moment as well.
When women don’t understand this about themselves then they don’t communicate in the best way or request what it is they need so that it can be received by their male partners.
Men, without understanding this need that women have, you will easily invalidate them and easily escalate the conversation into a triggering conflict.
In this episode you will (both) understand this need that women have and be able to communicate about it in a healthy way that brings you into more harmony individually and as a couple.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
- For those that live in and around Arizona, this is your last opportunity for the in person Couples Workshop event on Sunday Oct 9th. Seats for this live event are limited so check the details and register here!
Men, there is something you don’t understand about your female partners… Being completely honest here, this is something that women might forget in the moment as well.
When women don’t understand this about themselves then they don’t communicate in the best way or request what it is they need so that it can be received by their male partners.
Men, without understanding this need that women have, you will easily invalidate them and easily escalate the conversation into a triggering conflict.
In this episode you will (both) understand this need that women have and be able to communicate about it in a healthy way that brings you into more harmony individually and as a couple.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
- For those that live in and around Arizona, this is your last opportunity for the in person Couples Workshop event on Sunday Oct 9th. Seats for this live event are limited so check the details and register here!
Women, there is something you don’t understand about your male partners… Being completely honest here, this is something most men don’t even understand about themselves!
When men don’t understand this about themselves then they cannot even communicate or request what it is they need and default to shutting down, being silent, or even leaving the physical space without so much as a word about what is happening.
Women, without understanding this need that men have, you will take it personally and do the opposite actions that are needed to help; pushing your male partner further away or shutting down even more.
In this episode you will (both) understand this need that men have and be able to communicate about it in a healthy way that brings you into more harmony individually and as a couple.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
- For those that live in and around Arizona, this is your last opportunity for the in person Couples Workshop event on Sunday Oct 9th. Seats for this live event are limited so check the details and register here!
Women, there is something you don’t understand about your male partners… Being completely honest here, this is something most men don’t even understand about themselves!
When men don’t understand this about themselves then they cannot even communicate or request what it is they need and default to shutting down, being silent, or even leaving the physical space without so much as a word about what is happening.
Women, without understanding this need that men have, you will take it personally and do the opposite actions that are needed to help; pushing your male partner further away or shutting down even more.
In this episode you will (both) understand this need that men have and be able to communicate about it in a healthy way that brings you into more harmony individually and as a couple.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
- For those that live in and around Arizona, this is your last opportunity for the in person Couples Workshop event on Sunday Oct 9th. Seats for this live event are limited so check the details and register here!
If you have ever felt that you needed to make a difficult decision or that you have been in the same place in your marriage longer than you’ve wanted, you likely need to identify your values and adjust your priorities!
Now this can be a very seasonal thing, even core values can adjust based on the season you are coming out of or wanting to enter into! Sometimes it even involves rearranging your core values to one’s that are more important to you right now. But this can be a hard conversation because it takes getting clarity as well as being willing to ask hard conversions, be honest with yourself, and change some habits.
In this episode you will hear the exercise we use to redefine our values in each season and align our priorities with those values. We are going through that season in our marriage right now and we will share our current values, our new priorities and this exercise that we put up on our frig!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Get the Values and Priorities Exercise as a BONUS in The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter! As a listener get $100 off with the code: bundle100
If you have ever felt that you needed to make a difficult decision or that you have been in the same place in your marriage longer than you’ve wanted, you likely need to identify your values and adjust your priorities!
Now this can be a very seasonal thing, even core values can adjust based on the season you are coming out of or wanting to enter into! Sometimes it even involves rearranging your core values to one’s that are more important to you right now. But this can be a hard conversation because it takes getting clarity as well as being willing to ask hard conversions, be honest with yourself, and change some habits.
In this episode you will hear the exercise we use to redefine our values in each season and align our priorities with those values. We are going through that season in our marriage right now and we will share our current values, our new priorities and this exercise that we put up on our frig!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Get the Values and Priorities Exercise as a BONUS in The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter! As a listener get $100 off with the code: bundle100
After going through the most challenging month of my life, which of course had a major impact on Jocelyn as we went through it together, this is one of the major lessons I learned. Though you experience different challenges and varying degrees of emotional stress around them, the fact remains that challenges themselves are temporary. This realization was a major turning point during this time.
In this solo episode you will hear about two distinct aspects of circumstantial challenges, you will feel some relief and optimism for any challenge you are currently facing, but also you will understand the decision point that you can make to turn it all around in your favor.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Battle For Fairness Marriage WebClass September 15th —> OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com Let’s end “The Battle for Fairness” in relationship roles, overcoming resentment, and reducing overwhelm in your partnership.
- If that date is passed then you can sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
After going through the most challenging month of my life, which of course had a major impact on Jocelyn as we went through it together, this is one of the major lessons I learned. Though you experience different challenges and varying degrees of emotional stress around them, the fact remains that challenges themselves are temporary. This realization was a major turning point during this time.
In this solo episode you will hear about two distinct aspects of circumstantial challenges, you will feel some relief and optimism for any challenge you are currently facing, but also you will understand the decision point that you can make to turn it all around in your favor.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Battle For Fairness Marriage WebClass September 15th —> OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com Let’s end “The Battle for Fairness” in relationship roles, overcoming resentment, and reducing overwhelm in your partnership.
- If that date is passed then you can sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
Do you remember your wedding vows, could you tell us what they are and more importantly if you have been keeping them? Sorry if that feels like a bold and challenging question, but the point is that many of us have forgotten what we promised our spouse at the start of the marriage!
There are a few reasons this happens, tune into the episode to hear what those are. But the more important thing is to ongoingly remake your promises to each other to be a match to the next season of life together and for the individual people you are becoming.
It was our anniversary this past weekend, and the practice of recreating our promises with each other is something we do each year. In this episode we will share with you the exercise we do and share with you the promises we just made with each other. Then you can do the same with your partner and create the future you truly desire for your marriage!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Battle For Fairness Marriage WebClass September 15th —> OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com Let’s end “The Battle for Fairness” in relationship roles, overcoming resentment, and reducing overwhelm in your partnership.
If that date is past then you can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
Do you remember your wedding vows, could you tell us what they are and more importantly if you have been keeping them? Sorry if that feels like a bold and challenging question, but the point is that many of us have forgotten what we promised our spouse at the start of the marriage!
There are a few reasons this happens, tune into the episode to hear what those are. But the more important thing is to ongoingly remake your promises to each other to be a match to the next season of life together and for the individual people you are becoming.
It was our anniversary this past weekend, and the practice of recreating our promises with each other is something we do each year. In this episode we will share with you the exercise we do and share with you the promises we just made with each other. Then you can do the same with your partner and create the future you truly desire for your marriage!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Battle For Fairness Marriage WebClass September 15th —> OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com Let’s end “The Battle for Fairness” in relationship roles, overcoming resentment, and reducing overwhelm in your partnership.
If that date is past then you can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
You are familiar with those times where you go to ask for help or share a need you have with your partner. All of a sudden you find yourself keeping score of all the things you do, comparing how much you do, and making sure then see that it’s more than they do. Now you are in a battle for what is fair and where you feel things are out of balance.
In this episdoe you will hear about where this dynamic comes from and the main tips to get our of the cycle. This is a complex dynamic as well so be sure to join the FREE webclass to overcome this battle for good:
Battle For Fairness Marriage WebClass September 15th —> OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com
Let’s end “The Battle for Fairness” in relationship roles, overcoming resentment, and reducing overwhelm in your partnership.
You are familiar with those times where you go to ask for help or share a need you have with your partner. All of a sudden you find yourself keeping score of all the things you do, comparing how much you do, and making sure then see that it’s more than they do. Now you are in a battle for what is fair and where you feel things are out of balance.
In this episdoe you will hear about where this dynamic comes from and the main tips to get our of the cycle. This is a complex dynamic as well so be sure to join the FREE webclass to overcome this battle for good:
Battle For Fairness Marriage WebClass September 15th —> OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com
Let’s end “The Battle for Fairness” in relationship roles, overcoming resentment, and reducing overwhelm in your partnership.
The fall season has historically been a time of growing stronger or more strained as a couple. As a followup from last week, we want to cover 3 of the challenges that men are expressing in marriage right now. Does it address “everything” that every single couple is saying to us right now? Of course not. But these are 3 big ones that many are experiencing, so we thought it’d be helpful for you to know.
As mentioned in the episdoe, this all leads to a battle for fairness and balnace in a marriage and leads to additonal tension or conflict. So to better resolve this challenge in your marriage, join the FREE Webclass "End the Battle for Fairness" that is live on Sept 15th.
If the date has already passed, you can book a Relationship Breakthrough Session with us. This is a private 2-on-2 session to overcome any challenge you’re facing as a couple. Read more and pick your slot here.
The fall season has historically been a time of growing stronger or more strained as a couple. As a followup from last week, we want to cover 3 of the challenges that men are expressing in marriage right now. Does it address “everything” that every single couple is saying to us right now? Of course not. But these are 3 big ones that many are experiencing, so we thought it’d be helpful for you to know.
As mentioned in the episdoe, this all leads to a battle for fairness and balnace in a marriage and leads to additonal tension or conflict. So to better resolve this challenge in your marriage, join the FREE Webclass "End the Battle for Fairness" that is live on Sept 15th.
If the date has already passed, you can book a Relationship Breakthrough Session with us. This is a private 2-on-2 session to overcome any challenge you’re facing as a couple. Read more and pick your slot here.
This episode is a dose of motivation and perspective change for your marriage and life. Book a Relationship Breakthrough Session with us. This is a private 2-on-2 session to overcome any challenge you’re facing as a couple. Read more and pick your slot here.
The fall season has historically been a time of growing stronger or more strained as a couple. That’s why we want to cover 3 of the challenges that women are expressing in marriage right now. Does it address “everything” that every single couple is saying to us right now? Of course not. But these are 3 big ones that many are experiencing, so we thought it’d be helpful for you to know.
Book a Relationship Breakthrough Session with us. This is a private 2-on-2 session to overcome any challenge you’re facing as a couple. Read more and pick your slot here.
The fall season has historically been a time of growing stronger or more strained as a couple. That’s why we want to cover 3 of the challenges that women are expressing in marriage right now. Does it address “everything” that every single couple is saying to us right now? Of course not. But these are 3 big ones that many are experiencing, so we thought it’d be helpful for you to know.
Book a Relationship Breakthrough Session with us. This is a private 2-on-2 session to overcome any challenge you’re facing as a couple. Read more and pick your slot here.
Are we the only ones facing some “challenges” in life right now? Let’s talk about the real stuff going on. When you face challenges – whether in your marriage or life circumstances you’re facing – do you become smaller or bigger? “Smaller” meaning: you shrink down, become paralyzed, maybe even a victim mentality. “Bigger” meaning: you rise to the occasion, you get resourceful, you call on support/help, you shift your perspective and get into action.
Today’s episode will cover some personal challenges and how we operate when being big or small people, and how we shift our perspectives day to day.
Also, there are 3 SPOTS for Couples to take the #1 Relationship Assessment in the world and do a Results Analysis Call privately with us. Couples say, “that was the most clarifying 1 hour we’ve spent in a long time.” To snag one of these 3 spots for only $147 (a MAJOR discount), either text or email us before they’re gone.
Text: 602-321-5652 or
Email connect@newpowercouples.com
Have you had the experience of being inspired for a short amount of time, then realize something was missing to actually create the actual change you wanted in your life and marriage? Or how about with your partner... have you been frustrated because they say they are doing to make a change, only to fall back into the same patterns in just a few weeks?
This can be frustrating for both you and your partner, especially when they have said real change was going to happen and it doesn't. You lose a little bit of hope and trust in them. So in this episode you are going to hear about 3 things that your marriage requires to create that real and lasting change that you really want.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the brand new Couples Experience program starting Sept 1st, 2022. Read the details that you heard in the episode and register within the next 2 weeks. Then you can start your relationship assessment, book the ‘results call’ with us, begin the program, and block your calendar for the first community session!
If the date for registration has passed then you can order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Having hard conversations is a part of being in a marriage. These conversations come up when you feel disconnected, when a past conflict is unresolved, or when you are feeling disconnected and want to get back to connection. Depending on each of your styles of communicating, when you go to have these conversations, you might end up in the “Pursue-Withdraw” pattern.
In this episode you will hear the dynamics of this pattern, where one of you is trying to engage but the other pulls away, as well as the steps to take to get out of this pattern. Once you can navigate this pattern, you will feel confident that you can better handle these hard conversations while being on the same side with each other.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Register FREE for the LIVE Webclass August 17th, 2022 on: Handling Hard Conversations in Marriage and Creating a Safe Space For All Emotions.
After that date, you can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
‘Emotional Agility’ is your ability to be with and accept your strong emotions while letting them better inform you of the next actions to take in your life. As you can already tell this is not an easy thing or a natural thing when you feel big emotions like fear, worry, anxiety, regret, or resentment.
Typically what would happen when these strong emotions come up, we either: avoid or suppress the emotion and try to just move on, just react and make another bad decision in these stressed states, for others they obsess over the thoughts and the emotions overtake and dibilate them into not doing anything.
Yet in this episode you will hear about “emotional agility” and how you can develop yourself to better handle high emotions to stay connected as a couple and acting toward your best interests.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Book mentioned in podcast, Emotional Agility HERE
- Register for the upcoming FREE webclass on "How to Have the Hard Conversations".
Before you click away from seeing the overused word “goals”, remember goals are the things you want to achieve in your life and marriage. So they are important, even though this conversation has been talked about so much. But there is a MISSING PIECE to all of this which is identifying your standards!
This is a conversion that we are even going through ourselves as we redefine what we want our next season of life and marriage to be. Goals don’t always get achieved BUT they never will if you don’t realize this key piece about your acceptable standards. This is all a part of being able to live your dream life as well. So make sure you tune into this one. The key terms here also come from the book we have been reading, The Power of One More, by Ed Mylett. That link is below again as well!
Resources For Your Relationship:
You can sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
Then learn more about The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
A funny thing in a relationship is that in the beginning your differences attracted you to your partner. Some time later those differences become points of tension and butting heads. All of a sudden you want them to be less assertive and opinionated, more organized and to remember to put household things in the places you want, you want them to change their tone and sound less accusatory, or you differ on decisions to either go on a trip or to save money.
In this episode you will understand more about where your personality differences come from, but also that you don’t have to seek to change them. You will hear about how our discovery of our differences in personality actually led us to being able to create more understanding, ease, and flow in our relationship. We use a type of personality test called Human Design to give us amazing insights into our natural characteristics, where we are different, but then how to use them to be a better team.
Resources For Your Relationship:
You can sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
Learn more about The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
Trips to see your in-laws… these are supposed to be times of fun, connection, and relaxation. Yet many times they can be quite the opposite. You might feel drained, depleted, constrained from being yourself and what you really want to do, and end up ending the trip without it being what you really wanted and would have fulfilled you.
The core reason for this is blurred or crossed boundaries. In this episode you will hear, after we just went on a trip to see our families, the categories of boundaries, why they get crossed, the reasons you do not bring them up, and some tips to create more harmony on your trips to see family.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Get $50 OFF The Live Couples Workshop which now you can attend from anywhere in the world, to enhance your communication skills together. Use code: podcast50
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
- You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
The most important thing in relationships is repairing and resolving conflicts. Because conflicts WILL happen, it’s not about the amount or even having them.
Now true repair is not necessarily an easy thing, because of the emotion you both have, the different perspectives you have, and the complex dynamics that happen from making a few mistakes.
These mistakes leave you feeling unresolved, that it’s your fault, blamed, or forced to move on and get past it. In all cases you don’t feel understood or confident that anything will change or keep this from happening again.
In this episode you will hear the mistakes that keep you from truly repairing after having arguments, so that you can effectively do the most important thing for your relationship... actually repair from conflicts!
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Get $50 OFF The Live Couples Workshop which now you can attend from anywhere in the world, to enhance your communication skills together. Use code: podcast50****
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
- Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Having frustrations and feelings of resentment over your roles and responsibilities is a common thing we hear. One parter is frustrated about not getting help, then the response they get is: “just tell me what you need me to do” OR “I’m happy to help, just tell me what” OR sometimes “it’s your job, you stay at home, I work, so just get it done".
This is frustrating for both partners, and triggers defensivness and often a conflict. This is because:
- For the partner having to remind: it feels like it’s one person’s responsibility to “own” the housework. It can feel like parenting your partner.
- For the partner feeling blindsided: I just don’t see those things, I wish you’d tell me before you get so frustrated, they feel like a lot of emotion comes at them suddenly.
In this episode you will hear the main sources of this dynamic and what you can do differently to get back on the same page and feeling supported and loved in the roles and responsibilities you choose.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Get $50 OFF The Live Couples Workshop which now you can attend from anywhere in the world, to enhance your communication skills together
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
You and your partner both do a lot of things for the relationship and marriage to work. A lot of these things are done each day and are very routine. But it’s easy to feel taken for granted, or even taken advantage of when you do not feel that your partner has acknowledged you for those things.
In this episode you will be reminded to acknowledge your partner more often AND 3 “things” to acknowledge them for that will progressively have them feel more and more acknowledged for. There are things that you would have not thought of!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Then learn more about The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
Would anyone actually raise their hand and say that they enjoyed failure? If any, it would be a small number for sure because we just don’t like that feeling that comes with failing. But what if failure wasn’t a separate thing from success? What if failure had to happen on the journey to success?
In this motivational moment episode, Aaron goes into the idea he got from his experience traveling to Austin Texas for a crypto conference. Though it was an unlikely place to get an idea for relationships, tune into this episode for a new perspective and motivation around any failure you experience in your relationship.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Then learn more about The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
As you know from listening to this podcast, actually resolving conflict is the most important thing for a healthy relationship. TODAY this topic falls into the next most important thing in a relationship and that is making positive and lasting change toward what you desire in the relationship.
This is not as easy as it sounds as you know that you can learn something from reading a book, listening to a podcast, or going to a seminar and only have the ‘change’ last for a short period of time. So in this episode today you will not only learn what creates lasting change but also get a way to actually make that happen in your life and marriage long term.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Learn more about The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
There are going to be times that you feel ... something. That something might be what you would think of as a "negative emotion". Typically what happens however is that you point the finger at your partner for that emotion and tell them that they need to change.
However this motiviational moment is about looking inward and taking ownership of being a better person first so that the marriage can get better!
Then learn more about The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
You have a lot of life to manage. You have your job, getting kids where they need to go, paying bills and managing finances, scheduling trips and events with family, and on it goes. A part of living life is this management of things but sometimes it can make you feel that they are significant, heavy, or even a burden. This energy of course impacts your relationship, how you communicate with each other, and your general attitude toward one another.
But what we all are innately wired for is play, fun and exploration. Somewhere along the line we forgot that or traded it in for the “adulting. This episode is about 5 ways to bring more fun and inspiration into your day, your life, and your marriage so you can experience more of what you are truly supposed to in your life together as a couple.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
The Untethered Soul Guided Journal by Michael Singer
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
- Then learn more about The Communication Mastery Bundle course for you and your partner to grow closer together, communicate more effectively, and fight smarter!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
It’s pretty clear that world circumstances are making things more difficult right now. For some, maybe more than ever. There are political tensions with countries, a slowing down of the job and economic markets, costs of goods going up, even inequalities that still linger. All of these factors might be having you feel uncertain about the future or even worried or afraid for what might happen next.
Either way sometimes you need s a little extra motivation to kick start your day to jar you loose from the slump of doubt, concern, or worry that you feel. This episode is the short and sweet motivational moment you need to get back to being the best person and partner you can be!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
You probably don’t actively think “I have some resentment building up toward my partner”. Resentment is a little like putting small amounts of sand into a backpack over time. You might not notice the weight of the sand in the beginning. Then as time goes on, you might not even notice that the backpack now weighs 50lbs because you’ve gotten used to it over time.
But resentment is a very unhealthy attitude and feeling toward your partner that will lead to a relationship ending if not dealt with. OK, so even if you are not there yet, the underlying feeling of resentment creates a block to intimacy, fulfillment, and making any progress in your relationship. It can feel like you’ve been wronged, a sense of bitterness, or being checked out.
In this episode you will hear about how to better identify the early signs of resentment building as well as the empowering way to release, let go, and be able to create a new future of connection and being a team.
Resources For Your Relationship:
UNTIL THE 5 SPOTS ARE GONE... You can take your relationship assessment + get a 1 hour results call with us personally! Just message us "I want to do the assessment" to either:
Email: connect@newpowercouples.com
Text: 602-321-5652
IG DM: meet_thefreemans
- Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
This is your last chance to attend the online workshop to “Spice Up Your Sex Life”! Attend this 2 hour life changing one on May 29th, 2022 by purchasing The Communication Mastery Bundle and you’ll get this as a free bonus HERE.
This brings us to the end of the Spice Up Your Sex Life series, and we want to give you our personal update. Becoming parents we recognized how the allocation of time and energy certainly changed. But we were not going to have that be an excuse for us, we knew we had to get more creative.
We can honestly say that our intimacy and sex life has improved after being parents, but it was not by accident. With the two other podcasts you have heard, here is how we have brought it all together to have our intimacy be even more satisfying, despite time, energy, or sleep changing.
Resources For Your Relationship:
-
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
-
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
There are going to be times that you feel ... something. That something might be what you would think of as a "negative emotion". But you probably know that thinking more about it, or even judging it, doesn't seem to make it go away!
Tune in for this motivational message about how "there are no wrong feelings" so that you can motivate yourself out of that energy today, and who knows, maybe even positively motivate your partner too!
Relationship Resources:
For this month, get access to the Spice Up Your Intimacy Workshop on May 29th, when you start the Communication Mastery Course Bundle!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
First things first, would you like to attend an online workshop to “Spice Up Your Sex Life”? Attend a 2 hour life changing one in May 2022, with the intimacy coach from last episdoe Ashley Jones, by purchasing The Communication Mastery Bundle and you’ll get this as a a free bonus HERE. Now you might not realize the subtle lifestyle choices that could be impacting your hormones, therefore impacting your sex life. Wait a second... are you saying my desire for my partner could be impacted by my hormones? ... YES!
No matter what age range you fall into, you could be experiencing hormonal imbalances but write it off as being “tired” or “not as motivated as before” or “too stressed to want sex.” But you’ll hear Dr Sabrina Solt address the common hormonal imbalances that could also be impacting you. You’ll walk away with specific new lifestyle changes you can make to positively boost your sex life!
After the episode if you know you want more wisdom or specific help from Sabrina, you can learn more and connect with her here:
Web: https://drsabrinasolt.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drsolt/?hl=en
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
There are going to be times that you feel are more challenging in your relationship. This might because of outside circumstances or because of patterns with your partner. There might even by times where it's both. Tune in for this motivational message around going through a "rough patch" so that you can motivate yourself out of that energy today, and who knows, maybe even positively motivate your partner too!
One thing before you listen.... Would you like to attend an online workshop to “Spice Up Your Sex Life”? Attend a 2 hour life changing one in May 2022 by purchasing The Communication Mastery Bundle and you’ll get this as a a free bonus HERE.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
First of all, would you like to attend an online workshop to “Spice Up Your Sex Life”? Attend a 2 hour life changing one in May 2022 by purchasing The Communication Mastery Bundle and you’ll get this as a a free bonus HERE.
Now pause for a minute to think about this... What level of desire and wanting to be intimate with your partner are you currently experiencing?
If you notice, desire itself is not always and immediately available in your relationship. In different seasons of life it can feel less or more. So where does it go if it’s not as present for each other right now?
This podcast interview is with intimacy coach Ashley Jones, the one we did the intimacy workshop with in Hawaii! This episode will give you a whole new perspective on desire, how to create more of it, and remove what blocks it! We promise that you will be excited about exploring intimacy even more together.
After the episode you can learn and connect more with Ashley here:
Web: https://www.uplevellove.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/uplevellove/?hl=en
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Limited thinking leaves you feeling as though you have to choose this OR that. Limitless thinking puts you in a creative state to do/be/have this AND that. Tune in for this motivational message that will empower you in any area of life. All you need in times like these is a little extra motivation to kick start your day to jar you loose from the slump of discouragement that you feel. This episode is the short and sweet motivational moment you need to get back to being the best person and partner you can be!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Have you thought much about legacy? It’s a word with a big meaning behind it we know. Many people don’t think about this until later in life, yet it can be a very impactful thing right here and now. We will take this one layer deeper even… What is the story of your relationship right now? Does it seem like a comedy, tragedy, drama, or mystery? Whichever it is, is this the legacy you want to create?
In this episode you will reframe how you see the current situations in your relationship as well as understand the aspects of the “Hero’s Journey” so that you can create yourself and your partner as the heroes in the story that you are writing and experiencing at the same time!
Resources For Your Relationship:
- You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
We know there are times that you feel discouraged in your relationship, and honestly sometimes it’s just about an event in your individual life that isn’t going the way you would like. There might even be times that you just feel a general sense of discouragement when you wake up. This feeling isn’t from anything specific, but some carry over from the previous days or weeks.
Either way all you need in times like these is a little extra motivation to kick start your day to jar you loose from the slump of discouragement that you feel. This episode is the short and sweet motivational moment you need to get back to being the best person and partner you can be!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
There’s something you wish your partner would do for/with you. Or there’s something you want to receive or experience in your partnership. But you might have thought to yourself, “if I tell them that I want _____, it won’t be as romantic because they didn’t think of it themselves.”
This episode is about rethinking what is really ROMANTIC, and how to set your partner up for success to fulfill your wants and needs….whether it’s a small or big gesture within the partnership.
Relationship Resources:
- Schedule a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session with us and overcome any challenge you’re facing as a couple. Go Here and Sign-up.
- Connect with us on Instagram HERE.
A special opportunity for podcast listeners only at this time!
Within the episode you will hear about the 4 Month - Couples Experience Group Workshops and Coaching Program. After you listen, if you are interested to be a part of the live expereince with us and want more detials, message us in 1 of these 3 ways:
Email: connect@newpowercouples.com
Text: 602-321-5652
IG: @Meet_TheFreemans
In This Episode
is a POWERFUL followup to the last episode on arguments: There is a key underlying cycle that happens in every relationship. It is one of the main patterns that cause conflicts and keep them going without you realizing it!
This principle is written about in a book called Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs. It’s a very insightful, simple and powerful principle. Personally we listened to the first 3 chapters (on 1.5 speed) and felt we had gotten the point and urgency enough to put it into practice and share with you about it. Without realizing this cycle you will feel as if you are in a trap and can't get out.
Additional Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Register for the FREE Communication WebClass TONIGHT April 12th
If you are in Arizona, or close to, registrations for the in person Couples Workshop in Arizona on May 12th, 2022 is now open!
About the Episode:
You’ve had this thought in the middle of an argument right, “what are we really arguing about right now?” This is a very common feeling about being lost or unclear about what is being fought about or what started it. If you think about it, when you find yourself in a place like this, is it likely you can easily find your way out if you don’t even know what got you here? Likely not!
But this is not just you, arguments have different layers and if you are unclear, like even about what your desired outcome is, how can you expect to be anything but confused and ineffective?!
That’s why in today’s episode you are going to hear our takeaways from the book “Thank you for arguing” and how we even used it to understand more about an argument we had (yes it’s true we have arguments ourselves!). As you will hear though, all relationships have arguments but there is one key that leads to a healthy relationship, or ones that eventually end!
On top of that you are going to hear the 3 sources of arguments as well as the 3 methods of arguments so that you can better navigate arguments in your own relationship and bring them to a win-win resolution to be more connected and understanding of each other.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
The referenced book for the episode: Thank You For Arguing by Jay Heinrichs
NEW COMMUNICATION WEBCLASS on April 12th 2022: Don't miss this live weblcass to end frustrating patterns and better understand each other. https://onlinecouplesworkshops.com/
Is the following communication pattern at all familiar to you?
Partner A- attempts to share a feeling or need.
Partner B- wasn’t prepared and then gets defensive.
Partner A- gets triggered by the response and feels invalidated.
Partner B- starts shutting down and disengaging.
Partner A- gets reactive and brings up the past or blames.
Partner B- retreats and withdraws their attention, energy and love for a day or even a few.
Imagine if you could finally break this pattern! That is what this episode is all about and you will see a key way to interrupt this pattern to go from disconnection and frustration to connection and understanding.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
You know those moments when you're frustrated or disappointed in your partnership? Have you thought about what the ROOT cause of the frustration is? Don’t worry, most people we talk to haven’t identified it, which is why we’re covering it on today’s episode.
This principle will be ESPECIALLY helpful if you tend to run into the same thing over and over again or you feel like “we’ll never see eye to eye on this.”
By the end of this episode, you will know exactly what to reflect on personally AND discuss to help eliminate most upsets.
Also, schedule a Relationship Breakthrough Session with us. We take you through our powerful expectation process and you will know how to handle things differently together. Read the details and book one of the 5 spots HERE.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
All relationships go through seasons of adjustments when "bigger" life events happen. The goal isn’t to avoid big life events or challenges, or even try to just make it through it. These seasons are the opportunities to grow the most in your relationship. To do that however you will have to be more flexible, proactive in your communication, and have more grace for each other so that you stay together and not have the event create separation.
Our big life event has been having our baby, who is now 3 months old! Many of you are of course interested in our specific parenting updates around what is working well for us, what challenges we have faced, and how we have gotten even closer together. In this episode you will hear just that, but also the tools that we use ourselves so that you too can maintain your connection no matter what life season you find yourself in.
Resources For Your Relationship:
You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
Parenting Resources From Episode:
Dreamland swaddles & blankets - 20% OFF EVERYTHING using code: Freemans15
Go Diaper Free elimination communication book and potty training program
Wonder Weeks - developmental leaps app
Taking Cara Babies newborn programs
We posted this question on IG and got a TON of interesting comments. A bit of a range in answers from “NOPE, definitely not” to “Shouldn’t we focus on sacrificial love and put others before ourselves”? So we’re going to address some of the nuances of the comments and some specific points to really answer this question.
We admit that like a few comments, it’s not just a yes or no answer. So in this episode we will cover what needs to be in place and how can needs/wants get communicated to not run into having to sacrifice but find what is best for the relationship.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Sign-up for the 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Not too many people have the most ideal relationship that they would like. Even if your relationship is going well, you are on the same page about the direction of life, you have the jobs and life that you enjoy and you manage things well together... there is still a place you would like to be even a little better.
It might seem like this has been a sticking place for a longer period of time and it seems like it is difficult to really make that change. The reason is that this is a subconscious pattern driving the same actions and reactions within you.
In this episode you will hear how to initially access this subconscious pattern and then identify where (in your past with your parents) this is coming from.
Resources For Your Relationship:
The nature of this subconscious pattern makes it difficult to identify and change on your own. So if you would like support in this area you can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
PS: for a limited time if you review the book on Amazon, you can be entered into a drawing for a free course from our Empowered Couples University!
Intimacy is a huge part of a relationship and if you have been listening here for a little while, you know we are big on both emotional intimacy through communication as well as physical intimacy.
For many partners too, if emotional intimacy is missing it’s hard to want to be physically intimate let alone be able to explore and expand this area. We are always learning and open to expand any of our own limits and boundaries in our own relationship
From society you probably think of sex mostly as penetration, or from the purely sexual dynamic. But that’s often rushed without the consideration of the other styles of intimacy.
When the energetics aren’t there often the sex isn’t that satisfying. There is a subtle and critical interplay with the energy between a couple that can quickly deflate an intimate interaction.
In this episdoe you will hear the profound lessons we learned as we went through the practice together during an intimacy/power dynamic sub/dom class on our trip to Hawaii.
Resources For Your Relationship:
FREE Course Giveaway - Order our book, The Argument Hangover, then write a review on Amazon to be entered into a drawing for a course of your choice!
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
FREE Course Giveaway - Order our book, The Argument Hangover, then write a review on Amazon to be entered into a drawing for a course of your choice!
Men and women can experience different types of challenges within the same relationship. The difficult thing about that is when it gets expressed to your partner, it can be easily dismissed as being irrational. This is only because the other partner doesn't see things the same way. But this doesn't make it any less impactful.
So the goal of this episode is to bring awareness to the specific challenges that women feel, so that it can be more easily expressed and understood by their partners. In this episode you will hear 3 challenges that women are experiencing in mariages right now!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
FREE Course Giveaway - Order our book, The Argument Hangover, then write a review on Amazon to be entered into a drawing for a course of your choice! Men and women can experience different types of challenges within the same relationship. The difficult thing about that is when it gets expressed to your partner, it can be easily dismissed as being irrational. This is only because the other partner doesn't see things the same way. But this doesn't make it any less impactful.
So the goal of this episode is to bring awareness to the specific challenges that men feel, so that it can be more easily expressed and understood by their partners. In this episode you will hear 3 challenges that men are experiencing in mariages right now!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Join the 5 Day Couples Challenge that starts Feb 7th, 2022. Connect with other couples as we go through daily training of the 5 C's for a strong relationship and even get a FREE book!
Ever wonder WHY your partner does things the way they do? Or maybe why they WON’T do something a certain way (like the way you asked them to)? The latter is more likely to happen which is then what leads to saying something like “I would like you to stop _____ “ or “why can’t you just _____”. In either case you are looking for a change in behavior. When it doesn’t happen, you just get more frustrated.
Todays’ episode will reveal the deeper way to understand their psychology and what drives their choices and actions. Plus, it’ll help you understand yourself more as well and why you even do the things you do (or don’t do)! Think of todays’ episode as the only way you can ever really change a pattern you feel stuck with.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Being rejected by another person is a pretty defeating feeling to have. All of us have experienced that at one point in our lives whether it was dating someone, rejected for a job you wanted, or even by someone that used to be a friend.
You probably don’t think about it too much once you are married because well…you are married to that person and they are not going anywhere! Rejection usually comes with a forced physical separation, that’s why in your relationship, the feeling of being rejected can be even more painful.
Underneath you can feel rejected in your ideas, how you communicate, even in your habits. This feeling can be why you don’t bring up certain topics to your partner or even why you feel tension lingering between you and them.
In this episode you will hear the steps you can take if feeling rejected is a fear that has been creating emotional distance from your partner.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
- You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here, or email us at connect@newpowercouples.com
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
It's a part of all relationships, at one point you have said (to yourself or aloud) "how do I get my partner to _____"? There is something that your partner does that makes you feel well... not the most stellar! Because you feel a certain way you want them to change something.
We are all about growth and change, that's what being in a relationship is all about. However there are better ways to "influence" your partner to make changes, that won't put them on the defensive or have them shut you out.
In this episode you will get 2 steps to take that will help you create influence with your partner so that you both see the change that you desire in the relationship.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Watch our FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). Pick a time to watch it here.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Watch our NEW FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). You can pick a time to watch it here. The idea of having good habits is so simple and it probably feels like it’s overly talked about. Every person on social media that jumps in to be an influencer or coach is going to talk about your “habits”. We all have some good habits, and some bad ones… but we would say maybe there are not “bad” just habits that do not serve you any more. There will be many times in your relationship that you will find this to be true as well. There are some habits (whether in communication, roles, financial, or even task management) that do not serve your relationship any longer.
At the end of the day habits are very powerful because the majority of the actions you take in a day, even the thoughts that you think or the emotions that you feel… are just habits. We have found that there are many “habits” we have put in place that are vital to the health and success of our own relationship. In this episode we talk about 5 small habits that we have put in place that now, without even thinking about them, make a big difference in our marriage!
Watch our NEW FREE WebClass on: The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (Instead of Hours, Days, Weeks). You can pick a time to watch it here. So you’re having a seemingly simple conversation with your partner or a perfectly normal day, and then BAM things escalate into an unexpected conflict. It’s frustrating when that happens! Many times that happens because of the way one of you initiates the conversation, and then the way the other person listens. So today’s episode gives you 2 simple ways (that literally take you 5 seconds) to prevent these simple conversations from becoming an unnecessary conflict.
Episode Resources & Links:
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg HERE
The “forgetting curve” principle shows that your partner is likely to forget 50% within an hour, 70% within 24 hours, and 90% within a week. So if this is true, why on earth would we expect our partner to remember something we express ONE time: like a want/need?! Since human memory can’t be relied on and your partner likely has a lot on their mind/plate, then we need to partner with them by effectively providing gentle, loving reminders. But what about nagging?! Someone asked this on our Instagram post.
In this episode we distinguish between “nagging” your partner and healthy “assertiveness.”
Assertiveness is empowering, and a skill we all can get better at in a relationship.
To better use this skill in your conflict repair: Watch the FREE WebClass on The 5 Step Process to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes, Instead of Hours, Days or Weeks. Register and watch here.
Baby Freeman is HERE! If you’re seeing this episode it means our baby girl was born :) But we recorded these episodes to make sure you have resources while we’re snuggling her. The opposite of “Permission Based Communication” is “Permission-Less Communication”....which is more likely to lead to defensiveness, backlash, or an unintended argument. The thing is, it’s not respectful to just bring up a topic whenever YOU want to talk about it. Why? Because it’s not respecting and honoring your partner’s boundaries or taking into account if they’re really and open and prepared for it.
And this applies to moments when you want to: ask them to do something, express feelings you have about a certain issue, give them feedback, etc.
Implementing “Permission-Based Communication” will help you two have more constructive conversations, so you’ll love this episode!
Also, make sure you watch the FREE WebClass we recorded for you all:
The 5 Step Process to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes, Instead of Hours, Days, or Weeks
End the year by having this meaningful conversation together as a couple about your life and relationship goals. Life goes by pretty quickly, so it’s important to pause each year and make sure you’re on track with what’s important to you both.
Plus, you will feel a new sense of partnership and inspiration when you have one or more goals that you’re pursuing together.
Tune in to this episode to hear:
- How it benefits your partnership to have goals you pursue together
- Step-by-step how to have this conversation about your goals and priorities
- 3 meaningful questions to ask each other
Resources Mentioned:
- Watch our NEW FREE WebClass on--> The 5 Steps to Repair After An Argument So You Reconnect in Just Minutes, Instead of Hours, Days, or Weeks
- Book called Limitless by Jim Qwik
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Masculine and Feminine energy exists within all of us, and is critical to feeling “in sync” with your partner (rather than resistant). The masculine energy is: action-oriented, discerning, directive, logical. And feminine energy is: feelings-oriented, receptive, intuitive
If you experience resistance, tension, or even a lack of “attraction,” it could be because one or both of you is out of balance in your masculine/feminine energies.
This episode is going to give you an interesting take on your communication and relationship.
Get ready for a powerful reflection!
Resources in this episode:
- NEW FREE WebClass: The 5 Steps to Repair After an Argument in Just Minutes HERE
- Mars and Venus in the Bedroom by John Gray HERE
- Sacred Relationships book HERE
A NEW, SURPRISE (and FREE) Resource announced on this episode!
The way you two repair after a conflict will either lead to emotional baggage or emotional healing and bonding. The thing is, it can be hard to set aside the ego and focus on repair, especially when you also feel hurt about some things said and done during the argument.
This episode focuses on the MOST critical step to repair (of the 5 total), which also tends to be the hardest.
But by focusing on this step we share, you WILL resolve things faster, and move towards emotional healing. Tune in for this critical step to take.
Relationship Resources:
YOU GET EARLY ACCESS to our brand new (and free) WebClass on:
The 5 Steps to Fully Repair After an Argument So You Reconnect in Minutes (instead of hours, days, weeks). GO HERE TO SIGN-UP AND WATCH.
Every interaction is either a deposit or withdrawal from your partner’s “love account”. Meaning, every little remark you make or thing you say either deposits love and connection or it takes some away. The thing is, less “love deposits” are made for couples who are together a while or find themselves in busy seasons of life.
Most couples will go through seasons like these where they need to be making more deposits but they are actually making more withdrawals unconsciously. This isn’t just a relational “nice idea” because the level of your love accounts determines how on edge, reactive, and snappy you are to each other. The hardest thing about having a low account is that you are much less willing to do the thing you need, to fill it back up…
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
It would be an amazing baby gift if you would leave a review for the book. As content creators, that is a huge deposit into our love accounts!
There has always been a focus on the future that we each want to create. As a couple this can be in the form of setting goals or establishing your vision statement. This is a great thing because you can’t get anywhere if you don’t know where you want to go. But sometimes this can leave you feeling disappointed that you are “not there yet” or be discouraged when you feel you are not making as much progress as you would like.
In this solo episode with Aaron you will hear how there is a gap that gets created from this thinking, which can cause you to feel more disappointed about the relationship, when really you just need to change a particular focus. You will hear how you can close the gap between where you want to be and where you are now, so that you are not left feeling discouraged about your current relationship or your partner. You will easily gain appreciation and gratitude by making this one small shift.
Episode Resources & Links:
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
- The Gap and The Gain book by Ben Hardy HERE
The Danish people have ranked as the “happiest people on earth” for 40 years in a row starting in the 70’s, only to be rivaled by Norwegian and Finish people over the last several years. And their happiness isn’t dependent on things like: the weather or low taxes (it’s actually pretty cold and dark there, and they have relatively higher taxes)....so they must be doing something else right to be so happy.
So in today’s episode we cover 3 of the traits that they focus on to be the happiest people. Many of the traits we KNOW are critical to having a happy marriage. Of course just being a happier individual will lead to a happier relationship, but you will be able to know exactly what traits to improve in your relationship, so that your own happiness is intentional and not just based on better life circumstances.
Episode Resources & Links:
- If you’re a parent, attend the WebClass taught by parenting expert, Amy McCready, on November 10th. Details and registration HERE.
- Read the book we referred to in the podcast, The Danish Way of Parenting HERE
- Read our book, The Argument Hangover and claim $200 worth of bonuses HERE.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Episode Resources & Links:
- FREE Parenting WebClass with Amy McCready on November 10th HERE
- Hypnobabies Program for Natural Birth HERE
- Pelvic Floor Birth Program (One Strong Mama) HERE
- The Conscious Parent book by Dr Shefali HERE
- Video on baby communication sounds HERE
- Elimination Communication (Go Diaper Free) HERE
There are many ways to parent a child and even the way of "let's just figure it out as we go". We wanted to take this episode to share with you about our prep for becoming parents this coming December.
As we are so into communication and emotional intelligence between couples, you shouldn't be surprised that we are learning about how to do that with our own daughter.
Of course reading and listening is not the same as the "as lived experience", there are a number of philosophies and parenting guidelines that we are committed to implementing so that we can be truly conscious parents. Being conscious parents will allow us the best opportunity to raise a conscious child.
By no means are we saying we will be perfect or that we are judging any other ways of parenting, we just wanted to be open with you all about our journey and to even see the correlations to being a great partner. We believe that if you want your children to have great relationships, you have to have one yourself!
In this episode, we discuss:
- Our preparation for natural birth and helpful programs
- Non-mainstream techniques for parenting intentionally
- Conscious parenting and raising her to be the best version of herself
- Developing “Emotional Intelligence” in our parenting approach (just like our marriage)
- What we’ve learned from different cultures (outside the United States) for developing happy human beings
Additional Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
If you are a parent (or soon to be) you must attend the FREE Webinar with our guest Amy McCready on November 10th at OnlineCouplesWorkshops.com/parenting because she’s takes all the topics today even deeper to the specific how-tos!
As you can already tell we have a guest on this episode and it's none other than nationally renoun parenting expert Amy McCready!
Amy is the founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, parenting contributor on the TODAY show, best-selling author, and creator of The 7-Step Parenting Success System that has helped over 100,000 parents of toddlers to teens bring peace into their homes.
During this episode you will hear:
- What to do if you disagree on your parenting philosophy like authoritative vs her method of Positive Parenting Solutions
- What to do if triggered by your kids and preventing an argument with partner and
- How to make sure your partnership AND your parenting thrives at the same time.
Don't forget to register for the follow-up FREE Webclass that Amy is doing for our community only at: onlinecouplesworkshops.com/parenting
On the webinar you will get:
- The 5 Steps for No-Yelling consequences ALL parents can agree on
- How to find common parenting ground — even if it feels like a battlefield
- 3 action steps you can take TODAY to unite in parenting
Resources For Your Relationship:
If you missed the Nov. 10th webinar...
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Every one of us humans has needs that need to be fulfilled to have a good life. Part of this search to fulfill these needs is what leads you to get into a relationship in the first place. You might think about survival type needs to begin with like food and shelter, but these are emotional needs that all of us seek to have fulfilled.
Since these 6 needs are emotionally based it can be easy to not pay attention to them which leads to it being easy to let them decline. Though it isn’t immediately obvious, the lack of these needs is what leads us to all our actions. When they are low in a relationship, it can lead to taking small innocent actions that lead to bigger issues of trust and disconnection.
In this episode you will hear the 6 human needs that were made famous by a Tony Robbins TED talk, but you will hear examples of how this places out in your relationship. We give you two actions to take to figure out your top two needs and the way to make sure you are always on top of where your partner’s level of fulfillment is at.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Get 50% OFF The On-The-Go Communication Course to enhance your communication skills, even during your busy life, by using the code: PODCAST
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Be honest: have you and/or your partner been nit-picking, critiquing or questioning each other more lately? Being real, we have noticed this in our own relationship over the last couple of weeks and it’s something we’re bringing awareness to shifting between us.
We noticed that these additional (and mostly unnecessary) remarks to each other were leaving us feeling unaccepted by each other. Not only that, but also a bit depleted and more on edge around each other at home. Maybe you’ve felt this too?
In this episode we cover:
- The bigger “danger” of the build up of nit-picking and questioning each other
- 2 critical mindset shifts to make within yourself so you’re not doing this to your partner too much
- 3 simple, but powerful questions to ask yourself in the moment before you make the remark
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
- We talked about knowing what is important in the moment, and our communication audio course has the best skill for you to determine the real level of importance. Check out the Communication Course for yourself!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
How many of your past arguments and conflicts actually get fully repaired? Do you feel that from every emotional impact, your partner has fully understood you, that they acknowledge the role they played in you feeling that way, and you believe things will be put in place to make the necessary change for it to not happen again? These are just some of the points that need to happen to fully repair from a conflict in your relationship. Just saying I’m sorry to move on often doesn’t cut it.
In this episode we will share about a shocking and surprising life event that happened this week and how it shows us that we do not have life to waste being unresolved about conflicts in our marriage. You will feel the same level of urgency to not waste your life being disconnected or resentful toward your partner and have key ways to improve your “apology” so that you truly repair from any challenge and emotional impact in your life!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Register for the LAST FREE WebClass in 2021 happening October 5th. It will cover strategies for preventing conflict, de-escalating triggers, and repairing after conflict. Save your seats here.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Register for the LAST FREE WebClass in 2021 happening October 5th. It will cover strategies for preventing conflict, de-escalating triggers, and repairing after conflict. Save your seats here.
There are some misconceptions about resolving conflicts in a relationship. What doesn’t actually resolve anything is trying to jump right to a solution, or distracting yourself long enough where the high level of emotion has subsided. This will only build into resentment or at a minimum, start to seed disconnection and discontent within the relationship.
In today’s podcast episode you’ll hear:
- The 3 questions to ask yourself to actually start the repair process and not have lingering emotions get stored up for you to react to later.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Register for the LAST FREE WebClass in 2021 happening October 5th. It will cover strategies for preventing conflict, de-escalating triggers, and repairing after conflict. Save your seats here.
You cannot blame your behavior in the “mid-conflict” stage on your partner! Nope, you must take ownership of your patterns if you’re going to have any chance of changing them. But that’s why we call them patterns….because patterns can be changed and you aren’t stuck a certain way!
In today’s podcast episode you’ll hear:
- The importance of humbling yourself and taking ownership of your default patterns during conflict
- What happens to your brain when emotion kicks in
- Steps to break these destructive patterns in the mid-conflict stage
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Trust can be broken or weakened by both the big things and the build up of many smaller broken promises. Trust is such a foundational aspect of a relationship that without it, it’s harder to have respect, love, and passion for your partner.
In this episode we go deeper into rebuilding trust, whether you are the partner that doesn’t trust, or if you realize that you are the one that has contributed to the decline of trust. We were asked to take this topic deeper from a listener of the podcast that emailed us, because she was experiencing unreliability on the side of her partner. (We so appreciate you for requesting topics to cover!)
Today you will hear about the small things that lead a partner to not “count on” the other, what the real source is of broken promises, and 3 steps to take to rebuild trust as a team.
Resources For Your Relationship:
If you’re in or near Arizona, attend The Couples Workshop on September 26th, 2021.
If outside AZ, you can sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
When men spend time with other men, it boosts their testosterone (super important), and when women spend time with other women, it boosts their estrogen (super important). Biologically and emotionally, you and your partner NEED time with friends outside of the relationship.
If you don’t, it can have a real impact on your happiness as individuals and how you show up for each other. However, it’s not time with just any type of friends...it’s got to be friends that raise your energy and remind you to be the best version of yourself.
Listen to today’s episode for more on this important topic and what types of friends to prioritize as individuals and as a couple.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Are there any topics left in your relationship that you feel you can’t talk about? Perhaps you no longer attempt certain topics or expressing your emotion on certain things because your partner's reaction makes you feel "emotionally unsafe."
Being in a truly healthy and empowered relationship means that you should always feel safe to talk about any topic. Of course saying “talk about any topic” really means “talk about any emotion you are having”.
In this episode you will hear:
- The critical mistake you yourself are making that has you feel unsafe
- The goal of being able to share your true emotions with each other
- 4 ways to create emotional safety
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Couples in the Arizona area: save your seats for the Sept 26th in person Couples Workshop. Last months' workshop sold out and this will be the last of 2021!
- Couples outisde of Arizona: get $30 OFF The Couples Workshop: Home Edition to enhance your communication skills together no matter where you live!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Do you want to be a GREAT partner? It can be easy to show up less than our best as the months and years pass, so today’s episode is a great reminder that will motivate you to be the best partner you can be! We dive into 3 traits that are underrated and truly make such a difference for your partnership.
Resources For Your Relationship:
If you’re in or near Arizona, attend The Couples Workshop on September 26th, 2021.
If you’ve haven’t read it yet, grab your copy of The Argument Hangover.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Are you in one of these 3 places: feel less fulfilled in your marriage, you are thinking that the relationship should end, or you are active in keeping your fulfillment high by preventing anything from lowering it?
Whichever place you find yourself this episode is about exploring the main reasons we see couples struggle that lead to lower levels of satisfaction and fulfillment in their relationships. This is a new style episode where we each write down our own lists from what we have seen in couple’s relationship assessments, our personal coaching, and the live workshops we have done.
In this episode you will hear each of us share our list of top reasons why relationships fall into these seasons, and we won’t know what the other had on their list. After listening to this episode you will be able to bring each of these reasons into your awareness and have a simple action to take to prevent that reason from continuing. All so that you can raise and maintain your fulfillment in your relationship, no matter the time you have been together or the challenge you face.
Resources For Your Relationship:
There are ONLY 3 spots to take your relationship assessment and do a results call with us. To secure ONE of these spots either:
- Text: 602-321-5652
- Email: connect@newpowercouples.com
ALSO, Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
On a importance scale from 1-10, how important is sharing household chores and responsibilities? On the spectrum of things you can be focusing on in your life and relationship, how often are you getting frustrated or do you bicker with your partner over this simple area?
Now any place in your relationship that you have a recurring upset and causes you to be disconnected from your partner, is an important area to change.
After the Couples Workshop this week, we realized that this is an area that we never bicker over or even have to think about. In this episode you will hear from Jocelyn a simple process that we use so that you can feel balance and freedom and never have to have conversations about the household being something that causes an upset!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
When your partner says something that’s harder to hear, do you find yourself unconsciously reacting or consciously responding? You see, a solid partnership is where both people are safe to open up about things, even if it’s hard to hear sometimes.
So if you’re committed to being the best partner you can be, then you want to master the difference between reacting and responding.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- The exact difference between reacting and responding
- The deeper source of why you react to your partner when you don’t love what they’re saying
- 6 examples of better ways to respond to your partner, so the conversation stay constructive rather than destructive
Relationship Resources:
- Schedule a Couple’s Session with us HERE. You will finally overcome that recurring challenge in your relationship, so you can experience more joy and less frustration.
- Read our newest book, The Argument Hangover
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
When was the last time you reviewed what you’re committed to in your relationship? Was it on your wedding day when exchanging vows? There is a big difference between what you said you were committed to in the past versus what you are committed to now, even right in this moment.
In this motivational episode you will get a love gut punch to be honest about what you are actually committed to, as a reflection in your actions toward your partner.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
“Inner-Work”: looking within to see where you can grow and evolve (ie. what needs to be healed from your past, which patterns need to be unlearned, and realizing that you recreate experiences when you didn’t get the lesson).
Doing this “inner work” is absolutely imperative to cultivate your desired partnership. Most importantly you, and ideally your partner, must be willing to do this inner-work in some shape or form. Why? Because otherwise you will recreate patterns that do not serve your current relationship.
This inner-work doesn’t have to be overwhelming and we promise it can be an empowering experience! It is actually how you can become the very best version of yourself and express your inherent gifts as a human being. That’s why you’ll love this episode! You will hear:
- What happens if you don’t embrace the “inner work” needed for your relationship
- 5 areas within yourself to do the inner-work
- 3 helpful tools to consider as part of your journey individually and as a couple
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Schedule an introductory Couple’s Session with us to overcome any challenge and become the best team you can be HERE.
- Order The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
You can eliminate many moments of frustration and feeling like you’re on different pages with two simple questions. You will ask one of these questions in the morning to start the day with ease and synergy--and it will be especially helpful if you have kids, busy careers, and lots of moving parts to your schedule.
The second question is great for the evening to make sure you’re on the same page and so both of you get your needs met and feel like you can recharge your batteries in a mutually fulfilling way. Go ahead and tune in for these 2 simple (but super helpful) questions!
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Schedule a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session with us here.
- Make sure you’ve read our book, The Argument Hangover.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Of course you ‘love’ your partner, but what level of love and connection do you feel right now? You might “know that you love them,” but right now, you can feel disconnected and experience a mediocre or even low level of love.
You do not want to assume that love will automatically be there in a long-term relationship. Sure, you can say “I love you” to each other all day long, yet still not FEEL an overwhelming sense of love in the partnership.
For many of us, we have mostly experienced love that is conditional or based on fleeting feelings. So how do you keep the experience of LOVE alive, even during challenging seasons?
In this episode you will hear:
- What love should not be based on
- The real foundation from where your love comes from
- How you can keep that experience of love alive, no matter the challenge or season that you are in.
Resources For Your Relationship:
You can sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
We all want to be happy both in our lives and relationships. Yet at a certain point in a relationship it can feel as if your happiness is based more upon your partner. This could be based on their own mood or whether they are “doing the things you want them to do”.
Happiness cannot be a pursuit if it leads you to be conditional to any outside circumstances. It needs to be generated from within first. By doing that, you will automatically influence your partner to be happy just by the nature of your own happiness and joyful way of being!
In this motivational Thursday episode you will hear 3 habits to implement daily, to begin to generate your own happiness first, to create more happiness as a couple!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
The quality of your conversation comes from the quality of your questions! No matter how much you love each other, your conversations can feel routine if you’re asking the same ol’ questions (especially if you are a ‘busy’ couple or have been together for years).
Truthfully, it’s natural to crave more emotional depth in your relationship, which comes from being able to ask more meaningful questions in a state of curiosity and intention. There is nothing 'wrong' with having this desire!
At times you might not know just what questions to ask, or you fear a negative response from them. So in this episode you’ll hear 6 questions that you can ask to open up more emotional connection.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
- We would so appreciate it if you left a review as a way to indirectly contribute to another couple getting their own copy!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
There is one big thing in your life that disconnects you and keeps you from fully enjoying your life and relationship, and that is 'suffering'!
Though ‘suffering’ sounds like a very strong word, this experience happens whenever something is happening that you do not want to be happening. This leads to moments of discouragement and discontentment, and over time will lead to a feeling of “things not being good”.
In this solo episode today with Aaron, you will hear the one main thing that causes you suffering, and the way to totally be free from it.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
The most attractive trait in a partner is reliability! So what is reliability really? Well, can your partner count on you to follow through, or do you make promises and then have excuses for why it didn't happen?
The thing is, how reliable you are in your partnership directly impacts how much they can TRUST you. Now you might think we're just speaking about the "big" things...but actually, it's also about the small promises that you make that really add up to their perception of you.
In this episode you will hear:
- The importance of reliability and follow-through in a relationship
- 5 different areas where you need to be reliable
- The 3 ways to cultivate these traits in your partnership
- What do do if your partner hasn’t been following through
Resources For Your Relationship:
- The In-Person Couples Workshop in Arizona August 22nd is linked here: http://thecouplesworkshop.com/
- For the recorded version, you can get 50% off this week only using the code (july2021) here: https://onlinecouplesworkshops.com/recording
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Coming off of last night’s webclass on “Communication Mastery”, many people were intent to bring more empathy into their relationship. The very next feeling however was “being empathetic is not easy when I don’t agree with my partner.”
This most likely is the case for you as well. Though being empathetic to our partner’s experience is a true expression of love, it isn’t easy especially when you haven’t practiced it.
In this one-on-one episode with Jocelyn, you will hear how to bring more empathy to your partner so that you can be that true expression of love and be that example of a truly empowered couple!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Establishing boundaries as a couple can sometimes be a point of tension. It can feel like a battle between wanting to feel security, but also not feeling controlled by the other. The thing is, boundaries are critical to agree upon, so you both feel respected, loved, and also fulfilled.
Most couples discuss boundaries as: expressing commands, arguing repeatedly, a resistance to feeling controlled. Yet, they can be discussed in a loving, respectful way that feels like a win-win agreement for you both to create a more connected and collaborative relationship.
In this episode you will hear some areas in which boundaries are important to establish, plus gain the steps to discuss boundaries in a way that is freeing, not controlling.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Make sure you’re registered for the Communication Mastery WebClass on July 20th. Almost 300 of ya’ll are registered already and we can’t wait!
After July 20th: Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
We wanted to give you an update on our pregnancy journey and how we’re preparing for parenthood...intentionally. For us, it’s important to prepare together for a natural birth AND to get our marriage prepared for parenthood.
Because we talk to couples all day every day (with many being parents), we get to see the behind the scenes challenges that come up with marriage and parenthood. So we’ve been taking those insights into our conversations and we wanted to share what’s been coming up for us in case it inspires you!
Also, make sure you’re registered for the Communication Mastery WebClass on July 20th. Almost 300 of ya’ll are registered already and we can’t wait!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
It can feel frustrating or unsettling when you and your partner disagree on a big decision. For some couples, this can lead to making no decision and staying in a standstill for a while, which is also not ideal for you.
For others, it can lead to tense conversations, full blown arguments, and feeling like you’re limited by the other person. But it doesn’t have to go that way…
Whether it’s parenting styles, financial decisions, where to move, when to have kids, which job offer to take, etc….you CAN make decisions in a way that feels better and leads to an even better outcome than you imagined.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear 6 Key Elements to Making a Big Decision Together. Dive in and you might want to take notes :)
Resources For Your Relationship:
Also, make sure you’re registered for the ONE-TIME FREE WEBCLASS on July 20th (next week). It’s called: Communication Mastery--4 Skills You Must Learn to Understand Each Other’s Needs, Create Win-Win Solutions, and Deepen Your Emotional Intimacy. Save your seat here.
- Mentioned in the podcast *
The Arizona in-person events, Couples Workshop, is coming back on August 22nd, 2021. If you are interested, just link the link for details.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
It’s a great personal trait to be considerate of your partner (especially of their needs from the last episode). However there is a danger of being overly considerate or overly pleasing in your relationship.
You might not have ever considered this or realized that it was happening to you, but the effect can be very disruptive. It can make you feel unhappy, unfulfilled, and even disengaged from your partner.
In this solo episode with Aaron, you will be able to recognize this pattern so you can show up even better for yourself and consequently as an even better partner!
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Register for the FREE Communication Mastery Webclass on July 20th, 2021 right here.
- After that date passes, order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Of course you know that you and your partner are not exactly the same. Yet, how often do you expect them to fulfill all of your needs? Or even how often you assume that they should just know or desire to meet your needs?
When you get to a place where you have conflicting needs, this can feel as if you have to sacrifice or be discouraged that your needs won’t be met. When we asked on IG what some of the common conflicting needs for you were, we heard back:
- Togetherness vs separateness
- Physical touch vs quality time
- Time to talk and connect at the end of the day vs quiet time to decompress after working a long day.
- Working vs leading the kids and home
But there are ways, in this case you will hear 5 principles, so that you can work through your conflicting needs together and be sure that you do not have to sacrifice or give up on having your most important needs met in your relationship.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Register for the FREE Communication Mastery Webclass on July 20th, 2021 right here.
- After that date passes, order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
We received this question privately after the last podcast: “What is the difference between justifying and explaining, when you feel like your partner misread your intentions? Sometimes I feel like we’re fighting over a version of me that doesn’t feel true, and I can’t tell if that’s just me being defensive.” In this episode you will hear:
- The subtle difference between justifying and explaining
- The major difference between Intent vs Impact
- 4 steps to explain yourself in a way that your partner can receive it
Resources For Your Relationship:
1) Take the Relationship Assessment and do the results call with us. There are 2 spots discounted from the $1000 course to just $147. To snag one of those spots either:
- Text: 602-321-5652
- Email: connect@newpowercouples.com
2) Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Defensiveness is a learned behavior to compensate for something going on beneath the surface.
A few common sources of defensiveness in relationship:
- A lack of feeling emotionally safe because they often feel invalidated
- Taking something personally (and making it mean something different than what was said)
- Fear of being judged, not loved, abandoned, or punished
- An attachment to a certain perspective about themselves or the situation
Here’s the thing...if you and your partner perpetually react with defensiveness, you will leave conversations unresolved, build up more and more tension, and/or get to the point where you feel like you’re walking on eggshells.
So today’s podcast episode goes deeper into understanding why defensiveness shows up in your relationship PLUS how to break this pattern, so you communicate openly and constructively.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Book a private Couples Session with us. The first one is discounted so you can get a sense that our style WORKS! Read testimonials, details, and schedule one here.
- Read our newest book, The Argument Hangover. Get $200 of bonus resources, including a course and workbook. HERE
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Please leave a Review of the Show if you have not, it helps us reach even more couples!
Do you and your partner feel perfectly aligned and on the same page? Do you ever feel caught off guard by a comment your partner makes about being dissatisfied somewhere in your relationship? If so, it's time for a Family Meeting Check-in!
We define a"Family Meeting" as: a designated time to have an intentional, judgment-free conversation together as you discuss your relationship + life. You each get to share your satisfaction in the 9 core areas of your relationship/life, and openly listen to each other.
A few critical benefits of these "Family Meetings":
- it eliminates that frustrating moments where you blindside each other throughout the week to discuss things when it's not the best time
- you can address challenges or areas of lower satisfaction before it BUILDS up into resentment
- you ensure you're on the same page as a couple and feel like a team
- it creates emotional safety and intimacy
But here's what a weekly Family Meeting is NOT: a time to defend yourselves, point fingers, complain, or start a fight.
In this episode you will hear us go through our own family meeting, so that you have the tools to communicate with each other to be even more on the same page.
Resources For Your Relationship:
1) To get your Family Meeting Worksheet either:
DM us on IG @Meet_TheFreemans or
Email: connect@newpowercouples.com
2) Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
No matter the stage of relationship you are in, it can seem like you and your partner have different sex drives. Often we think this means frequency, but in this episode we interview Vanessa Marin, a sex therapist, and her husband Xander who collaborates with her on content, to discover just what sex drive and compatability means.
In this episode you will realize the different forms and types of intimacy, how to raise your satisfaction in your sex life, and most imprtantly how to bring up this conversation with your partner. No matter where your satisfaction is now or how compatibility you feel, you will be able to take the steps to having a more open and pleasurable sex life and drive together.
Questions Asked in this Interview:
- It would be easy to assume that “sex drive” is just the level of desire and freqency for sex. But what does it really mean?
- Do you see that most couple of the same or different sex drives?
- Is it biologically true that your sex drive diminishes with age (for women)? Or what are things that get in the way of sexual satisfaction?
- Do you think people should say “YES” to their partner’s attempt to have sex (if they don’t feel like it)?
- What should a partner say if they aren’t enjoying (or are just bored with) certain things in the bedroom without hurting their partner?
- What are two new questions a couple can ask each other to take the next steps to a more understanding and satisfying sex life?
Connect More With the Vanessa:
Instagram: @Vanessamarintherapy
Learn more about her courses and sex drive guides: vmtherapy.com
Resources For Your Relationship:
The last opportunity for the 5 spots to take the Relationship Assessment and do the call with us. This assessment (paired with the call with us) is literally the most impactful thing you can do for your relationship and it’s discounted from $1000 to just $147. To snag one of those 5 spots, either text or email us:
Text: 602-321-5652
Email: connect@newpowercouples.com
What’s the main difference between being just “roommates” with someone vs romantic partners? The answer: the depth of emotional intimacy.
Of course you’ve heard us say that a relationship requires all the functional things (the to-do list, things around the house, errands, etc)...but that can easily consume your attention and diminish your emotional intimacy.
In fact, we received a private message yesterday saying, “how do I create more emotional intimacy with my wife?” Which shows that many people don’t know what actually builds emotional intimacy. So we’re answering that question in today’s podcast episode.
Tune in to hear 4 Keys to Unlock Emotional Intimacy...that can be implemented no matter how busy you two are in life (or the current level of relationship you are at)!
Resources For Your Relationship:
The 5 discounted spots to take the Relationship Assessment and do the call with us went SO fast last episode, that we decided to offer 5 more. Why? Because this assessment (paired with the call with us) is literally the most impactful thing you can do for your relationship and it’s discounted from $1000 to just $147. To snag one of those 5 spots, either text or email us:
Text: 602-321-5652
Email: connect@newpowercouples.com
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Are you working to rebuild trust in your relationship? Perhaps a lie was told, or a boundary was crossed….but you’re committed to repairing it and not ending the relationship.
Today you’ll meet Joy and Peter Harrington who share very candidly about repairing broken trust after his long term use of porn. They share some radically true things about whether porn use is healthy in a relationship and what to do if your partner denies crossing a boundary.
Resources For Your Relationship:
You can connect with Joy and Peter Harrington here on Instagram
To schedule a private coaching session to rebuild trust, go here
Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
A male client was vulnerable last week and said, "we've been together 10 years, have 3 beautiful children, and have great careers. And while I think we should be closer than ever, I feel more distant than ever."
This powerfully shows that being emotionally connected does not have to do with time or reaching life milestones together. In fact, couples grow apart emotionally from 4 subtle behaviors that build up over time. We go into these deeper reasons, as well as the 4 levels of a relationship so you can start to notice which level you are at, and how to progress to the next within your own relationship!
Resources For Your Relationship:
This month we are giving 5 spots to do Relationship assessment + call with us. Normally you can only take the assessment in our $1000 program. We’re opening up these 5 spots for only $147. To snag one of those spots, either:
- Text us: 602-321-5652
- Message us on IG: @meet_thefreemans
- Email us at: connect@newpowercouples.com
After June 2021: Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Maybe this is a question you have never thought of! Have you ever taken the time to think about the different types of sex you might be in the mood for? For most the answer is, no… Taking this question one step further, depending on your mood on a certain day of week, you might be more or less open to certain types of sex with your partner.
Ok that was a great thing to think about, but now the next part is to express this whole new world to your partner. Given this area of sex and intimacy often is uncomfotable and vulnerable, you can find it dificult to be fully expressed with your partner without some pushback or defensiveness. So what to do?
This episode is the first of three episodes around sex and intimacy that we will be interviewing other relationship experts. In today’s episode you will meet Seth and Melanie Studley who have been married for 16 years and have three kids. Seth is a licensed marriage and family therapist and together they are the hosts of the “Anatomy of Marriage, Family, and Sex” podcast, along with their “Anatomy of Marriage” app!
From them you will realize that there are different types of sex energy and moods, and on your journey of marriage, you will have the tools to express this desires as they come up in different seasons.
Get to Know the Studleys:
- Anatomy of Marriage App
- Anatomy of Marriage, Family, Sex Podcast
Questions Asked in the Interview:
- What has your journey been as a couple in getting more comfortable and exploratory with sex and intimacy?
- You mentioned that there are different kinds of sex based on the mood...can you describe the types? How should a partner communicate about the energy they are in the mood for?
- How do you suggest couples talk about this with each other?
- How should these conversations be approached when you have kids? How and when do you have these conversations with or around them?
Guest Quotes:
"Connection & pleasure is the goal, expression can be different based on energy mood"
"Clarity is Kindness"
Resources For Your Relationship:
- You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
- Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
You know those moments when you're sharing your emotion, and your partner responds with logic? They might say “that’s not how that happened, that doesn’t make sense, or that wasn’t my intention.”
It can make you feel invalidated and misunderstood, which hurts because your partner is the one you should feel most understood by, right? You might feel that they don’t listen to you and certainly that they don’t understand you. Or even to the point where you feel that you just aren’t on the same page.
Logic and emotion are both important in relationships and communication....but often at different times! It's important that you two discover how to balance both of them, and know when logic is needed vs emotional understanding.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
- Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Why can’t the past just stay back in the past?! How often in your relationship do you feel that you resolved an issue, only to have it come back up again later? What about making a decision together about a big life event, only to doubt it (or your partner) later?
This “past thing” is a block for many couples that keep them feeling in the same place and not making the progress they really want. In this motivational episode we will cover how to keep your past events from impacting your present.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- You can also sign-up for one of the few monthly available 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Sessions here
- Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
How do you two tend to act after an argument? If you don’t have a solid repair process, you likely are keeping the issue lingering and unresolved. When this happens you can lose trust in each other, erode love and connection, and just turn this into an emotional trigger for the future.
In today’s episode, we’ll cover 3 mistakes that couples make after an argument, and you’ll likely find that you have done all 3! But we also share what you need to do INSTEAD to truly close the loop on the conversation.
Resources For Your Relationship:
You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Is this something you have ever said to yourself “should I bring this conversation up to my partner right now?” We know the answer is almost certainly YES, we all have thought this. Most of the time it’s when we have an important topic that we want to talk about, or we think it will potentially cause a conflict.
HOWEVER conflicts are not always from the subject of a conversation, but how and when it is brought up. It can turn out to be a conversation that you were excited to have, and all of a sudden it turns into a disagreement. How can this be?
Today we talk about just that! In this episode you will hear 3 parts to a conversation that you must add, so that conversations can be had at the right time… for both of you!
Resources For Your Relationship:
- You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
- Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Last chance to sign-up for the FREE WebClass on May 18th and 20th. One is on Communication and one is on Conflict Repair
When a challenge shows up in your relationship, how do you two handle it? Do you resist it and just hope it goes away? Or perhaps you talk about it over and over again but never get to a mutual place of understanding?
Either way, most couples we talk to are seeking specific ways to BETTER handle challenges as a TEAM. Today’s episode will show you how working through the challenge can actually bring you closer, rather than tear you apart.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How challenges can actually bring you closer
- 5 steps to overcome the challenge as a team
- Why you must become a resilient partner for a relationship in modern times
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Register for 2 FREE WebClasses on May 18th and 20th 2021 on Communication + Conflict HERE
Ever feel frustrated with your partner? Yea, most human beings have those moments. Today’s episode is important because it will provide you with 2 questions you MUST ask yourself before you bring it up to your partner.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Relationships cannot be about avoiding conflict, because that only builds resentment in the long term. However, by knowing the common sources of conflict, you can take the actions to keep those topics from causing hurt and disconnection!
That is exactly what you will hear in this episode, the 5 common sources of conflict. Then you can help prevent conflicts when you see them coming, as well as repair from your argument hangovers faster!
Resources For Your Relationship:
You don’t want to miss these 2 FREE Webclass on May 18th & May 20th. Register for both of them here. The first is “3 Communication Skills to Overcome Any Relationship Challenge”. The second one is “End Argument Hangovers: How to Fully Repair & Reconnect After a Fight”.
For listening after the free webclass dates: Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Is it at all surprising to you that Bill & Melinda Gates would choose to divorce? It might not be surprising that it happens to very prominent and wealthy couples, because it has been happening often (Jeff & MacKenzie Bezos, Kim & Kanye West, J-Lo & ARod). It would seem that when areas like finances, significance, and contribution are at such a high level, that relationships would work even better!
But that is just not the case because there is a fundamental principle of relationships that is required to continuously have connection, understanding, and love be present in a relationship. This principle is completely independent of money, fame, and significance; which is clearly what is being shown in society today.
In this episode Aaron will dive into just what this principle is so that you can raise your level of connection and love in your own relationship. On top of that, you will know that love and connection is not something that just happens or doesn’t happen based on circumstances. By knowing this principle, you will be able to consciously bring more love and connection into your relationship with your partner, no matter what season you are in or the challenge that you face!
Resources For Your Relationship:
You don’t want to miss these 2 FREE Webclasses on May 18th & May 20th. Register for both of them here.
- The first is “3 Communication Skills to Overcome Any Relationship Challenge”.
- The second one is “End Argument Hangovers: How to Fully Repair & Reconnect After a Fight”.
Listening is one of the most important skills in a relationship, and is fundamental to improving your communication!
The problem is we think listening is easy, but truly listening to your partner does NOT just automatically happen, and it’s not a “passive” activity.
Truly listening takes effort and intention. The thing is, how you listen to your partner determines how much they feel understood, which then directly impacts your level of connection!
In this episode, we cover:
- The most common mistakes people make when "listening" to their partners
- 3 ways to be a better listener
Resources For Your Relationship:
Schedule a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
In this episode we’re answering your specific questions submitted from Instagram. What was the topic for these questions? … Communication! This Q&A session is all about communicating better for the specific challenges that were submitted.
The questions we answer today are:
- When I have an emotional low, my wife tends to be dismissive...especially if it has to do with her. What can I do differently?
- Please explain why transparency/openness/honesty is so important.
- Suggestions to stop getting defensive immediately when someone brings up an issue?
- Currently I have trouble with my partner opening up to me, but he’ll confide in his friends/coworkers. suggestions?
We Are Asking For Your Help:
In the episode we asked for authentic reviews for, The Argument Hangover.
If you have not gotten a copy you can get yours, and a free course on being better fighters, with this link.
Then to help us with our publisher, please leave a review with the retailer you purchased from!
Thank you so much, it really helps these principles get in the hands of more couples!
Gut check time for a few of you… just because you talk often doesn’t mean you are being clear. Have you ever said to your partner out of disappointment, “I already told you multiple times”? Of course this can be frustrating to both you and your partner.
If this keeps coming up, it is possible that you are being too vague in your communication, even if you are more assertive! Have you ever said anything like this to your partner:
“I want you to help more around the house.”
“I want us to work on our intimacy.”
“I need to feel like you care more.”
“I will do more of what I say I will”
If so, your upsets might be coming from you being too vague in your communication. In this episode, you will hear how to become crystal clear in your communications to keep common upsets from happening.
Resources For Your Relationship:
You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Relationship Breakthrough Session here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Not to be dramatic, but this episode will crack open your heart and radically transform your mind. Especially with how you see challenges or blocks around increasing intimacy in your relationship.
If you’re going through a rough patch or you just want to connect at a deeper level, this episode is for you! You will hear how true intimcy is going to be found outside or where you are currently looking... outside your comfort zone!
Resources For Your Relationship:
- As you listen, sign-up for the 5 Day Couples Challenge that starts April 26th! (hurry before it passes!)
- You can also sign-up for a 2-on-2 Couple’s Session here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
If you have been listening to this podcast, you now know that escalating conflicts and argument hangovers are not from what started the disagreement, but what you said or did after that. It’s when you think to yourself “I don’t even remember what started this!” Part of why this happens is because we are not great at “Holding Space” for our partners when they have high emotions or are emotionally triggered.
For some this might be a new term, holding space. In this episode you will hear about what this really means and then you will get 5 things to do so that you can hold space for your partner. By doing this, you allow for an environment of acceptance and love for you and your partner to have emotions and not make that wrong. It’s a powerful opportunity to connect deeper and develop emotional intimacy… when you appropriately hold space for the emotions they are having.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the 5 Day Couples Challenge that starts April 26th, 2021. Connect with other couples as we go through daily training of the 5 C's for a strong relationship, get a FREE book, and win challenge giveaways!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
After the last episdoe you now think "ok great, I'm doing my part, but what about my partner"? We asked many of you how your partner normally responds when you hold them accountable, and the answers were versions of: denial, defensiveness, withdrawing, being rude, or dismissive.
If you don’t have an agreement about how you will hold each other accountable, it can feel like being micro-managed or controlled. This leads to tension, and even feeling “parented” by each other. So instead of that frustration, tune in to this episode for specific ways to hold yourself and your partner accountable to making real progress.
And while you’re listening, sign-up for the 5 Day Couples Challenge that starts April 26th!
Have you realized that you can be in a relationship, yet not be in a true partnership? It might seem like a simple word change but the experience can be radically different. You can be in a relationship yet still feel like a victim to your circumstances and your partner’s responses day to day.
A true partnership is made up of two people who are accountable for how they are showing up. More specifically these 5 specific things that we cover in this episode. In this type of partnership you will feel empowered to create and direct your life and relationship, regardless of the circumstances that show up!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the 5 Day Couples Challenge that starts April 26th, 2021. Connect with other couples as we go through daily training of the 5 C's for a strong relationship, get a FREE book, and win challenge giveaways!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
You got into your relationship for one big reason… LOVE. More specifically to have the experience of being loved unconditionally by your partner. Yet this doesn’t always happen right? Especially when a woman's needs are not being met.
Now does this mean something is wrong? No not at all. BUT it is a sign that one of 3 major needs of women are not being met. This is not to put pressure on you as a partner, because at times these needs are not clearly understood and can be shared in a way that causes defensiveness. So what to do?
Well, listen to this podcast episode where you will hear what the 3 needs are of women that are misunderstood. Then once you know these needs, you can have the conversations needed for your partner to truly feel loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Make sure to save your seats for The Couples Workshop on April 11th.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
This episode might make you laugh out loud, but will also get you fired up to get rid of OLD energy in your life. It’s critical that you clear out energetic clutter in your environment, in your relationship, and in your habits. If you want to invite in anything NEW (more intimacy, more fun, more connection), you need to make space for it.
Tune in to this episode where Jocelyn dives into specific ways you can clear out old energy. And that includes old underwear (I just threw out a bunch and ordered more)
Also, make sure to save your seats for The Couples Workshop on April 11th. We might not host another one online, so now is your chance!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Complacency is that feeling of low energy and lack of engagement in a relationship. Do you or your partner ever have that sense in your marriage? This one will be a bit of a “gut check” for how you’ve been showing up for each other. Complacency can lead to feeling like "roommates" or just a general lack of aliveness and joy within the relationship. If complacency becomes the norm in your relationship, it can degrade your happiness.
But realizing this is happening is what allows you to improve it. In this episode you will get 3 signs of complacency, then you’ll be encouraged by 3 easy ways to keep things vibrant and alive, even as the years pass.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Save your seats for the next Couples Workshop here. Message us on IG: @meet_thefreemans to get a code for $25 off the April 11th Couples Workshop online event.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
We’re sure you've had moments that you are not communicating well with your partner. All of us have then thought to ourselves, "why can't you communicate like I do"!
But communication is not one-size-fits-all and you might have a different "Communication Personality Type" than your partner.
[Side note- if you haven’t taken the Quiz to find out your partner’s “Communication Personality Type,” take that FREE QUIZ HERE]
By knowing your partner's type, you will better understand how they communicate and how you can better interact with them….so you can prevent unnecessary tension and disagreements.
In this episode you will get:
- The traits of the Reserved/Flexible partner
- Mistakes they can unconsciously and unintentionally make in their communication
- Mistakes you can make in trying to communicate with them
- What you can do differently
- How to communicate better in just 5 hours, instead of 5 months
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Take the Couples Quiz to find out your partner’s “Communication Personality Type”
- Use the coupon code [podcast25] to get $25 off your seats for the next Couples Workshop here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
We’re sure you've had moments that you are not communicating well with your partner. All of us have then thought to ourselves, "why can't you communicate like I do"!
But communication is not one-size-fits-all and you might have a different "Communication Personality Type" than your partner.
[Side note- if you haven’t taken the Quiz to find out your partner’s “Communication Personality Type,” take that FREE QUIZ HERE]
By knowing your partner's type, you will better understand how they communicate and how you can better interact with them….so you can prevent unnecessary tension and disagreements.
In this episode you will get:
- The traits of the Reserved/Inflexible partner
- Mistakes they can unconsciously and unintentionally make in their communication
- Mistakes you can make in trying to communicate with them
- What you can do differently
- How to communicate better in just 5 hours, instead of 5 months
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Take the Couples Quiz to find out your partner’s “Communication Personality Type”
- Use the coupon code [podcast25] to get $25 off your seats for the next Couples Workshop here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
We’re sure you've had moments that you are not communicating well with your partner. All of us have then thought to ourselves, "why can't you communicate like I do"!
But communication is not one-size-fits-all and you might have a different "Communication Personality Type" than your partner.
[Side note- if you haven’t taken the Quiz to find out your partner’s “Communication Personality Type,” take that FREE QUIZ HERE]
By knowing your partner's type, you will better understand how they communicate and how you can better interact with them….so you can prevent unnecessary tension and disagreements.
In this episode you will get:
- The traits of the Assertive/Flexible partner
- Mistakes they can unconsciously and unintentionally make in their communication
- Mistakes you can make in trying to communicate with them
- What you can do differently
- How to communicate better in just 5 hours, instead of 5 months
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Take the Couples Quiz to find out your partner’s “Communication Personality Type”
- Use the coupon code [podcast25] to get $25 off your seats for the next Couples Workshop here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
We’re sure you've had moments that you are not communicating well with your partner. All of us have then thought to ourselves, "why can't you communicate like I do"!
But communication is not one-size-fits-all and you might have a different "Communication Personality Type" than your partner.
Side note: if you haven’t taken the Quiz to find out your partner’s “Communication Personality Type,” take that FREE QUIZ HERE
By knowing your partner's type, you will better understand how they communicate and how you can better interact with them, so you can prevent unnecessary tension and disagreements.
In this episode you will get:
- The traits of the Assertive/Inflexible partner
- Mistakes they can unconsciously and unintentionally make in their communication
- Mistakes you can make in trying to communicate with them
- What you can do differently
- How to communicate better in just 5 hours, instead of 5 months
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Take the Couples Quiz to find out your partner’s “Communication Personality Type”
- Use the coupon code "podcast25" to get $25 off your seats for the next Couples Workshop here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
The Argument Hangover book was released this week! Do you think you could write a book with your partner, what would that even take? Well let's dive into the behind the scenes of how we wrote this book together, where the ideas came from, who wrote each chapter, and any challenges that came up!
The intention is to have some fun hearing about how this process went and some interesting things that you would otherwise never hear about.
All for the bigger purpose of having you ... (well you will have to listen in for the purpose we are setting out for you and your partner!)
If you have not gotten your own copy of The Argument Hangover, order it now as it's the last week to get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)!
Challenges arise in every relationship and this is not something you have to try and change. It’s about whether you approach the challenges as a team or against each other. To have the best shot at staying on the same team, you need to be prepared before they show up. Then you will respond rather than react to them.
Today’s podcast goes into 5 Root Causes of Most Relationship Challenges. Of course there are others, but these are some of the most common ones we see. By knowing these 5 challenges, you will be able to prepare yourself in advance and handle the challenge as a true team when you notice it comes up in your relationship.
Interestingly, a lack of love is not one of the 5 common challenges by the way. We talk to couples every single day who love each other deeply, yet still feel discouraged because they haven’t identified the ROOT cause of their challenges.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, that hits shelves TODAY, and get over $200 of free bonuses (like the mini course and a 90 minute training). This is the last week these will be available for free.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Toilet paper, the cost of rice, who changes the water dispenser more. These are just a few of the submissions we received from you all on IG about: the silliest things that have caused arguments.
This will be an episode that you just chuckle and realize that we’re all human in relationships. We all have those moments where we’re fighting like it matters to us a lot, but isn’t life altering in hindsight.
As you listen to the episode, make sure you order The Argument Hangover book! It’s shipping to you all in just a few days. And participate in the social media contest to win a FB Portal! It will be the last week for the $200 of bonus trainings that go with ordering the book!
How good are you at managing your emotions as an argument begins? Do you recognize the emotion that you’re feeling, but still choose your words and actions consciously? Or do you find that your emotions (anger, sadness, etc) drive your words and actions that lead to disagreements escalating to the point of hurting your partner and the relationship?
The thing is, it’s absolutely OKAY whatever emotion you’re feeling. The goal isn’t to get to a place where NO emotion comes up for you in argument (that’s not realistic, nor is that life)! Instead, the goal is to become so self-aware that you notice the emotion arising AND you still choose your next words and actions that allow the other to understand you even more. In this podcast episode you will hear:
- How emotional awareness can help shorten the argument hangover period
- The 3 personal aspects to better manage your emotions
- Specific constructive actions you can take in those moments of anger, sadness, frustration, etc
This is such a critical topic that we have two VERY helpful resources:
- Our newest book, The Argument Hangover, officially hits shelves and ships in ONE WEEK! This will be the most relatable and actionable book you’ve ever read--covering communication and conflict. If you didn’t know, you can actually get $200 of pre-order bonus resources (a conflict and communication course + workbook) if you order it before March 17th. Grab your copy and claim your bonuses here
- This podcast! So hit play and subscribe for future episodes.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Life is on your side, even if you don’t always feel that way! We wanted to take 10 minutes to share the crazy, unexpected, miraculous story about how we got this book deal. Why? Because it provided a life lesson that we think will inspire you in any season.
P.S. Did you order your copy of The Argument Hangover yet? It’s shipping in just a few days, and you can claim $200 of bonus resources HERE
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
You got into your relationship for one big reason… LOVE. More specifically to have the experience of being loved unconditionally by your partner. Yet this doesn’t always happen right? Especially for men to show up as, and express, unconditional love.
Now does this mean something is wrong? No not at all. BUT it is a sign that one of 3 major needs of men are not being met. This is not to put pressure on you, the partner of a man, because often men do not even realize, let alone vocalize, any of these needs to you as their partner. So what to do?
Well, listen to this podcast episode! In this episode you will hear what the 3 needs are that are critical for men, that often are not even expressed. Then once you know and can have these conversations, men (either you or your partner) will be able to feel that you can give all the love to your partner that they need, even unconditionally!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, that hits shelves March 16th, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
When your partner seems off somehow, do you ask them, “what’s wrong?” I know your desire is that they express themselves, but asking this question can only make them shut down more. Odd, right? So in today’s quick episode, I’ll chat with you about:
- Why asking “what’s wrong” has the opposite effect on your partner
- What to ask them instead if they seem “off”
- And what to do if they keep saying “I’m fine,” but you feel like they’re really not
Also, make sure to CLAIM YOUR BONUSES for pre-ordering The Argument Hangover. It’s coming March 16th 2021 and you don’t want to miss out on $200 worth of bonus courses and the Debrief After an Argument Workbook.
Being able to fully express yourself is one of the most important aspects of being in a relationship. This is what allows you to be known by and connected with your partner! This is what leads to a healthy and loving relationship.
However there is one thing to this, that could have you be dependent on them for. It will also lead to diminishing your own ability to self-sooth and self-regulate your emotions.
On the other hand, by not relying on your partner for this one thing, you will feel more freedom, emotionally steady, and safe for your partner to more vulnerably express themselves to you!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, that hits shelves Feb 2nd, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
The Couples Workshop is coming up on February 21st, 2021. Save your seats before it passes. To get a bonus copy of The Argument Hangover with it, enter this code when you check out: podcast2021
Your relationship is meant to be about experiencing love and connection. As time passes, there is a subtle and sneaky thing that arises that blocks you from feeling connected to your partner.
This is a short "check yo' self" motivational episode so that you can be aware of this one thing that is sure to create disconnection in your relationship (and it's all on you!)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, that hits shelves March 2021, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
Healthy relationships consist of both time together and time apart. Which of course can feel much harder (and even more necessary) right now. Perhaps you’ve been needing some “alone time,” but haven’t expressed it to your partner. Or, you’ve mentioned it before, but no action was put in place so it’s a point of tension between you two now.
In today’s episode, we’ll discuss:
- Signs that alone time would be helpful for your relationship
- How much alone time is healthy
- How to bring it up to your partner so it doesn't hurt their feelings
- Examples of what alone time can look like, even during quarantine times, or if you have kids
Resources For Your Relationship:
Also, make sure you read about The LIVE Couples Workshop on Sunday February 21st. You will communicate better and resolve conflicts faster...in just 5 hours, instead of 5 months.
- Those that register will get a FREE copy of the new book The Argument Hangover! Use the code: podcast 2021
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Don’t get discouraged if your partner isn’t taking as much initiative. Or if you’re still running into challenges, even though you’re really trying to 'work on things'. This episode will give you the dose of perspective and the encouragement you need to keep staying on track in your relationship.
Real quick, did you check out the 5 Day Couples Challenge that’s starting February 15th?
We don’t want you to miss out on this time to be more intentional in your partnership, overcome communication pitfalls, and connect deeper. Read all about it and save your spots before you miss the opportunity!
“You are being too sensitive, just get over it, that’s not what happened.”...
Have you caught yourself or your partner saying things like that to each other? While you might say these from a seemingly innocent place, they do NOT lead to your partner feeling good, connected, or even validated.
In this episode you will get:
- 6 phrases to never say to your partner
- The negative impact they can have (especially if said repeatedly over time)
- 5 phrases to say instead, that respect & honor each other
Also, make sure that you’ve signed up for The 5 Day Couples Challenge starting February 15th. We don’t want you to miss this guided experience to deepen your connection and overcome communication pitfalls. SIGN-UP here
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
You have heard it said that your past is in the past, or some version of don't cry over spilled milk. So of course that means there is nothing you can do about it right?
What if we told you that your past is not fixed? What if you could actually change your past?
In relationships, it is the things that happen in the past (what your partner said or did) that we find hard to let go of. These keep you feeling disconnected, angry, or disappointed. This of course does not lead to more love, connection, and happiness within your relationship.
In this episode you will learn how to change your own past so that you do not stay stuck in a place of disconnection or even mediocrity in your life with your partner.
DISCLAIMER: this is an advanced skill!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the 5 Day Couples Challenge, that starts February 15th, 2021. Connect with other couples as we go through daily trainings of the 5 C's for a strong relationship, get a FREE book, and win challenge giveaways!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Small things in your relationship can be what build up and cause you to feel disconnected or upset with your partner. Of course when this happens there isn’t room for the love, connection, and happiness that you desire to experience. It could be things you say to yourself like:
“Ugh, if they’d only pick up their socks, if only they’d stop being on their phone at night, if only they would eat healthier with me.”
Though it might seem that these little things are the way they are and you wish your partner’s actions would change so that you could feel better. HOWEVER in this episode you will discover that you are not actually upset for the reason you think you are! We will invite you into a different way to look at these small upsets in your relationship so that you will be empowered by seeing the real reason! (What could that reason be?!)
Resources For Your Relationship:
Join the 5 Day Couples Challenge, that starts February 15th, 2021. Connect with other couples as we go through daily trainings of the 5 C's for a strong relationship, get a FREE book, and win challenge giveaways!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Our happiness and motivation can’t be reliant on outside circumstances. Yes, times are crazy. But we have the ability to shift our focus and mood by our daily and weekly habits.
In this episode with Jocelyn, you’ll hear:
- A story she’s barely ever told about breaking her back and spiraling down to depression
- Our daily and weekly habits we’ve been doing for years
- How these will lead you to taking control of your mood and how you show up for yourself and your partner
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, that hits shelves Feb 23rd, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Communication is not “one size fits all” and your partner might never communicate EXACTLY like you do. So you can stop trying to get them too! You can either fight against it when you get frustrated or you learn to flow with it for even more effective and connecting ways of communicating (no matter what circumstances or emotions come up).
But guess what...your communication can significantly improve as you understand the “4 Communication Personality Types” and by determining which type represents you and your partner.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- What the 4 Communication Personality Types are and the traits that describe each of them
- How tension and miscommunication can be significantly reduced by understanding your partner’s type
- The 2 most important things to be aware of for yourself so you can be a better communicator
- How to get access to the self-assessment to determine which of the 4 types you fall into
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, that hits shelves Feb 23rd, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Can this be true, do you really feel discouragement or difficulty in life and within your relationship? Absolutely. If you have listened to this podcast before, you know that the point is not to avoid these types of feelings or even talking about them with your partner.
But it can feel difficult to shift out of this state even as an individual. Plus there are a lot of outside factors that contribute to life feeling hard. So is the goal to try and wait it out and hope that things get better? NO!
In this 10 minute motivational podcast you will get the one way to shift from this feeling of discouragement or difficulty. Once you start to feel positive momentum, it will be even easier to positively impact your partner and your relationship. But it does start with you, and that’s what this episode is for!
P.S.
Our new book, The Argument Hangover is about to hit shelves on Feb 23rd, 2021. So did you claim your $200 of pre-order bonuses, including 2 communication and conflict trainings and a “debrief after an argument” workbook? You get them by entering your receipt # here: The Argument Hangover
When your partner gets triggered, what do you do?...
#1: Do you react back, get defensive, and it triggers an argument?
#2: Or do you lovingly hold space and help them process what came up for them?
Don’t feel guilty if you fell into the first category, as that is where most people fall into.
We weren’t taught how to recognize and SUPPORT someone while they’re triggered, especially in a romantic relationship. And instead of it bringing healing, they often create arguments and emotional distance.
In this episode, we cover:
- How triggers can be a “good” thing for the relationship
- The things you DON’T want to say or do when they are triggered
- The things that you DO want to say or do so that it is more constructive for your relationship
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, that hits shelves Feb 23rd, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved
I’m an assertive woman and Aaron tends to be more reserved. This used to lead to him feeling dominated or overpowered when communicating, even about seemingly simple matters. In this episode, I share simple but massively helpful shifts I made to still be myself (assertive), but to better work with his Communication Personality Type….a framework we breakdown in our new book, The Argument Hangover.
Did you claim your $200 of pre-order bonuses, including 2 communication and conflict trainings and a “debrief after an argument” workbook? You get them by entering your receipt # here: The Argument Hangover
When you bring up a challenging/hard conversation, does it tend to trigger defensiveness and lead to an unintended argument?
You could have every intention of just trying to share how you feel and get to a positive solution, and STILL have it lead to a massive misunderstanding.
You're not alone if this tends to happen in your relationship.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Ways to initiate the challenging topic so that it doesn't spark into an argument
- How to handle times your partner gets defensive
- 5 simple things you can do so that challenging topics end up strengthening your relationship, instead of creating unnecessary tension
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, that hits shelves Feb 2nd, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved
Is there any place in your relationship that you shutdown and isolate from your partner by saying nothing or getting away from them? Are you even on the other side of things where you lash out at your partner to get them off your back?
In either case this is probably because you are not "good with emotions". Which is not something to feel bad about because not many of us start out with the ability to even identify exactly what we are feeling to even be able to articulate it.
This episode is all about starting the process of building both of the skills to identify what emotion you are feeling and then be able to share it with your partner. This will allow you to know even more about yourself and about each other. Tune in for 4 steps to go from not knowing what to say at all, to having even more connected conversations with your partner.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, that hits shelves Feb 2nd, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved
Love is kind of the point of a relationship right? We know that you felt a lot of love for your partner early in your relationship and now that love probably feels different or maybe less. As you progress through your relationship your feeling of love will be different as you have more trust and comfort with each other. Maybe some of the challenges in your relationship have led you to a place of currently not feeling as much love. So how do you keep love not only alive but growing?
You should notice that in either case above, love is often based on outside conditions and how happy you currently feel. Whether it's about financial security, how your partner has been talking to you, or feeling too routine in your day to day life all of these are conditional feelings of love. In this podcast you will learn the 4 elements of love that allow for a truly unconditional love to be alive in your relationship. Then knowing these 4 elements, when you do feel less love between you and your partner, you will know the exact way to generate it.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, that hits shelves Feb 2nd, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved
Let’s be honest, we all have said to our partners one of these statements: “that’s not what I said, that's not what actually happened, what you are saying doesn’t make sense”. Especially for those partners (like Aaron) that are logical left brained people. As soon as this happens the predictable next sequence will be an argument or conflict, or at least not feeling like your partner is on your side.
Though this can feel like one of those areas where you and your partner are just different (male vs female or masculine vs feminine differences), the real culprit here is not making the differentiation between what your partner is saying versus what they need.
In this episode we cover this big difference between the actual words that you or your partner use and what the missing need or deeper desire really is. You will get questions to ask your partner that lead to more connection and understanding than the typical difference of opinion, recurring conflict, or simple disconnections in your day to day life. This will elevate you and your listening skills in your relationship.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Give a gift to your relationship that will impact the rest of your year! Join the next Couples Workshop - Live Steam with us right from home and take your communication skills to a deeper level. (Live interaction with us as we take you through the communication exercises and help with any conversation where you get stuck.)
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and a 90 minute training)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved
Whether you can’t wait to end this year or you are just excited to keep the momentum you have going, this is the episode for you. The end of the year just so happens to be a “made up” time that you can truly reset and refocus. For some you don’t want the next year to be like this past year. For others, you realize you just want to experience life and your relationship newly. Either way it comes down to a lot more than just setting new goals like most everyone talks about at the end of each year.
In this episode you will get the 5 questions you MUST reflect on and ask each other so you can complete this past year, and keep it from impacting your next year. Doing this as a couple is VITAL to not hitting bumps and road blocks a few months in. Once you establish this type of “blank slate” to work from, you will get the 5 ways to create what it is you desire together for the coming year.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Give a gift that will impact the rest of your year! Get access to The Couples Workshop - Home Edition, and take your communication and listening skills to a deeper level.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
You aren’t alone if you’ve dealt with body image challenges. In this episode, I share the vulnerable truth about my relationship to my body growing up, and specifically how it negatively impacted my romantic relationships.
You will hear the 6 things I did to start loving myself (inside and out) so that I could show up as an authentically confident partner. Feel free to steal any one of them for yourself so you can show up more confident in your own relationship.
Resources For You:
After you listen to the episode, snag one of the two spots we’ve opened up for a Relationship Breakthrough Session. These sessions can be either 2-on-2 including your partner or 1-on-1 if you want to do it solo. Sign up for one here.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
It can be a hard thing to admit to yourself, let alone your partner, that you are not feeling the desire for them. This can feel like a very significant, lonely, and discouraging place to be. It can even bring up a feeling of doubt about the relationship as you might think this is a feeling you cannot come back from. Because, what is there to really do as this is just what you feel right?
In this episode you will hear the two central causes for this feeling as well as what to do depending on the category you find yourself in. Just by seeing these causes as something that all couples will face at some point in their relationship, you will feel a sense of ease and encouragement that you can move back to a state of connection, desire, passion, and sexual attraction.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course and the 90 minute training from Dec 9th!)
- Sign-up for a 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 session with Jocelyn or Aaron here. There are only 2 spots open in December for this, so snag one HERE.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
There is one particular area that we all are guilty of sitting back and waiting to happen. When this takes place in your relationship it can lead to discouragement and staying relatively in the same place for years.
Listen in to this solo episode with Aaron to find out what this one thing is so you don't get caught in the waiting game for your relationship to become what it can be!
Resources For Your Relationship:
As mentioned in the episode you can access The Argument Hangover 90 minute training that we did live when you pre-order the book, The Argument Hangover. This will be with the other $200 worth of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
How many times have you thought to yourself “should I bring this up to my partner now, or should I just keep it to myself?” It’s almost a certainty that you have even more than once because all partners will ask themselves this question at one time or another.
The biggest issue here is that if you bring it up it can cause an argument in which you both end up getting upset and can get into an Argument Hangover. On the other side if you don’t say anything it can feel like you have to suppress yourself and ultimately end up feeling resentful. So what is the real answer here when it can feel like a lose-lose situation?
In this episode we will give you 5 steps to take to be able to answer this question as well as empower both of you to become even better partners to each other.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Make sure to register for the ONE-TIME Couples Event/Training we’re hosting December 9th. You get a copy of our newest book, The Argument Hangover + access to the 90 min training with content that’s never been publicly taught before. Save your seats here
- After Dec 9th you can pre-order the book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
I actually had several exes cheat on me. It might sound odd to say, but I’m grateful that it happened because of who I am today as a wife. There’s a deeper gift that came from that experience, so dive in to this episode and send it to ANY friend that’s been cheated on before.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Make sure to register for the ONE-TIME Couples Event/Training we’re hosting December 9th. You get a copy of our newest book, The Argument Hangover + access to the 90 min training with content that’s never been publicly taught before. Save your seats here
- Sign-up for a 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 session with Jocelyn or Aaron here. There are only 2 spots open in December for this, so snag one HERE.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
There usually isn’t just one big event that ends a relationship. It's an ‘eroding’ slowly over time. It's the result of frequent behaviors like chronic defensiveness, small criticisms, and not prioritizing them.
We are not even saying that you are necessarily at the place of ending the relationship, and we never want you to be. Hence why we are giving you the 5 behaviors that we see, that you might not notice, that will over time have you be in a place where you say “how did we get here?”
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
- Get access to the Free Couples Training - Dec 9th 2020!
There are particular seasons within a relationship where you will ask yourself “is this the right relationship?”. There is nothing wrong with this question at all. You might be trying to decide to propose to your partner, having a tough week or month, or even deciding to stay in the marriage.
No matter the place you find yourself, the next real question is “how do I really determine this?” Most people default to their recent mood, attitude, or level of love or happiness now. But this is very conditional and conceptual.
In this episode you will get the 4 Key Foundations to accurately measure whether you are in the right relationship and will inspire you when you can solidify each of these 4 keys.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
- Get access to The Couples Workshop - Home Edition!
If you haven’t said this yourself, you’ve at least seen these “love” posts go around: “I accept all of you” or “there is nothing you could do for me to stop loving you”! While this is a great sentiment, the majority of people only know what half of this declaration really means.
Of course this is a great intent to accept your partner, but there is one major area that, if you are not prepared for, will come as a huge disappointment and upset for you in the future.
There are easier areas to accept about your partner because you can see them now, however Emotional Triggers of your partner are aspects that you MUST accept about your partner if you want to face challenges as a team. These individual and unique triggers are not something you see in the beginning, so they can catch you off guard if you are not prepared to accept them too.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
There's that feeling of trying to pull or "drag" your partner along when you want to grow and strengthen your own relationship. Here you are with good intentions to make certain areas of your relationship even better... but it's almost like you are doing it on your own or that you are literally forcing your partner to participate.
This can feel so draining and frustrating when your positive intention is met with resistance, push back, or even resentment. Almost like trying to get a child to eat his peas!
But does this mean that you have hit the ceiling of where your relationship growth can go? Or that your partner will never be open to the kind of growth you are? NO.. but you do need to take this different approach that Jocelyn herself covers in this episode.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
- Book a Relationship Breakthrough Session (only $97 to hold your spot)
If you are in a relationship, you have been disappointed at some point. If you are a human being even, you have been disappointed at some point in your life. Any disappointment in a relationship comes from a certain expectation that you had of your partner to do something, act or be a certain way. So is it bad to have expectations in your relationship, is this just a path to an unhealthy relationship?
Well not necessarily… you will ALWAYS have expectations while you are alive as a human being and especially inside of your relationship. It's all in how you relate to and communicate about them that will have it be a healthy expectation or an unhealthy one.
In this episode we will cover how you take any expectation and make it a healthy part of your relationship that leads to growth and connection rather than one that leads to disappointment and disconnection.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
- Get access to The Couples Workshop - Home Edition!
You have been in an argument before right? You have also had a food or alcohol hangover at some point in your life too right? Well, put these two together and you have the term for how you feel in that period of time after you have a fight with your partner until you reconnect together. You might feel resentful of them, low energy, angry, hurt, or even not wanting to be around them. Whatever the emotion, how long does this last? It can be hours, days, weeks, or even years.
The goal in relationships is not to avoid conflicts however, because they are actually necessary. But you can learn (and should aim) to shorten this period of disconnection from your partner as well as keep arguments from escalating to the point they do damage to your partner. Today we will give you examples of how you can make arguments worse, then give you 2 ways to shorten your Argument Hangovers and get reconnected faster!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
“I said I’m sorry, can’t we just move past this?” Is this a statement that you hear from your partner, or even one that you have said to them before? It most likely is and for some reason saying “I’m sorry” just doesn’t seem to cut it to resolve a conflict all the way and reconnect you both. Any idea why this is or what you can say (or do) instead?
Well that is exactly what we are going to cover this episode today, as “I’m sorry” on its own is just not enough. During this episode you will hear the 7 reasons why it’s not enough, we will share our story of moving (yes we are still waiting on the trucking company over a week later) and how “sorry” was not enough for us, and then the first two steps of the “5 R Process” to being to reconcile and connect with your partner.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
- Book a Relationship Breakthrough Session (only $97 to hold your spot)
Would you be willing to sell your house in 24 hours, and move across the country in under 3 weeks? Well we are, and we did! Whether that is something that you even thought about or not, the point is about being able to make BOLD decisions together, even during uncertainty, that will ultimately benefit your life and relationship.
Often there are many decisions that go into a BIG decision, and maybe you feel that you are good at coming up with ideas, but get stuck in taking that leap of faith.
In today’s episode we want to share with you (because we are very excited and want you to be a part of this journey with us too) about how we came to this decision to sell everything and make a big change in our lives. All so that you can get some of the principles so that you can make beneficial decisions faster and with more confidence together that will ultimately better serve your relationship. Even if it still scares you!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Also follow along the journey this week as we road trip it from Phoenix Arizona to Charlotte North Carolina! We will be making a number of stops along the way!
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
Yes we know that when you see the word Gratitude or Appreciation you think “I’ve heard that a thousand times”! Yet giving and showing your partner appreciation is one of the secret ingredients to a truly happy and connected relationship, one that barely gets it’s deserved air time. The reason being it’s never taken far enough. Appreciation is actually an art to be given so that it has a real impact and it’s just as important that you allow yourself to receive appreciation from your partner!
In today’s episode you will learn:
- Why appreciation is so important and why it’s so easily forgotten about.
- The art to delivering appreciation in a way that will be more meaningful to your partner (which is not just appreciating what they DO)
- That you might actually be blocking appreciation and the feeling or connection because you are unable to receive it (either from your past, or from a belief you have about yourself)
Best Quote:
“You cannot receive what you do not believe about yourself” - The Freemans
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
- Get access to The Couples Workshop - studio recording from the Oct 10th live event!
Your immediate reaction to this episode might be “yes my partner definitely has some adult temper tantrums”. Which is probably true at times, so we will of course go more into how you can HELP and SUPPORT them, rather than avoiding or getting mad at them yourself.
BUT if you were really being honest, you might see that you yourself have your own tantrums sometimes. These are places that you just don’t know how else to express yourself or realize what it is you really want and need. Many of us do this (act like hurt or wounded kids) because we just do not know and were not taught any other way.
Maybe this is ok at work or with friends, but when it comes to a healthy, connected, and lasting romantic relationship… you will just do more damage than good. All because you haven’t learned these simple skills.
In today’s episode you will learn:
- Why you, or your partner, express yourself like your child-self when you are feeling hurt or misunderstood.
- How to best support and communicate with your partner during these times.
- The tools to move into conscious self-expression and communication.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
- Get access to The Couples Workshop - studio recording from the Oct 10th live event!
Of course this seems like something that could never happen, but being honest, do you feel like you and your partner are just high functioning roommates? We are not talking about your actual college roommates, but at some point the experience of aliveness, passion, and being prioritized was overtaken by getting things done, having half conversations, and even disconnection.
This is happening for a lot of couples in the season however, as even mentioned by Chris Rock this week on SNL (eluding to the 34% rise in divorce rates over last year). Couples like you are finding themselves in difficult places and reevaluating the relationship.
In this episode we give you 3 things to focus on and implement so that you get out of just feeling like roommates and get back to co-creating your life together that doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s relationship, or how your relationship was in the past.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Register for The Couples Workshop- LIVE on October 10th. Last chance to register! (message us for code)
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
It’s shocking and contradictory from what you’ve heard (or even believe), but LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH. You might ask: enough for what exactly? It’s not enough for love to last or deepen within your relationship.
Ok, be at ease, love is certainly a requirement for a great relationship and marriage, but what you need for it to last and for you to be a truly empowered couple is learning and implementing relationship skills!
In this 100th episode we explore this topic that we love and give you 3 reasons why love is not enough and then the 3 skills every couple must have to keep love alive. By implementing these skills you will be able to bring love back in any moment that is not feeling as connected or loved by your partner. You will learn that love is not conditional but an experience you always have control over. That’s a truly unconditional, empowered relationship!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Register for The Couples Workshop- LIVE on October 10th. Last chance to register!
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
Hey friends, a special episode to give you straight-talk to get into action around your patterns, challenges, or pain points in your relationship. (Especially if you have already tried to have important conversations with you partner, and it doesn't go anywhere.)
The Couples Workshop event is coming up LIVE on October 10th, but can be watched from your own home!
Here is the website to read more and save your seats
The promise of this workshop is that You Will Communicate Better & Resolve Conflicts Faster, in 5 Hours Instead of 5 Months!
We’re coming to you live from a super high tech studio that literally will feel like you’re in person with us, yet you’re in the privacy of your own home. This is NOT going to be full of cliches like “communication is the key to a relationship.” Everyone knows that!
It will provide you with step-by-step exercises to FINALLY feel understood, and resolve those same 2 or 3 disagreements that keep coming up over and over.
Save your seats here!
Surprise! A $40 off coupon code that’s only good for 48 hours (till midnight on Sept 25th). Enter code: workshop40
So here you are having a conversation with your partner, then with the slightest hint of emotion arising, they shutdown. They might stop talking altogether or say “I’m not talking about this, move on” or even “get off my back". This could be because you are trying to have an important conversation with them or it can be out of the blue.
Either way, when your partner shuts down, you feel isolated, left out in the cold, or controlled because they are dictating when certain topics can be talked about. When this happens a few times you get frustrated because nothing seems to change and you are unable to make any progress together when your partner is totally unwilling to open up and let you in.
Hope is not lost (Aaron can vouch for that)! In this episode you will understand why this happens for your partner, as well as 3 things you can do differently to keep this pattern from happening. If you use these 3 things you will feel you can actually make progress in the relationship and understand more about each other’s needs.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts (like the mini course)!
- Register for The Couples Workshop- LIVE event streamed right to your home
Ever have those times in your relationship where things are going great, and then BAM... something sabotages it. You might not have identified it as sabotage, but that’s often what it is and it shows up as a pattern from your past!
Sabotaging behaviors keep you and your partner from experiencing: more love, more joy, more connection, more intimacy and more fulfillment together. So yea, sabotage is no fun.
In this episode, we dive into how emotional events from either your upbringing or past relationships can/is impacting your relationship now.
But here’s what’s taking this to the next level….we also dive into how those past events lead to subtle forms of sabotaging behavior. Before you think, “oh, I don’t do anything sabotaging,” take a listen and hear some behaviors that you might not have noticed before, that could be keeping your relationship in the same place rather than growing.
This is a powerful episode for you to reflect on individually and discuss together. Plus you will get a process to identify what these patterns are, where they come from, and what to do to change them.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Join the 21 Day Relationship Upgrade starting next week! All you have to do is order a FREE hard copy of our book, then you get access to the private group with the 21 day group and activities coming up.
- Register for The Couples Workshop- LIVE-streamed to your home
Real talk....we had a 3 hour conversation this weekend about the possibility of ending our partnership.
Not because we haven't been "happy" or that we don't love each other anymore... but because we haven't been living in our full potential as individuals or as a couple. We have high standards for what kind of partnership we're capable of and that's what we invite you into.
So we shared openly and candidly with each other about our disappointments, frustrations, and doubts.
We used our skills to listen and hold space for each other. Which led to a MASSIVE triumph and feeling more connected and loved than ever.
There's too much to tell about this here, so we recorded an entire podcast episode on it. Not only do we share transparently about this deep and vulnerable conversation, but we share with you a COMPLETELY different way of "ending" the relationship so you can truly evolve as a couple.
It's something you never will have heard before and many couples never do...
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Get $40 OFF Early Bird tickets for the LIVE Couples Workshop on Oct 10th, 2020 (only lasts until Sept 11th, 2020 - our anniversary!) Use code: “podcast40” at checkout.
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts.
If you are like Aaron and had a loving upbringing with lots of support from your parents, that means you would be better set up for a strong relationship rather than if you were like Jocelyn and had your parents go through a divorce or tough upbringing right? NOPE! Did you ever think that whatever your past upbringing, it could be what is causing any hiccups in your current relationship?
In this episode will hear each of our stories about how we grew up and how Aaron was limited in being able to express and feel love by not seeing examples of emotion and how to handle any conflicts growing up. While Jocelyn’s story is one about feeling she had to be the rescuer and felt there needed to be drama to feel that her partner cared about her.
Whatever your past upbringing, you are not just interacting with who your partner is right now today, but you are being influenced by your own past examples that are most likely not in the best service of your relationship. This episode is about you bringing awareness into just what that unconscious behavior and impact might be.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Get $40 OFF Early Bird tickets for the LIVE Couples Workshop on Oct 10th, 2020 (only lasts until Sept 11th, 2020 - our anniversary!) Use code: “podcast40” at checkout.
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts.
You can’t get ‘down’ enough or have a bad enough attitude to positively influence your partner. You just can’t; and we prove it to you today! This episode will light a fire in YOU, and shift a destructive belief you might have about how to truly influence your partner to change.
Sure, you could get your partner to be “compliant” because of your bad attitude and they just want to succumb to make you happy or get you off their back. But that’s not a recipe for lasting love and connection. Instead, you’re going to hear a powerful, counterintuitive approach to motivating and positively influencing your partner to shift their attitude or behavior.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources for you:
- Pre-order The Argument Hangover and get $200 of bonus gifts, including a conflict resolution course
- Looking for immediate and personal guidance? Schedule a Relationship Breakthrough Session
- Follow us on Instagram
This is one of the truest quotes we've ever heard: "There isn’t anything that anyone wants for any other reason than they believe that they will feel better in the having of it." So everything you do in life is all for this one reason-- to feel better!
The problem is that this puts your experience of life based on things you don’t have 100% control over. It gets even worse for your relationship if you rely on your partner's mood, energy, or actions to make you feel good. This puts pressure, stress, and overwhelm on your partner as well as you in a passive and reactive state within your relationship. Nothing good comes from that!
In this episode you get the proactive and active (in the moment) ways to take control of your emotional and mental health. This way you don't rely on your partner but be able to positively influence each other and support the health of your relationship!
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts. The NOW available free mini course will
- Transform your conflicts
- Give you power over emotional triggers
- Set you up to fight smarter
- Allow you to repair from conflicts faster
Listening is not a passive action! Listening is actually an intentional action. You might not recognize the difference between when you’re listening from your EGO vs your HEART.
In this podcast, we’re going to break down the difference- how it sounds, how it feels to you, and how it feels to your partner.
None of us were really taught how to LISTEN, which can leave your partner not feeling truly understood. Sure, you might have HEARD them, but did you TRULY listen. You’ll find out how to know.
This episode is critical for all couples to listen to and will help you connect at deeper, more profound levels than you’ve ever imagined.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
Pre-order our newest book, The Argument Hangover, and get over $200 of free bonus gifts.
To learn more about the last 2 spots for the group coaching journey starting soon, Upgrade Your Partnership, DM us on Instagram.
Have you ever found yourself or your partner avoiding direct or clear communication, evading problems, fearing intimacy or competition, making excuses, blaming, playing the victim, feigning compliance with requests, being sarcastic, or hiding anger?
All of these behaviors describe being passive aggressive! You might not have thought of this at first, but there are many couples that are experiencing this right now in their marriage.
This topic even comes from patterns we saw in our couples group, so we put up a poll, and this topic was voted on to be this week's topic.
In this episode you will take away:
- How to recognize the passive aggressive patterns
- The 3 reasons why this happens within a relationship
- 4 things that could be missing so that you do not do not have this pattern start or continue in your own marriage.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Get 50% OFF The Couples Workshop (Home Edition) to enhance your communication skills together.
- Subscribe and watch The Empowered Couples Show Live on YouTube
- Follow us on Instagram
Do you find that you are physically together with your partner more than ever, yet still feeling disconnected? How could this be right? Well, connection isn’t just about proximity. Connection also isn’t something that you can just count on always being there. It takes attention and intention just like anything in life that you want to grow.
Today’s topic came from multiple messages that we received within one hour. One of the questions saying: “What to do when you get disconnected? We are really intense, when we are close we are best friends. But sometimes we get into a cycle of and it’s hard to get out of being disconnected. It gets bad enough that we feel like pushing the wedding away...this is not what we want, we want to be partners and make it work”
We also did the drawing for the podcast reviews and the winner is…. Betty on Instagram. So Betty please message us on IG so we can get your address to send your gift!
In this podcast episode you will take away:
- What really fuels the feeling of connection in your relationship
- What is missing when you feel disconnected
- 4 ways to grow and deepen your connection
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
We announced our newest book last Friday and the title is... THE ARGUMENT HANGOVER!
📚 Pre Order your copy of TheArgumentHangover.com now and claim these bonuses: (FREE Mini course, Debrief An Argument Workbook, and FREE event ticket for Valentines Day)📚
- Subscribe and watch The Empowered Couples Show Live on YouTube
- Follow us on Instagram
Trust is the feeling of: “you have my back”. When trust is high in any relationship you can feel that you can fly, fail, and yet still be accepted and loved by your partner. This is so foundational for a healthy, happy relationship that wants to be able to grow. When trust has been broken, whether from a big or small event, it harbors doubt, resentment, and suspicion in the relationship.
Today’s topic came from several DM’s and IG poll votes, plus a financial trust question from Teresa: “After repeat offenses running the gamut of petty to severe in nature on occasion; how do you rebuild trust in a real way? I am between being codependent in needing to trust deeply and frustrated because I feel like I never can 100% trust because of the continued offenses and boundary crossing.”
One other question was: “It was about a promise of not doing something, then doing it and lying about it to my face….multiple times. So broken promises/outright lies/secrets. How to make amends and be consistent with everything?” Thank you everyone for the questions and even Alicia from the book club, being honest about wanting to rebuild trust.
Today from this episode you’ll takeaway:
- What trust really means within your relationship
- The major effects a lack of trust can have
- Why you or your partner would break a promise or even lie
- 4 ways to rebuild trust in your partner and the relationship.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram. As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Resources For Your Relationship:
- Get 50% OFF The Couples Workshop (Home Edition) to enhance your communication skills together
- Subscribe and watch The Empowered Couples Show Live on YouTube
- Follow us on Instagram
So you have had a fight in your relationship, now what…? Right after you might feel angry or sad, certainty disconnected, or even that you do not want to be around them. This is a tough place to be in for your relationship; HOWEVER this is not the part you need to be worried about initially. It's about how long are you going to be in this period of being disconnected! This episode is all about how to reconnect after you have had a fight or disagreement.
Today’s topic came from a question on a DM from Isha on saying: “Can you include in your podcast about how to talk after a fight? How to listen and accept each other’s perspectives regarding a situation that has led to a fight?” Thank you for the question Isha as this is a topic we have gotten many questions about too.
Today from this episode you’ll takeaway:
- The 3 “Don’ts” for after a big fight
- For example the action that has you sweep things under the rug
- Then the 3 things to “Do” after a fight to reconnect together.
- For example how to get to the real root cause (and not what you “think” the argument is really about)
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram
Resources For Your Relationship:
- As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
- Get 50% OFF The Couples Workshop (Home Edition) to enhance your communication skills together
- Subscribe and watch The Empowered Couples Show Live on YouTube
- Follow us on Instagram
All of a sudden the personality differences that attracted you to your partner earlier in the relationship, become the things that frustrate you and cause tension! How can this be? Once you find yourself in this place it can feel like your own needs are not getting met. For example maybe you are naturally more spontaneous and playful than your partner who ‘makes decisions slower’ and likes to structure and plan things out.
Today’s topic came from Heather’s question on Instagram that said: “My partner and I realized a key difference in the way we both operate. I have a need for spontaneity and often throw ideas out and expect him to roll with it. He has a need, however, to think things through and plan things out well in advance. How can we both be sensitive to each other’s needs while still feeling our own needs are met?”
Form today’s episode you’ll takeaway:
- Why this dynamic of tension happens in your relationship
- How you can bring awareness to your differences first to leverage them as a team rather than have them be things you try to change in your partner
- Two tips you can implement right now to be sure both of your needs get met and you both feel balanced in your decision making together as a true team.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram
Resources For Your Relationship:
- As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
- Wanna take the relationship assessment? First get a FREE hard copy of the book 📚 The New Power Couple (just pay shipping) to join the book club!
- Follow us on Instagram
Swinging for the fence right from the start here… criticism in your relationship in one of the top four things that lead to disconnection and divorce (*The Gottman Institute). Even besides that fact, being criticized by your partner just sucks! It leads to arguments, conflicts, and a loss of connection at best.
Though it may seem like a topic that you want to tell your partner to listen to, because this is something that THEY need to work on, there are key things that you BOTH can work on to better receive feedback, give feedback, and the major difference between criticism. With this you will be able to use feedback in your relationship at the right time and to evolve your relationship to be even better!
This topic came up from the question that Aaron G submitted in the Power Couple Book Club. He asked: "how can I take criticism better? I tend to get defensive, then nothing is solved and things are weird for a few days.”
From this episode you’ll:
- Know the difference between criticism and feedback
- How to take feedback without getting defensive
- How to both give and receive feedback in your relationship to become stronger together
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram
Resources For Your Relationship:
- As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
- Get a FREE hard copy of the book 📚 The New Power Couple (just pay shipping)
- Follow us on Instagram
So here you are, trying to share with your partner something that is important to you and something that you feel emotion around… Then they say something like: “you are overreacting, it’s not that big of a deal”, or even “that doesn’t make sense!”
You immediately feel invalidated and maybe that your feelings don’t matter, right? This causes many upsets and conflicts for couples and at the very least, disconnects you from love and understanding from your partner.
Today’s topic came from a coaching session we had this week, in which we then posted this question to our couples community: “Do you ever notice that you feel your emotions are invalidated by your partner, what has you feel that way?” There were many replies and great examples of the words and actions that caused people to feel invalidated (we will cover a number of them).
From this episode you’ll take away:
- What causes you to feel invalidated
- The 3 reasons why this is used as a defensive mechanism
- The new actions to take to keep from invalidating each other’s emotions
Quotes:
“Yes there are universal truths, but there are also personal truths, for both you and your partner. What you BOTH are feeling right now are both true for YOU!” - Aaron
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram
Resources For Your Relationship:
- As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
- Get a FREE hard copy of the book 📚 The New Power Couple (just pay shipping)
- Get 50% OFF The Couples Workshop (online home edition) to practice communication skills, resolve recurring disagreements, and connect more than ever!
- Follow us on Instagram
You know those things your partner says or does that TRIGGER you? YES trigger, meaning you have an automatic emotion that comes up that then causes you to get upset. Then from there you may both do things that hurt and keep you disconnected for hours, days, or even weeks!
You’re not alone, we received hundreds of comments when we asked the community what triggers them in their relationship. This episode comes directly from a post on FB and Instagram about “what does your partner do that triggers you?”
We share what many of those responses were PLUS:
- The root cause of your personal triggers
- 3 things you can do differently when you do get triggered
- And how to talk calmly to your partner about triggers so they can support you
Quotes:
“It’s not your partner’s responsibility to tip-toe around your emotional triggers. It is your opportunity to identify them, heal them and then ask them to support you.” - Jocelyn
“Become aware, then share!” - Aaron
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram
Resources For Your Relationship:
- As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
- Get a FREE hard copy of the book 📚 The New Power Couple (just pay shipping)
- Get 50% OFF The Couples Workshop (online home edition) to practice communication skills, resolve recurring disagreements, and connect more than ever!
- Follow us on Instagram
Avoiding conflicts in the short term only lead to resentment building in the long term! Though you may have adapted the philosophy of avoiding conflicts from other examples that you saw, or your own past experiences. It hurts your relationship by turning into resentment. You can even be a happy and growth focused couple but can start to build a rift in just a few days time.
So we took this topic of releasing resentment or getting past old hurts from Andrew on Instagram and Teresa on Facebook. They both essentially asked: “How do I let go of resentments or past hurts in my relationship now?”
So in this episode today you’ll takeaway:
- Why and how resentments build up from avoiding conflicts and withholding communications
- The steps to take to release any past hurts or resentments
- How to use the steps to ‘close the circle’ on future arguments, so that they don’t repeat themselves in the future and turn into resentment later on.
From listening you will feel free from keeping things held inside and clear about what you can do next to create connection out of conflict.
About Us:
We’re The Freemans, your go-to couple for authentic and actionable relationship advice. Send us your relationship questions for the show with a DM on Instagram
Resources For Your Relationship:
- As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved!
- Get a FREE hard copy of the book 📚 The New Power Couple (just pay for shipping)
- Start your on-the-go Communication Course For Couples
Facing any time of challenge let alone a global down economy can have you wondering and doubting if you can pursue your passion. You may be wondering is this really the time to start or even grow a business (especially as a couple)?
You are about to find the answer to that and much more as Chris and Lori Harder share how they went from humiliation in the 2008 crash to building the foundation of the multiple million dollar companies they run TOGETHER.
You will hear how the requirements to be successful especially when you back is against a wall, you pivot, and reinvent yourself individually and as a couple! Learn how even having a good economy is the enemy to a great business! Plus how being business partners will take your romantic relationship to levels other couples won’t ever reach.
Questions Ask In The Interview:
- You two started a business together in the 2008 crash when you were laid off from what many would say is a steady job. How did you get resourceful rather than victims?
- Can you really pursue what you are passionate about or do you have to do the thing that pays the bills?
- Do you think now is a good time to start or grow a business as a couple? Or at least be thinking about additional income streams?
- What challenge did you two encounter in your relationship because you also become business partners?
- How do you make financial decisions when you don’t necessarily agree with each other, and what about if that turns into a fight?
- How do you start to repair any broken trust that comes up whether in your romantic or business relationship?
Quotes:
“Good is the enemy of great!” - Chris Harder
“You are ever only one conversation away from your desired outcome” - Lori Harder
Resources From The Freemans:
- Apply to Become a Certified Relationship Coach & start a coaching business
- Get a FREE hard copy of the book 📚 The New Power Couple (just pay for shipping)
- Follow us on Instagram
About The Guests:
Lori & Chris Harder aren’t your average couple, they are truly a power couple for their strengths as individuals and as a couple. Lori Harder is a best selling author, Forbes Top Rated podcast host, founder of ‘Lite Pink’ and ‘The Bliss Project’.
Chris Harder is an entrepreneur, investor, avid philanthropist, and podcaster. After an 11-year career as an executive and partner in the banking industry, he retired from banking in 2011 and partnered with his wife, Lori, to start and scale four different multi-million dollar businesses, along with investing in several other successful startups.
Connect More With The Guests:
- Apply for their grant for entrepreneurs
- Chris Harder’s Instagram
- Lori Harder’s Instagram
Ever have those moments that don’t feel like they’re going your way? It could be that you suddenly got into a disagreement on a seemingly great day, your kids aren’t acting like you want them to, maybe one of you lost your job during the quarantine period…..or maybe your dog stepped on a cactus early in the morning (like our story)
This episode is all about how to let go of RESISTING the present moment and what is HAPPENING. When you’re resisting what’s happening, you can get frustrated and not have a great attitude.
We’ll share a relatable story from how our day did not go as we expected this week, but how we switched our attitude about it quickly!
Connect More With Us:
As you listen to the episode, tag us on an IG story and let us know what you loved.
Get $50 off the Communication Course For Couples. (use coupon code: PODCAST)
Things have absolutely changed in the world and in your life from this pandemic. You probably experience a change in your relationship roles (including taking on additional roles you never thought you would have to) and the amount of time you are in your home and around your partner. Plus, no matter what type of job, career, or business you are in; you probably have felt an impact in your finances!
Of course this has always been a top stressor on marriages, but now it can be glaring at you in the face, having you feel a lot of fear and uncertainty. This can bring up additional tension and pressure in your relationship together causing you to fight against each other.
So get ready to hear from iconic Elena Cardone, as her and her husband Grant are no strangers to challenges, financial downturns, and crashes. What you are going to know from Elena is that marriage is what makes you a better individual and how you can handle financial downturns. You are going to have the ways to stop fighting about ‘small things’ when you envision, create, and defend your vision and empire together (whatever size it might be). Plus the ways to leverage your individual strengths and weaknesses. So you will feel complete trust, support, and confidence to lay the groundwork to fulfilling your dreams together, no matter what challenges arise.
Questions Asked In This Interview:
- You two had started your relationship 3 years before the 2008 crash. So while many people still feel the impact of that time what was your mindset and belief during those times, that positioned you to be here now?
- What can couples do (including believing) to keep from panicking and weather a financial downturn together without letting money hurt their marriage?
- In your book as well as personally in the media, you talk about “guarding your empire”-- what does that look like for couples right now?
- Many of the pressures on marriages come from forced change in relationship roles. What are some of your strategies for balancing parenting, business, and your vision as a couple?
- Have you and Grant been getting any couples time or huddle together during the quarantine to always be on the same page?
- What are ways that couples can come out stronger after this season?
Quotes:
“When you are attacking your partner, you are playing at a very small level and a small game. You need to have goals and visions that are big enough and exciting enough and know who it is you want to be as a couple.”
“It’s not about male or female, it's about your strengths and weaknesses and who does what best within the relationship. Do what you need to do and have 100% trust in your partner”
“Its vital to be able to change and not be fixed on ideas about the way things are supposed to be.”
- Elena Cardone
Other Resources From The Freemans:
Get a FREE hard copy of the book The New Power Couple (just pay for shipping)
Follow us on Instagram
More About The Guests Elena & Grant Cardone:
They are a truly iconic couple that is building an empire. First for their family as they have been married for 15 years and are loving parents to two children (one of which you will even hear join at the end!)
Then second for other families as they are both best-selling authors, host the 10X Growth Conference, one of the largest for thousands of entrepreneurs, and run one of the largest real-estate empires (Cardone Capital) in the world, valued at $800 M. With this they have been able to raise hundreds of millions for charities. As you will hear from Elena, she passionately wants to empower women partners and help make marriage cool again!
Order Elena’s book Build An Empire HERE
During these times of uncertainty with the coronavirus, do you find yourself torn between wanting to be really productive and taking time out to relax and just slow down? Or do you see many other people talking about finding the opportunity in these times to serve more people and grow your own influence and impact; and feel pressure to try and do the same?
Many couples are finding themselves in this dichotomy, which is putting even more pressure on the relationship, especially when each partner feels differently about this time.
So where is the balance between being productive and rejuvenating or even being able to just stay positive when you have emotions of uncertainty, fear, disconnection from your partner, or just not being on the same page?
In this episode with brilliant, courageous, and inspirational entrepreneur Jasmine Star, you will be able to find your balance, get clarity on what truly inspires you during this time, how to stay on the same page with your partner and be positive and productive during any challenging time!
Questions Asked In This Interview:
- During this quarantine, what practices do you have as a couple to stay positive and productive?
- How do you two give each other appropriate feedback that doesn’t trigger defensiveness?
- Adopting/being parents and being entrepreneurs, how is it going so far getting self-care time, biz time, parenting time and relationship time?
- As both entrepreneurs and spouses, what kinds of challenges come up and how do you handle them?
- For couples thinking about starting a business during these times, what would you say?
Quotes:
"Within the projects of our lives we call it the 51-49. There is always one of us that has 51% ownership to make that final decision. This has saved us time, money, and even therapy."
"Many think they will have the support of their partners, but you will never get them to complete assignments or projects when you want it, if you do not have their complete buy-in." - Jasmine Star
Connect More With Us:
- On Instagram (and tell us what you took away from this episode) ✅
- Get instant access to ‘The Couples Workshop’ HERE (right to your home) 🖥
More About The Guest:
Jasmine Star, in partnership with her husband JD, is a Photographer & Business Strategist who empowers entrepreneurs to build a brand, market it on social media, and create a life they love. After leaving a scholarship to UCLA law school, she picked up a camera, pursued curiosity, and built the business of her dreams. A decade later, she is educating entrepreneurs on how to do the same! They even just adapted a brand new child into their life right has the quarantine was taking effect. So with being new parents, romantic partners, business partners, and influencers; she is the perfect person to help you stay positive and productive as a couple during challenging times.
Connect with Jasmine at: jasminestar.com
For all the entrepreneurs and personal brands learn about having your social media curated for you at: socialcurator.com
Start your day off with a dose of laughter + power-packed content! This episode is your moment to gain 3 ways you become Stronger Than Ever during these tough times.
If you follow us on social media, you’ve heard us say, “this time will either strengthen your relationship or strain it…..all based on your skills, actions and choices!”
Since you’re listening to this podcast, you obviously are committed to it STRENGTHENING.
So grab a cup of tea or head on a run to enjoy this episode giving you 3 practical ways to do just that!
PLUS, we’re also including 3 clips from our ‘Couples Workshop’ (recorded home edition) so you can get a sneak peek into why couples are BUZZING around the world talking about how they are more connected than ever!
Connect More With Us:
- On Instagram (and tell us what you took away from this episode) ✅
- Get instant access to ‘The Couples Workshop’ HERE (right to your home) 🖥
In this episode you will know that expectations are the cause of any and all disappointments that have come up, or will come up in your relationship. But this is not a problem at all once you know that it’s from the unexpressed or unknown expectations. You will always have expectations whether from the past that you are becoming aware of, or if you are growing and evolving as people and as a couple, there will always be new ones you discover.
From this interview with Patrick and Carrie Antrim, you will have the way to uncover as well as express any and all disappointments (whether from the past or ones still to come as you grow together) with your partner. So that you will both feel understood, on the same page, connected, and ready to become the best partners you can be no matter what challenges arise!
Questions asked in this interview:
- What are expectations you each now realize you had in the beginning of the relationship?
- Looking back, what was the impact of any of these unknown or unexpressed expectations?
- What are some basic needs and wants you have for the relationship?
- What are some aspirational needs and wants you have?
- Did you two talk about your needs and wants proactively or did you discover them over time from challenges coming up?
- What is the best way for you to share new expectations of your needs and wants with your partner that you are bound to have as you grow as an individual, a couple, and business partners?
Quotes:
“Being with someone that is ok with designing a life, verses living a life they are just reacting to.” - Patrick Antrim
Connect More With Us:
- Follow us on Instagram ✅
- Attend the LIVE Online Couples Workshop (right to your home) 🖥
- Get a FREE hardcopy of The New Power Couple book (just pay for shipping)📚
Connect More With The Guests:
Patrick and Carrie Antrim are media entrepreneurs that help brands tell great stories and scale their business with video. They are Knowledge Business Coaches that produce high level events and masterminds. Including their own Multi Family business and yearly summit and women's event. They do all of this while being a blended family with 4 kids!
- Connect with the Multi Family Leadership brand
- Attend the Multi Family Summit event live or online
This episode is all about the ‘Skills for Healthy Romantic Relationships’! No matter what you have heard from songs, movies, or people in general LOVE ISN’T actually enough. Loving each other doesn’t guarantee that you’ll have a truly healthy relationship. Believe it right now or not what you need are the skills and corresponding habits to have a long term healthy relationship!
In this episode, from our “Empowered Couples Show” on YouTube, you will have 2 skills that lead to healthy relationships and reduce the patterns that lead to unhealthy ones using evidenced based tools for couples! You’ll leave feeling confident that you DO HAVE everything you need to have love be the foundation of your healthy romantic relationship!
✔︎SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more relationship videos:
Connect More With Us:
- Follow us on Instagram ✔︎
- Attend the LIVE Online Couples Workshop (right to your home) 🖥
- Get a FREE hardcopy of The New Power Couple book (just pay for shipping)📚
In this episode you will know the most important factor for a healthy relationship: creating the right environment! You may think that sounds like focusing on your home life, yet you will have the 4 areas that create your total environment: home, relationships with other couples, geographical location, between you and your partner.
You will have a pattern interrupt method, activities to do on the weekend to keep the environment of love & passion between the two of you going, how lifestyle design can be incorporated to have a great relationship, and even a game you can play with each other that will spark playfulness, intimacy, creativity, and allow you to communicate anything that you have been afraid or hesitate to tell your partner.
All of this will leave you feeling the ease and clarity in which you can use this most important aspect of your life, to support you and your spouse having a truly successful relationship.
Questions asked in this interview:
- What is the most important factor for creating a successful and happy relationship?
- What is the importance of having a community around you, and the couples you spend time with?
- What are the challenges when you don’t have this community?
- Define the term ‘Coupledom’ and why it’s important to focus on as a couple?
- What should you look for in other couples to hangout with that will support you?
- What are some of your activities on the weekends that keep you two in love and the passion alive?
- What are some tangible benefits to switching up where you live?
Other resources:
1) Follow us on Instagram
2) Get a FREE hard copy of the book The New Power Couple (just pay for shipping)
Connect More With The Guests:
Rono & Sierra are a dynamic duo who have dedicated their life’s work to supporting couples in awakening to their highest potential and realigning their north star to create powerful evolutions in life, love and spirituality.
Sharing over 35 years of adventure together first as friends, then business partners, then lovers, and then husband and wife; they focus being ceremony facilitators, pleasure provocateurs, and ambassadors of fun.
All to create extraordinary retreat experiences and powerful containers for couples to catalyze their dreams and desires. They bring together high frequency, conscious people who seek playful and profound experiences to enrich their lives through the creation of Eden Rising… a first of its kind, “restival” and private sanctuary for couples to evolve their relationship.
See more about the Eden Is Rising Retreat and apply to be a part of the event!
Don’t feed into the FEAR in the world right now or let it impact your family life. As you can see, the news is pumping out scare based tactics and it can be hard to compartmentalize that and keep it outside the home.
The last thing you want is for outside fears (global sickness, financial economy, political future) to start to create tension and arguments between you and your spouse. What you allow to influence you, will be how you respond and interact with your partner and your family. You will start to talk about the things you are fearful of… work, kids future, your health, a family member, your own financial future. Even to the point of seeing what you fear within your own partner.
So in today’s episode you’ll:
Know: The most important thing to focus on during stressful times
Have: 3 ways to guard your family from worry and stress
Feel: a sense of power for what you can control in your life
Other resources:
- SUBSCRIBE to the new web show
- Get a FREE hard copy of the book The New Power Couple (just cover shipping) and join the Power Couple Book Club!
- Follow us on Instagram
Welcome to this new game show type episode called “HE Said/SHE Said”! In this type of episode, on the Empowered Couples podcast, you will laugh, be entertained, and relate to this couple as they find out how they see things differently in their marriage even when they love each other, live together, and have been together for years.
No matter how well you think you know your partner, you can see things differently AND often don’t even realize! (remember the newlywed game, yup it’s going to be like that!)
In this episode you will know that no matter how long you have been together you are still going to see things differently (especially when it comes to money), but these differences can be turned into real strengths of your relationship. You are going to have questions to ask your partner to be more on the same page with money PLUS one powerful action to implement this week. Listening to this episode you will feel more aware and connected with your partner when it comes to your money habits.
Press play and enjoy this 100% relatable conversation!
He-Said/She-Said Questions Asked:
- Would you say your partner is more of a saver or spender?
- Would you say you are more of a saver or spender?
- Who gets more frustrated about money?
- What can frustrate you about the way your partner handles money?
- If you were left to your own devices, how do you think you’d handle money yourself?
- If you all of a sudden earned 10,000 today, what would you do with the majority of it (be honest)?
Other resources:
1) Schedule your Relationship Breakthrough Session mentioned in this episode. Scroll ½ way down the home page for the link and details to schedule.
2) Follow us on Instagram
About The Guests:
Today you will meet Garrett & Chelsea who live in Alberta Canada and recently got married and are creating a blended family! They wanted to talk about their different perspectives about MONEY! Anyone else out there have the saver/spender patterns in the relationship?
Also, be sure to connect to them on social media! They are certified relationship coaches of Empowered Couples University and building a relationship coaching business to support other blended families on their journey of connection, trust, and love.
Follow The Zimmermans On Instagram
In this episode you will know that there is ONE MAJOR thing that you must stop doing in order to experience yourselves as a power couple. In this sense, it's your own version of being a power couple where you are able to approach any challenge with the skills to stay on the same team, communicate your needs and desires effectively, and pursue your purpose together.
Yet if you are doing just this one small thing… it will be impossible for you to become that power couple. When this keeps happening in a relationship it is the core reason that couples feel they are “unable to make the marriage work any longer”!
Tune into this short episode to make sure you stop this habit and put yourself on the path to being and maintaining the power couple you know you are meant to be.
Other resources:
1) Get a FREE hard copy of the book The New Power Couple (just pay for shipping). Then join the “POWER COUPLE Book Club”
2) Follow us on Instagram (and let us know if you would like us to bring the Couples Workshop to your city!)
3) Join the Online Couples Workshop
Have you ever had thoughts that: “The sex we had in the beginning of our relationship was the best we will have”, or even “I can’t talk about what I want more in our sex life because my partner will be uncomfortable or unwilling to talk”?
Well if you fall into that category, you are like many other couples out there. But just because you have a lot of company, this is not a place you want to continue to stay in. Imagine that no matter how busy you are, no matter how long you have been married, and no matter how open you or your partner have been to talking about your sex life… You can raise your sexual satisfaction starting right here in this episode!
In this episode you will know that no matter the season of marriage you are in now, your sexual future doesn’t have to be predictable but can be extraordinary. You will have ways to initiate sex more frequently and have it be balanced between you both, the challenges that face both men and women, and ways to communicate your most current needs. So you will feel more at ease and confident to explore your sexual intimacy with your partner and have your satisfaction be higher than it has in years!
Questions asked in this interview:
- Do you ever have times you’re dissatisfied with your intimacy and how do you bring it up to your partner?
- What are the biggest challenges that partners (even men specifically) are dealing with that keep them from bringing up the conversations about sex?
- In the beginning of a relationship, intimacy seems to be more about passion and physical excitement. Does intimacy change to mean something different the longer you are in a relationship?
- What is it that actually makes your sex life “better” over time, rather than fading?
- What are the 5 types of intimacy?
- Is there a real stereotype on men and women for what sexual intimacy means to each of them? (ex. Frequency vs being romanced)
- In a season where a couple is upset and disconnected from each other, they wait to feel like having sex. Does a couple need to wait to “feel like it” to have sex or can having sex first be what brings that feeling back?
- What is a practical way couples can practice initiating sex to have it be balanced?
Other resources:
Follow us on Instagram
Book your Relationship Breakthrough Session with us for $97, with 100% guarantee you have a breakthrough in your relationship. (Scroll 3/4 down the page)
Connect with guests Tony & Alisa here:
As founders of ONE Extraordinary Marriage podcast and ONE Marriage Conference as well as being married 25 years; Tony & Alisa believe that a healthy combination of sex, love, and commitment is more than the foundation of a strong marriage… it’s the glue that will keep a marriage together.
It is through this lens that they help time-crunched couples become intentional about their lives and create the marriage that they desire. They are experienced marriage coaches, podcasters, and the co-authors of the Amazon best seller, 7 Days of Sex Challenge.
Website: One Extraordinary Marriage
Podcast: “One Extraordinary Marriage Show”
FREE Resource from the show: 19 Questions to Amazing Sex
You desire to be a GREAT partner, not just an okay partner! But in the modern world, there are a lot of pressures and stressors that can distract you from the most essential ingredients to being a great spouse. That’s why this episode includes just THREE that you can focus on mastering for the coming months….so that you can step UP your game as a partner!
Today you will hear how to be an even better partner through developing these essential traits:
- Follow-through (doing what you say you will)
- Emotional Intelligence (taking responsibility for your emotions)
- Listening for the positive intent (set aside your filter)
Other resources:
Get a FREE hard copy of the book The New Power Couple (just cover shipping) and join the Power Couple Book Club!
Follow us on Instagram
Welcome to this new game show type episode called “He Said/She Said”! In this type of episode, on the Empowered Couples podcast, you will laugh, be entertained, and relate to this couple as they find out how they see things differently in their marriage even when they love each other, live together, and have been together for years.
No matter how well you think you know your partner, you can see things differently AND often don’t even realize! (remember the newlywed game, yup it’s going to be like that!)
In this “Game Show” episode you will learn from the answers this couple gives on the area of ‘Time Management’. You will know that some places where your partner experiences anxiety are from not wanting to disappoint you. And that though you have different behaviors (like around time management) you can still have the same experiences. You will have ways to change your perception of time for yourself and your partner. You will feel inspired by your differences and that time is limitless.
Individual Game Show Questions Asked:
- Who would you say cares more about being on time?
- As soon as you feel you might be late, how do you feel?
- What do you think is the most appropriate or best time to arrive at a place which has a scheduled start time?
- Who is more organized and the better planner?
- What’s a personality trait they have different than you, that you’re most attracted to?
- What personality trait of theirs makes you the most frustrated?
Other Resources:
1) Get $50 OFF the Communication Course for Couples that you can listen to on-the go. Use coupon code: PODCAST
2) Follow us on Instagram
About The Guests:
1) Attend a virtual Breath-Work event
2) Follow them on Instagram
In this episode you will meet Cory and Jessica (The Healing Couple) from San Diego who have been together for 3 years. He is a naturopathic doctor, she is an influential yoga teacher, and together they are certified breath-work coaches who help people by the hundreds reduce stress, feel more calm, confident, and clear. They have elected to explore the area of “Mindset” as it pertains to ‘Time Management’ as this is an area of their relationship that can still cause upsets, disagreements, and disconnection. They are willing to individually be asked the same questions around time management to then be surprised by how each answered these questions whether it be the same or surprisingly different.
In this episode you will learn just why holding a frustration in by saying nothing, hurts just as much (or even more in the long run) as reacting and getting angry at your partner. This short episode by Aaron is specifically in those moments when men ‘shut down’, hold emotion in, and withdraw; without saying anything to their partner, when they get angry.
WOMEN: in moments like these you feel isolated, shut out, you don’t know what is going on with your partner. Plus even when there is not an argument happening, this has you feel like you just don’t know as much about what’s happening internally for your spouse. You want to know more about them as you live your life and relationships together, and you feel you just can’t break into truly knowing them.
MEN: This is such a pattern that we all default to, and we even think ‘is for the best’. Of course when you think of it, not saying anything when you get mad, certainly is better than the alternative of yelling in anger. Sometimes you may even want them to thank you for this ‘gift’ you are giving your spouse.
The truth is in both cases for men and women, holding thoughts and emotions inside, even the ones that can be hurtful or cause an argument (even make it worse) is the wrong approach. This episode goes into WHY and WHAT to do instead when you find yourselves in either one of these situations.
Other resources:
1) Schedule your Relationship Breakthrough Session mentioned in this episode. Scroll ½ way down the page for the link and details to schedule.
2) Follow us on Instagram
Every couple needs to hear this in 2020. Why you might ask? Well you are a modern, driven couple and with that drive it’s so easy to ‘bulldoze’ your partner with your ideas, energy, decision making, and just being a boss in your own life. Yet that doesn’t always lead to a collaborative relationship.
Today you’ll meet Angie Lee & Clay Hebert. These two not only have modern relationship wisdom to share, but they also are powerhouses in their own respective business! Their stories will show you how you can be powerful and driven in your profession/business AND be a supportive, encouraging, and present partner when that’s what the relationship calls for!
In this episode you will:
Know ways to not bulldoze each other or get into power struggles.
Have the most effective and modern ways to communicate, bring humor, lead, and look at relationship roles to best serve the relationship in any situation.
Feel ready and confident to take on the world as a POWER COUPLE!
Questions Asked In this Interview:
- Both of you individually are successful in starting a business and running a company. What principles or mindset has made you successful in business that you see will have the relationship also be successful?
- How do you switch from a dominant leadership role energy to softening into a supportive and open state when your partner needs it? (And not just bulldoze them)
- That’s such a great point you make so can you talk more about leading within the relationship and the roles of Provider/Protector and Supporter/Enhancer?
- What else do you see is needed for really effective and smooth communication within the relationship?
- For women if safety and appreciation is the foundation for physical intimacy, how do you have your female partners continue to feel safe and appreciated?
- How do you keep from feeling guilty or your partner feeling neglected when you want to focus more on your business and your impact?
Quotes:
“Consistency in a successful business and in a relationship is the same, it's a choice” - Angie Lee
“When you take care of yourself (your own health and energy) the partnership just explodes.” - Angie Lee
“One thing most men never get taught is that most women have to walk through the world a little on the defensive for their safety. Most men don’t ever have to think of that.” - Clay
About The Guests:
Angie Lee is a Podcaster (of Forbes top rated podcast: The Angie Lee show with over 7 million downloads), Creator, Owner of Soul DBC, Speaker, and Entrepreneur Marketer for Women to not suck at sales! Imagine if somehow Tony Robbins, Gary V, and Ellen had a baby… it would be Angie Lee.
Her partner Clay Hebert is the Merlin of Marketing and founder of The Perfect Brand Workshop and The Perfect Introduction. He helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and brands get clarity, tell their story, and fund their dreams!
Other resources:
Follow us on Instagram
Get a FREE hard copy of the book The New Power Couple (just cover shipping) and join the Power Couple Book Club!
ATTEND Angie’s ‘Pays To Be Brave’ Women’s Conference here:
https://www.angielee.com/PTBB2020
This new year of 2020 is your year to have a breakthrough financially- both in your mindset AND wealth created as a couple! In this chat with The Freemans, you will hear some real-talk and real examples of how you can generate money out of thin air, create space for money to circulate to you, and know that you don’t have to just rely on one or two income streams anymore! The times are changing with money, so you’ll want to hear this episode and what you can do as a couple.
In this episode, you will:
Know: why it’s important to think differently about money in 2020
Have: 4 must-do’s for your money this year
Feel: fired up for a breakthrough and new energy around money!
Other resources:
1) Get $50 OFF the Money Course for Couples that you can listen to on-the go. Use coupon code: money2020 (all together)
2) Follow us on Instagram
Welcome to this new game show type episode called “HE Said/SHE Said”! In this type of episode, on the Empowered Couples podcast, you will laugh, be entertained, and relate to this couple as they find out how they see things differently in their marriage even when they love each other, live together, and have been together for years.
No matter how well you think you know your partner, you can see things differently AND often don’t even realize! (remember the newlywed game, yup it’s going to be like that!)
In This Episode:
You will meet Gretchen and Mike from Minnesota, who have been married for 13 years. They have decided to explore the area of communication within their relationship, as it’s an area that they experience having bigger differences. They are willing to individually be asked the same questions around communication to then be surprised by how each answered these questions whether it be the same or surprisingly different. Welcome to the show “He Said/She Said”!
Disclaimer: we by no means intend to exclude any type of relationship with the title, He Said/She Said. We just thought it was a fun, catchy name. Please include yourself no matter what type of a relationship you choose. Much love, The Freemans
Game Show Questions Asked:
Each individually answer:
- Who would you say is a better communicator?
- Who do you think your partner would say is a better communicator?
- What about communication feels challenging?
- Is communication more about talking or listening?
- Does either one of you dominate conversations?
- Who initiates having difficult conversations more often?
- Who is better at reconciling & repairing from a conflict?
- Where or from whom do you feel you learned relationship communication skills?
Quotes:
“If it’s something I realize will help him, and not actually hurt me, I’m becoming more open to any of his requests” - Gretchen.
“We got into a fight, and looking back all I needed to do was say that this wasn’t a good time right now and ask for a different time later on when I could really receive what she was saying.” - Mike
Other Resources:
1) Learn more about the Assessment and Self-Paced Relationship Course AND get $100 OFF with coupon code: podcast
2) Follow us on Instagram
This will be one of the most important podcast episodes you ever listen to as a couple
This year can either be an average year or an extraordinary year, depending on how aligned and focused you are as a couple!
You may find the holiday season stressful, routine, an obligation, or maybe exciting and new.
But we encourage you to set aside some time together to implement the 3 types of goals we’re suggesting in this episode to get aligned for the year.
Here is a way to look at goals differently AND have them be things that actually inspire you as a couple!
In this episode you will:
Know- 3 ‘new’ types of goals to set as a couple to get an “R.O.I”
Have- prompting questions to get you two talking and getting on the same page.
Feel- focused and inspired so it can be the best year and decade of your lives!
Other Resources:
- Register for the ONLINE COUPLES WORKSHOP!
- FREE hard copy of the book The New Power Couple (just pay for shipping). Then join the “POWER COUPLE Book Club”
- Follow us on Instagram
In this special episode, you will get to hear us being interviewed on the “Confident Couples Podcast” hosted by Bud and Sara Dunn. This was such a fun, humorous, and much needed topic about the impact that technology and social media has on modern day relationships (who doesn’t experience this right?!) Both sides of the positive impact and some of the areas that there may be ‘negative’ impacts on your connection, both of which you will even be surprised by!
In this episode you will know some of the positive and negative impacts of social media (that you wouldn’t normally think about) on modern relationships. You will then be able to make new agreements, set healthy boundaries, release the hold onto some assumptions you may have about your partner, and maintain (even restore) trust and connection within the relationship. With all this said, you will be able to use social media and technology within your relationship to continuously be even more connected and on the same page with your vision!
Questions asked in this interview
- What are the things you see that are impacting and challenging modern couples with social media and technology?
- You say a big takeaway for couples is to make agreements around using technology, what are some examples?
- How can couples use social media and technology productively within their relationship?
- What advice is there for one partner when they do not agree with the type of content their partner looks at and consumes?
- How can a couple recover from a “trust breaking event” as it pertains to social media and what they look at?
- Is it necessary to make these grand public professions of love for our partners for every single life event? If I don’t, does that mean I’m not being the best partner I can be?
Quotes:
“Most couples are just holding on to assumptions about their partners, when what they really need is agreements. This makes all the difference in your trust and connection”. - Jocelyn
Connect More With The Guests:
Connect with “Confident Couples” and Bud & Sarah more at: 1)Website: https://budandsara.com/
2) Instagram: @BudandSara
Other Resources:
1) Get a FREE hard copy of the book The New Power Couple (just pay for shipping). Then join the “POWER COUPLE Book Club”
2) Follow us on Instagram
If you’re alive in 2019/2020, then you’re likely ‘busy.’ We know you’re alive because you’re reading this ;-) But just because the two of you are busy with kids, career, to-do lists, etc...doesn’t mean you can’t also keep the SPARK alive in your relationship year after year.
A part of having a truly happy, thriving, connected relationship is being able to keep the spark of passion, excitement, and newness alive.
In this episode you will:
KNOW: that no matter how busy you are, you can prioritize having a passionate relationship
HAVE: 3 practical ways to ignite that spark in your busy life
FEEL: surprised, ready and eager to see your partner and take action!
Quotes:
“Don’t wait until you feel like it to make an attempt for intimacy, take action, and then you will feel it!” - Jocelyn
Other Resources:
Get a FREE hard copy of the book The New Power Couple (just pay for shipping). Then you can join the “POWER COUPLE Book Club”!
Follow us on Instagram
Hello friends, get ready to meet Nicholas and Amanda Bayerle! They are the CEO and COO respectively of the 7- figure lifestyle brand for businessmen, Billion Dollar Body and the community the Billion Dollar Brotherhood. Where men can achieve their highest potential in both their business and their health.
Both have been featured in media like Forbes, Oxygen, Huffington Post, and featured in top podcasts. Nicholas is also the host of their own Billion Dollar Body podcast which has over 300,000 downloads, as well as an international speaker and author of the new book Modern Day Businessman: Success Without Sacrifice.
They are passionate not only about people having healthy bodies, but healthy relationships and truly achieving their dreams in life. And welcoming their first child in January 2020. They believe anyone’s network is what determines their net-worth!
In this episode you will learn:
There is no need to sacrifice your own personal goals within your relationship. And it’s even by focusing on striving to be the best person you can be, that will be your invitation to your partner to strive to be the best they can be.
You will hear 2 activities and conversations that you can have with your partner today, so that you can feel the most collaborative and supportive of each other (and your relationship goals) that you have ever been. This will put you on the path of achieving the most you ever have together.
Questions asked in this interview
- How do you balance both holding your partner accountable to their goals (both individually and business), but also being their caring spouses and confidant?
- Is there a certain way you have to approach conversations to not trigger the other, when you want to invite them up (in either their performance or mindset)?
- Do you hear from men in your group that they don’t really know how to gain their spouses support? What’s your advice for how to communicate their goal to their spouse?
- Do you think men today are at all intimidated by a powerful female partner?
- What do you wish you knew about healthy relationships growing up?
Quotes:
"Always focus on what is good about them, you do not need to try to change them, you wouldn't even want an exact version of yourself" -Amanda
"It may sound like a scary question to ask, but ask how you can be a better partner. The answer will surprise you (in a good way)" -Nicholas
Other resources:
- Follow us on Instagram
- Book your Relationship Breakthrough Session here that was mentioned in the episode
PS. Because of demand there is a $97 placeholder to book your breakthrough session.
Connect More With The Guests:
Get a copy of the book Modern Day Businessman: Success Without Sacrifice.
Welcome to another ‘Mini Chat with The Freemans’. This time we are talking about this subject of personal development, but as a couple. How do you get your partner on board with first growing as an individual AND THEN doing it together as a couple? Of course without them getting defensive, feeling something is wrong, or thinking you need counseling.
That is exactly what we’ll cover, and by tuning into this episode you will learn that progress = happiness, and growing (getting better at anything) is the most fundamental and natural thing in life. You will have 3 steps to actually bringing up this kind of conversation with your partner, in a way that has them feel open and curious about how you can both make positive progress in any area of your life together. Which will have you feeling at ease and a contribution to both your partner and the direction of your relationship. This is the path of happiness and fulfillment throughout your life!
Summary of The Steps To Have The Conversation:
- Work on your delivery
- Lead by example
- Get curious about them
Other resources:
Get a FREE hard copy of the book The New Power Couple (just pay for shipping)
Follow us on Instagram
For all the parents out there! Have you ever thought it was too difficult to balance being a great parent and a great partner to your spouse? Do you feel this is a season that you have to sacrifice some areas of your own life or relationship to ‘make it all work’?
If so this is THE episode for you as you introduce you to Figs and Teale O’Sullivan are a powerful couple, both of whom are marriage and family EFT certified therapists from SF, CA. They are the founders of Empathi, a company that provides affordable and convenient relationship support for both individuals and couples. Empathi offers online courses as well as live support from a whole team of licensed and certified therapists; through fun, effective, and simple solutions to help couples stop fighting, stop suffering, and snuggle more. Figs designed Empathi to be available for everyone, no matter their socio-economic status, orientation or station in life. So all couples can “Love better with Empathi”!
In this episode you will:
know that even as you enter into more demanding seasons of life as a parent, that you can truly be a strong individual and strong spouse. You will have ways to create intentional time for you and your spouse, no matter how little time you really have and tools to have arguments in a way that actually benefits your own kids. So that you can feel connection, compassion, and empathy in your relationship no matter how busy (or dirty with kids) your life feels.
Questions asked in this interview
- What is the biggest challenge for couples to maintain connection and a strong relationship with each other when they are raising kids?
-
- Is any parenting season more difficult than others?
- Have you found that most couples experience being limited in their time and focus toward each other, or to things they want to experience, when they are parents?
- Since family dynamics have evolved and many more women are working or starting businesses AND wanting to be a mother, are you noticing any new levels of ‘overwhelm’? And what can do about that
- What are some ways couples can still connect when they have young children?
- Should a couple argue in front of their kids or shelter them from disagreements?
- Traditional parenting roles were seen in a hierarchy (patriarchy) model. In modern parenting, is there a better model to follow that empowers the entire family to contribute?
- Why is it important to have empathy and what is it in practice anyway?
- What is Emotionally Focused Therapy and how can parents best use it to lead and connect with both their spouse and children?
Connect More With The Guests:
As mentioned in the episode, you can take your own Relationship Empathi Quiz Here
Other resources:
Follow us on Instagram
Book a Relationship Breakthrough Session with us
PS. Because of demand the call is a $97 placeholder to book your breakthrough session.
We received a message last week on instagram that powerfully portrayed how many of you might feel about expressing your needs to your spouse. The question said, ‘how do I tell my partner I really want (and need) for us to proactively work on our communication and that I want to start working on us more? I don’t want to upset her.’
Now the content of what you want to say or ask of your partner might be different, the context is likely similar: you want to share something important to your partner without rocking the boat. So this episode will dive into ways that we bring up these subjects with each other:
In this episode you will:
Know the 3 easy to make mistakes you might be making when trying to communicate your needs to your partner now.
Have 3 game changing ways to better communicate your needs so that keep you both on the 'same team'.
So that you feel empowered to make requests to each other that have you be the best partners you can be!
Quotes:
"The goal of a relationship is to grow, and to grow you need to have tension (just like lifting weights)" - Jocelyn
Other Resources:
Follow us on Instagram
Book a Relationship Breakthrough Call with us
P.S. The Family Meeting Worksheet mentioned in the episode can be given to you on the coaching call, scheduled with the link above. Because of demand, the call is now a $97 placeholder to book your breakthrough session.
Let’s all be honest about something, we are all friends here… How many have you heard other people say (or even heard yourself saying), “it would be better if we argued less” or even “things are going so well lately as we have not argued at all”?
However is this really the goal, should relationships be about NOT getting into disagreement, arguments or conflicts? Well NOT to this couple.
In this episode we interview life and business partners CrisMarie Campbell and Susan Clarke, co-founders of Thrive Inc. They’ve spent 20 years helping men, women, couples, and teams to resolve difficult conflicts and create strong, thriving relationships. They’ve written two books: The Beauty of Conflict and The Beauty of Conflict for Couples. They do workshops on conflict resolution, communication, and teamwork at Fortune 100 companies like Microsoft and the Gates Foundation.
In this episode you will learn that avoiding conflict or not having conflict at all is NOT the goal as conflict can be beautiful, have you be more connected, and be your true self! You will have their powerful 5-5-5 rules for conflicts as well as the most effective ways to have your conflicts better your relationship before, during, and after. All leaving you feeling confident and at ease about any conflict that arises in your relationship, because you will have the tools to use it to your advantage.
Questions asked in this interview
- In your book, The Beauty of Conflict for Couples, you argue that the key to a lasting relationship isn’t romance - it’s conflict. Tell us more about that.
- How do you define conflict, what is it really?
- What would you say to a couples that says “we never argue or fight?”
- What are the unhealthy ways to be in a conflict?
- In your book, The Beauty of Conflict for Couples, you mention that many of the women you’ve worked with have worried that they’ve married the wrong person. What has them say that and how do you respond?
- What do you do to forgive yourself in the heat of a conflict?
Quotes:
“Conflict isn’t something to fear or avoid. When handled the right way, conflict can unlock fresh ideas, build team trust, and create great results.”
“The more you are you, the juicer the relationship will be”
Connect More With The Guests:
Thrive Coaching & Consulting
Free chapter of their book: The Beauty of Conflict for Couples
Empowered Couples resources:
Follow us on Instagram
Tour the Empowered Couples University:
Brief description:
Chemistry is what brings you together, your habits are what keep you together (or not).
Can we be real for a second? Every week we meet couples who are wondering why they’re not experiencing connection, passion, joy in their relationship. They love each other a lot, but something isn’t quite working like they want it to.
Well in this episode, we’re going to demystify why that happens by going into the HABITS you must maintain in your relationship to become & stay a power couple.
In this episode you will:
KNOW: Why your habits are so impactful in either positive or negative ways for your relationship
HAVE: 8 Powerful Habits for Power Couples covering--->
- Mindset/Emotions
- Physical/Sexual
- Professional
- Communication
- Spiritual
- Financial
- Social
- Family
FEEL: Motivated to implement new habits as a couple that create connection & passion
Quotes:
“Chemistry is what brings you together, your habits are what keep you together (or not).”
Other resources:
Get a free 2-on-2 couples coaching call with The Freemans
Follow us on Instagram
Meet Mike & Cari Skrdla from right here in Gilbert AZ. Both of them started the company “LifeBack” which is about helping you make the necessary changes to live a life you love living. Any challenges with career, relationships, and happiness are not supposed to be a constant state. So LifeBack aids as a lifeline of professional support, providing methods and empowerment to assist you with creating a life of your choosing. This is through coaching and live events like the Genius Bootcamp. Along with that mission, Mike runs 2 other business investing into real estate and CBD.
Aside from what they do, they are both very close friends of ours that have always been there for us in our own spiritual journey, starting our own relationship, and listening & providing advice whenever we have needed it in our personal and professional life.
In this episode you will learn the habits they implement to function as a true team and to support each others dreams while fulfilling on the vision for your own relationship.
Questions asked in this interview:
- How do you create your partner newly each day?
- What does being a team really mean to you?
- How does having an agreement of time to allow yourself ‘to be down’, actually change your state faster?
- What habits bring you together when you feel you’re going in different directions?
- How are you able to ‘listen’ to your partner with such curiosity and support when they are sharing things they fear, are afraid of, and have concerns about?
- How do you keep past relationship habits from affecting your current marriage?
- With everything that you are both up to, how do you keep from being overwhelmed or too busy for each other?
Quotes:
“Im not here to get in the way, but to support my husband in anything he wants to pursue.”
“The world you live in with your spouse is all your doing and all your creation”
Connect More With The Guests:
Learn more about the transformational work with LifeBack
Other resources:
Follow us on Instagram
Access the Empowered Couples University communication audio course, and get your second one free from listening to the episode
Welcome to the next Mini Chat with the Freemans!
This episode is all about MODERN marriage & the challenges that we all face in today’s world. Now let’s be real, life looks quite a bit different today than even 10 years ago, 20, and definitely 50. You face new challenges that most people don’t address because it seems like it just ‘is’ that way….BUT we have solutions for you. Meaning, ways you can breakthrough these modern challenges you face as a couple. We promise, this will be relatable, practical solutions you’ll want to implement right away!
The 3 modern challenges addressed (and their solutions) in this episode:
1) The pressure to play so many different roles
Solution - talk through any unspoken expectations you have of yourselves and each other.
2) Feeling too busy and tired (yet craving more joy and fulfillment)
Solution - Prioritize a bonding activity every weekend BEFORE chores and to-do lists. Plus refer to your Couples Vision Statement?
3) Repeating yourselves from communication getting shortened into quick micro conversations
Solution - Block time to have authentic family meetings and truly talk about how you’re doing
Quotes:
“Don’t just fill your calendar, make sure you fill your cup together” - Aaron
Other resources:
FREE in a 1 hour coaching call with us --->Relationship Coaching Call
Follow us on Instagram
Welcome to the next Mini Chat with the Freemans! This episode is all about MONEY and the 5 most impactful habits that truly Empowered Couples implement to not only earn more money but experience more freedom, security, and unlimited options for their life together as a couple!
In this episode:
You will know how to breakthrough financial barriers you run into through establishing the right habits, those by other power couples. You will have the 5 Money Habits of Empowered Couples that you can utilize in your own relationship today. Leaving you feeling more peace and feel there are more options for you as a couple
The 5 habits that are covered:
- Knowing your “Top Driver” for money.
- Only talk about money in pre-scheduled, calm times. (not in passing conversations)
- Invest In Yourselves.
- Diversify (don’t just rely on your paychecks, don’t spend it all on expenses, take a portion and invest outside of your 401k)
- Change to “We make” this much rather than “I make this much”.
Quotes:
“Once you invest in and grow your money mindset, story, and belief, that is when you change your actions and your results with money” - Jocelyn
Other resources:
Join the mentioned Relationship Course from the episode ----> Couples Goals Accelerator
Follow us on Instagram
Join us on this unique episode, where we were interviewed on an internet show by Raj and Gaby Sundra. They are the founders of “Relationship Fun and Games” and are on their 12th season of their “Fights Clean & Sex Dirty” show, that provides couples the resources to have better communication skills when they get into fights as well as spicing up their intimacy in new and fun ways!
This business of theirs was born out of the necessity to become better partners themselves early on in their marriage when Raj was busy in business development consulting and their were starting their life in a new place. Now they are passionate to give the resources for others to ongoingly grow and strengthen their own relationship. For them relationships are at the heart of living your best life!
In this episode you will:
Know that getting into fights and arguments is not a problem in your relationship when you are able to “fight clean”. You will have 4 tips on just what to do in the heat of a fight so you can feel you are always on the same page and confident that challenges lead you to being even more connected.
Quotes:
“Don’t just compromise, create!”
“An awesome relationship is your access to an awesome life”
Connect More With The Guests:
Access all of their “Fights Clean & Sex Dirty” show episodes here. Choose either category for how to fight clean with better communication or how to spice up your intimacy! https://relationshipfunandgames.com/
Other resources:
Follow us on Instagram
Attend the FREE “Communication Gap Masterclass” mentioned in this episode
This episode is one of the most vulnerable episodes from Jocelyn, as Aaron interviews her about her upbringing and her path to finally loving and appreciating herself.
You’ll hear the critical ways you can either strengthen or hurt the connection in your partnership from the quality of your relationship to yourself.
You’ll also hear practical ways you can develop a healthier relationship to yourself no matter how busy life gets.
Quotes:
“Building relationship with yourself brings more presence. Having the ability to be more present with your partner is what allows for more romance.” - Jocelyn Freeman
Questions asked in this interview:
- Why did you want to bring up the subject (the importance) of the relationship to yourself?
- What unhealthy things can show up in a relationship if someone isn’t looking inside themselves?
- What was your personal story of starting to work on your relationship to yourself?
- How does deepening relationship to oneself deepen the relationship to their partners?
- What are some ways to build a stronger relationship to yourself?
Actions to build a stronger relationship with yourself:
- Block personal (quiet) time each day (set intentions/meditate)
- Ask meaningful questions: how have I been showing up in life? How am I feeling? Is there anything I’m thinking that isn’t serving me?
- Start to question your beliefs
- Taking care of your health
- Focus on the amazing things about yourself (what are you focused on now?)
Other resources:
1)Grab one of the 5 Free Couples Vision Calls with The Freemans and create your Couples Vision Statement
2)Follow us on Instagram
It is much less a question of if, but when, you will hit a season in your relationship that you both want different things. If you are currently in this season, it can look many different ways, maybe its about where you live, what you do as a profession, kids, lifestyle, or even an overall change in life. You do not need to avoid this season, as you are about to hear from our great guests, Robert & Vanessa Shaw, but have the right tools to handle a season of your relationship in which you find yourselves wanting different things.
In this episode you will:
Hear from top business strategist and speaker Vanessa Shaw and her husband Robert, who runs the high level coaching and speaking business to seasoned entrepreneurs and large organization executives. You will know that seasons of wanting different things will arise in your relationship and can even be expected. You will have the practical tools and ways to shift your mindsets together to approach and handle these seasons so that you can feel closer, more on the same page, and even stronger together by going through these seasons.
Listen in and meet Robert & Vanessa who share their story of living in Switzerland, being a diplomat for the UN, having major challenges arise with their son, Vanessa needing a change in her life, moving to America first on her own, and the incredible journey they have been on to create a massive coaching and speaking business, all while becoming even more connected over their now 24 years of marriage.
Questions asked in this interview
- Can you have everything you want in life, all at once?
- How do you integrate everything you desire and have it thrive all in one season?
- How do you best leverage each other’s differences and strengths?
- What allows you to approach these seasons of life from a “we” perspective?
- What were the steps to invite your partner into personal growth, when they had never even heard of the term before?
Quotes:
“The ability to reinvent yourself is the most incredible and exciting opportunity you have in this life”
“When you have deep respect for each other’s differences, you are able to approach any life circumstance as a “WE” and not just an “I”.
Connect More With The Guests:
View upcoming events and business coaching options at: https://vanessashaw.com/
Other resources:
The FREE Communication Gap Masterclass: 3 Critical Mistakes That Even High Achieving Couples Make That Hurt Their Connection & Intimacy
Follow Us On Instagram
Ever feel like you start to take steps forward as a couple, but then start to take 2 steps backwards?
For example, you start to communicate well, and then something happens and you start to regress in your communication. Or the two of you start making more money and suddenly you get stalled financially or even lose money.
This is a common pattern for so many couples and this episode will help you interrupt this pattern and keep your positive momentum in the direction you want to go.
Join in as Jocelyn Freeman interviews special guest Aaron Freeman so that
In this episode you will:
KNOW: Why you feel like you make progress, and then regress
HAVE: The 5 steps to keep momentum in a forward direction as a couple, and ultimately ‘manifest’ what you want in your relationship
FEEL: relieved and inspired by both the ‘wins’ and the ‘challenges’ in your relationship
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
NEW MASTERCLASS (FREE) this week: HERE
Topic---> The 3 Biggest Mistakes Even High-Achieving Couples Make That Hurt Connection & Intimacy
You didn’t get into a relationship to just ‘get by’ through the routine of work during the week or have the weekends be just for catching up on tasks and errands. No, you want to create, have fun as a couple, and explore life! Then even have your relationship itself become the legacy that you leave behind for future generations!
This is precisely why this was such a popular topic at our Couples Brunch and wanted to make it podcast episode. (For all of you that can’t be at the couples brunch in Arizona)
—> Download this fun, one page exercise to do as a couple to create your new bucket list activities and desires here.
In this episode you will:
Know what is the ‘new twist’ on a bucket list and why it will bond you as a couple though connection and inspiration.
You will have the link to the new bucket list worksheet activity to do as a couple, and get new ideas on just what you would love to experience together.
All leaving you feeling creative and connected, learning new things about each other.
Resources:
Join the next Couples Goals Accelerator group starting May 21, 2019 it only opens as the live program a few times per year.
There are a number of things that couples make assumptions on that have been passed on over the years and have now become more myth that fact. We are a new generation, always innovating in industry, tech, and reinventing who we are as individuals. In that environment wouldn’t relationships have to evolve as well? YES! But most see marriage as a fixed thing.
In this episode we are LIVE in the home of Lindsey and Elliot, to explore how their own relationship has evolved as they have and how they see marriages as a whole transformed and what myths can now be BUSTED! As well as the idea that having major differences as individuals is something to overcome or change about the other person. When they can be leveraged to grow you even more!
Bio of guest:
Lindsey & Elliot Schwartz have been married for 8 years. Elliot is in medical device sales and responsible for the Southwest region. He is so effective that he is #1 on his team because of his authentic approach to sales that support the nursing staff as the heroes they are.
Lindsey is the author of “Powerhouse Woman”, coach and founder of the influencer brand of the same name. She hosts the Powerhouse Women’s annual event that draws 200 plus women to come together, support each other’s genius and create a network of empowered women to pursue their passions.
Together they have built and run a health and wellness business, and volunteer their time coaching kids basketball leagues and mentoring young girls through JR high and High school to grow into the women they were meant to be.
Questions asked in this interview
Myths to bust:
- Man is head of household.
- You will have to sacrifice connection/fulfillment at some point (for career and supporting family, health, kids, travel ect)
- Have to agree on every decision.
- There is a honeymoon phase and it will always fade.
Leverage Differences:
- What is really different about each other?
- How to you leverage that rather than trying to avoid or change the other?
Quotes:
“Go into every situation assuming your partner has the best intentions, you will be able to better understand what they really have going on internally”. - Lindsey
"I have a short memory, that's why I have such a big heart" - Elliot
Connect More With The Guests:
Get your "Early Bird" ticket through May for the Sept 7th event!
PowerHouse Women’s Event: https://www.lindseyschwartz.com/
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Tour the Empowered Couples University: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/empowered-couples-university
Welcome to the next "Mini Chat With The Freemans"! How often have you found yourself trying to make your partner (or really yourself) feel better by being logical? Yeah how well did that work!? So what is the other option, how do you actually help your partner feel better and get back to a connected place together when one of you is really feeling frustration, doubt, or just upset?
In this episode you will:
Know that leaning on logic to help your partner feel better emotionally, will never work. It will even have your partner feel worse. You will have the 2 reasons and examples why this logic doesn’t help your partner, as well as 2 new things to try that will support your partner the most when they are experiencing high emotion. Which will leave you feeling confidence in your ability to be with any emotion that your partner is feeling without making it personal and be the best partner you can be to support them in moving past emotion so you can reconnect as a couple.
Quotes:
“Rather than feeling you are two separate people and identities, you will feel you’re experiencing this emotion as one unit, called your relationship”
Resources:
Follow Jocelyn & Aaron on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
This episode offered 5 limited gifts of a "Couples Vision Call". To schedule 1 of the 5 for you and your partner go to: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/call
Things in life happen don't they? All of a sudden one day you feel that all you are doing is fighting fires, trying to stay on top of the task list to complete, stressing out about how to run your business and take care of the family at the same time.
With of of your attention on "life happening", what happened to your connection and passion with your partner? It's non-existent! Now it was't intention but it is essential for your fulfillment in your life... to prioritize your connection with your partner no matter what shows up in your life.
In this episode you will:
Know that you can prioritize the connection with your partner, with no excuses and no sacrifices. Have new ways to connect with your partner when you have young kids, when you are starting and growing a business and family at the same time, and a new shift to the way you see stress and “busyness” in your life and your family. Leaving you feeling secure and confident that no matter what is going on in your life, prioritizing your connection with your partner is always the best solution!
Guest Bio:
Meet Manasi & Poorak! They are Certified Empowered Couples Coaches, Speakers and Entrepreneurs.
They have trained and coached couples to feel peaceful and abundant in their relationships and businesses for over 10 years. Manasi is a contributor to the Lake Country Mom Blog where she writes about creating thriving relationships.
Their passion is to help multicultural couples and parents prioritize their connection regardless of what challenges life throws at them through their “Connected Couples” Coaching Business.
Questions asked in this interview:
- Did you have a particular season in your relationship where you felt the “busyness or stress”, take priority over your connection?
-
- Did it just happen unconsciously?
- What caused you to realize you had sacrificed your connection?
- How did you shift back and what difference did that make?
- What is your mindset around starting a family and a business at the same time? How do you not keep yourself from thinking you can only do one or the other?
- How do you both get creative with time so you both can fill your own cups?
- Have the opinions of other family members ever gotten in between you two? Especially coming from a culture that has some specific traditions around marriage?
- What is your philosophy about masculine and feminine roles in a co-leading household?
- What do you mean by a “Connected Couple”
- Tell us your experience of being a part of the Empowered Couples Community? And how does it feel to be certified coaches now ready to help other couples?
Quotes:
"The best thing you can do for your kids, is show them how you face challenges that come up and that you are striving for creating bigger things in your own life"
"You can't be afraid to ask for help, even to create a support network"
Connect More With The Guests:
Schedule your Vision Call to be an even more connected couple: https://www.themodys.com/
Follow Connected Couples on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connected_couples/
Other resources:
Follow The Freemans on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Tour the Empowered Couples University: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/empowered-couples-university
What do you do to ‘turn off’ the business relationship and turn on the the partner side?” This is a question we received on Instagram from @jessgoeseverywhere in our new style of episode “Ask The Freemans Anything” where we answer ANY relationship question. This is a way to connect us all as the tribe of high achieving empowered couples to continue to grow into the best partners we can be!
In this episode...
You will know: That a lot of disconnection and feeling of routine in your relationship come from not transitioning out of your work mode back into home life. You will have 3 specific ways to effectively transition back into connect through eliminating distractions, having meaningful questions to ask, and creating a transition activity to circulate energy. You will leave feeling confident that you can be even more connected and present with your partner and consistently learning new things about them each day!
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Tour the Empowered Couples University: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/empowered-couples-university
Today’s mini chat with The Freemans is all about influencing your partner. Yes you could say “get them to do what you want”. Maybe you want them to change their mind about something or even more powerful, you want them to change their current state (maybe from one of stress or anxiety to one of peace or ease) Of course you are a team (possibly have your vision statement if you have done a vision statement creation call with us) so you are not intending anything less than what you feel would benefit them, they just are “stuck in their way” in this area.
So what happens when you deeply want them to something that you already know they will enjoy and get value from, yet they just don’t want to do it? Then multiple times a week you now feel you are trying to convince them or even trick them into changing their minds or getting them to change their emotional state.
In this episode...
You will know: Influencing your partner starts with you being the example first
You will have: 3 new actions to take for yourself within these conversations with your partner
You will feel: More emotionally steady certain no matter how long it takes them to change their mind (if ever!)
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Tour the Empowered Couples University: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/empowered-couples-university
Today you will meet, hear from, and be inspired by Mike and Hannah Place. Not just for what they do as entrepreneur strategists and performance coaches, but by how they got to this place and the level of trust and playfulness they now have through that process. A process that you will be able to implement as in this episode you will know that your relationship is meant for you to learn and grow and an individual and that together, faith and trust are your foundations to creating your life and marriage. You will have the ways to reduce the significance in big decision making and the tips to stay connected even when your purpose calls you to be away from each other. You will end feeling a greater sense of trust and confidence in yourself and in your partner that you are making the best decisions for your future together.
Questions Asked In This Episode:
Rapid Fire Round: Where is home for you? How long have you been married? How did you first meet? Was it love at first sight? What is something your partner can do to always make you laugh?1) Was your commitment to making relationship connection attempts natural or more intentional?
2) What is an example of where you needed to use the code word to bring you back together?
3) Do you always need to find the middle ground or do you let the other take the lead in decision making?
4) Hannah, how do you balance the graceful and the gladiator energy as a female and as a wife?
5) Mike, what was it like to start to experience more of the g la di ator energy from Hannah?
6) What was it like to move to a completely new state, and how did you make that big decision?
7) With your traveling lifestyle, many times traveling apart, how do you stay connected?
8) What are separate ways you both make deposits into the love bank account?
9) How to you keep play alive and not have things be taken so seriously?
Quotes:
"Don't assume your partner knows you love them, show & tell them, then there is no question durning those difficult moments"!
"An empowered couple isn't a perfect couple, it's a couple who commits to growth!"
Guest Resources:
Women take your Gladiator Quiz here: hannahplace.com
-
"Graceful Gladiator Podcast"- new episode every Tuesday on iTunes and all other podcast apps.
-
Amplify Your Purpose academy: amplifyyourpurposenow.com
Find the topics Mike speaks here: mikeplace.com
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Tour the Empowered Couples University: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/ecu
First things first, listen into this episode to gain even more clarity on how to design an abundant life and relationship and what that authentically means for you and your partner!
Second, this is actually an interview of us from the "Be That 1% Podcast" that reaches 75 countries! Listen into our answers to the powerful questions from host Amanda Silvas, that are noted below.
It dives into their story of how we turned the almost break-up into a truly powerful partnership, changed career paths, created a successful business where we now empower couples to fulfill life, business, and relationship goals together!
Topics Discussed:
-Moving past fear in relationships
-Definition of the new power couple
-Co-Creation is the purpose of life
-Turning desires into something physical
-Vision vs Goals
-Relationship vs partnership
-Make personal development a priority
-Top Book recommendations
-Power of the proximity principle
-Building money habits and a healthy money mindset
-Meaningful questions to bolster relationships
Books Discussed:
-
Happy Pocket Full of Money
-
Power of Intention
-
Secrets of a Millionaire Mind
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Tour the Empowered Couples University: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/empowered-couples-university
Today we are answering Couples Community Questions from our instagram stories posts.
Every month we’ll have a fun, casual, authentic conversation answering ANY question you have about intimacy, communication, money, business building, anything!
Questions Asked From Couples:
Q&A submitted by @americanwanderlove:
1) What do you do in energy shifts with your partner, how to hold space while still being productive myself?
Q&A submitted by @connectedcouples:
2) What books/audios do you consume to grow your marriage and business?
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Tour the Empowered Couples University: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/empowered-couples-university
Meet James & Amanda Silvas, they college sweethearts turned lifestyle entrepreneurs and business partners. Together they created Be That 1%, a brand and movement that believes in shattering ceilings, doing things differently, creating purpose driven work, and fully living not just existing.
Be That 1% was born out of James as a ‘mantra’ to help him persevere through the limiting beliefs that come with starting a business. Together they built Be That 1% from zero to six-figures by helping people take action on leveling up their mindsets on what is possible. They host multiple events, coaching programs, and a podcast experience that has reached 75 countries.
In This Episode:
You will know what it means to “Be That 1%” as an individual, and how to bring that into creating a “Be That 1%” type of marriage.
You will have the powerful ways to begin your day with intention as to respond to your partner and not just react, you will hear the two foundational principles of co-creating a strong marriage, and the most honest ways to deepen your own self love to expand the love between you and your partner.
This will leave you feeling courageous and certain within yourself that you can co-create anything you desire with your partner and always feel supported.
Questions Asked In This Episode:
- Tell us more about what you mean by “Be that 1%” and how does that drive you in life and marriage?
- What do you do when you wake up and don’t feel like Being That 1% or you feel out of alignment personally?
- What does your morning routine look like to get in a state of Being That 1%?
- How would you describe what it means to have a 1% Marriage?
- How do you find balance in growing as an individual and also making sure you’re growing with your partner?
- What did you learn while traveling solo about your relationship and what you appreciate about each other?
- What constitutes love and deepening love in a marriage?
- How did you discover self-love and acceptance so you can truly love and accept each other?
- What is your final tip to motivated couples?
Quotes:
“You are meant to live, not just exist” - James
“Do It Like You” - Amanda
“I first consciously see her as a Queen, so I in-turn treat her that way.” - James
Connect More with the Guests:
Are you ready to get yourself in with the 1%, so that you create a 1% marriage? Get James & Amanda’s 3 powerful and free resources to get you started: https://bethatonepercent.com/
If you love their certainty and energy then inquire about their coaching to make sure that your desires become a reality!
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
It’s OPEN! The Empowered Couples University has launched and you can now enroll in courses: http://meetthefreemans.com/ecu
Today’s mini chat with The Freemans is all about the possibility of lack of sex or sexual satisfaction underlying frustration and arguments between you both.
We decided to have this chat today because this actually showed up for us in our marriage TODAY.
In this episode...
You will know: The importance of frequently checking in with each other about your level of satisfaction, yes in all areas, but especially in your intimacy.
You will have: The 2 solutions for keeping your emotional and sexual connection strong, including balancing your own masculine & feminine energy within you.
You will feel: More present with each other and certain that you can be fully fulfilled in your sex life.
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Tour the Empowered Couples University: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/empowered-couples-university
Meet Nadya & John Melton, a couple thriving in business, family and romance. They will share all things about building a multi-million dollar online business AND a joyful, connected family.
They areentrepreneurs, public speakers, branding strategists, online marketing coaches, and dedicated believers in the empowerment of all people to discover their unique voice and share their message with the world!
Together, they have built a multi-million dollar online business through their Video Marketing Academy and have complete time and financial freedom living in Baltimore, MD with their 2 beautiful children — Dylan and Kristina. As they describe each other in their relationship, business, and home life “John is the “wow” and Nadya is the “how”.
You are about to experience the fun, laughter and joy of this couple and learn for yourself how to build a family and a business with social media & video marketing, all while enjoying life to the fullest.
Questions asked in this episode:
- How and when did you decide to build an online business and had you then brand yourselves?
- How do you work together, being 2 alphas in the relationship?
- You said that “John is the wow, and Nadya is the how” what does that look like in both home life and business life?
- How does a day in the Melton residence look like?
- What keeps you motivated when you're feeling down?
- If you had to attribute your current success to one strategy, what would that be?
- What was the toughest moment you've had when working together?
- What advice do you have for couples who are just starting their business together?
- BONUS - Do you agree with "There is no bad decision except the one you look back and question"?
Quote from the episode:
“Don’t get caught up comparing your chapter 2, with someone else’s chapter 17. You have to build social equity.”
Connect more with the guests:
There isn’t a better way to get started today than downloading their free step by step guide on how to expanding your brand with video, just go to https://mylifestyleacademy.com/guide
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
It’s OPEN! The Empowered Couples University has launched and you can now enroll in courses: http://meetthefreemans.com/ecu
Today’s mini chat with The Freemans is all about...MONEY!
Couples ask us all the time, ‘how do you create multiple income streams,’ ‘how can we learn to invest?’ And so today we actually dive into the ILLUSIONS of creating multiple income streams with the goal of dispelling the false ideas of what it takes to create multiple ways of making money.
In this episode...
You will know: The two important illusions about income streams you MUST know
You will have: The truth about what you must UPGRADE in your life to be able to make more money
You will feel: Excited to create income streams that align with your values as a couple
Other resources:
Join the next Couples Goals Accelerator:
https://www.meetthefreemans.com/goals
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Meet Cory & Jessica - The Healing Couple. Dr. Cory Ostroot is a Naturopathic Physician whose passion for medicine began when his mother fell ill and western medicine failed to provide answers.
His partner, Jessica Waala, a yoga and Breathwork teacher and self-love coach, will crack your heart open to who you really are. She brings together personal development and spiritual tools to guide you to self-love so that together we can heal the world.
Together they have supported thousands of lives globally through her classes, coaching, and events. Known as the The Healing Couple, joining forces with the love of her life to help others connect to their mind, body, and soul. They are committed to "walking the talk" every day, giving the best hugs, and inspiring others to live a life they love.
In this episode you will hear them answer:
- What makes you two unique as a couple? How did you two know you wanted to come together to do this healing work?
- What is Breath-work and why is it so powerful?
- How does practicing Breath-work impact your relationship? And how can couples practice this work?
- Should couples pause in the middle of a conflict to do breath-work?
- What’s a recent experience between you two where old emotion came up?
- How can slowing down and breathing actually accelerate your goals?
- Is being ‘busy’ an illusion? And why do people see themselves so busy?
- How can couples fit breath-work into their ‘full and busy’ lives?
- What kind of a unique lifestyle are you starting to create for the next year?
- What fears come up when you think of taking the leap and living a nomadic lifestyle?
Connect more with the guests:
Join the Online Breathwork Circle on December 2 @ 5pm PST
And experience a private couples breathwork session @
Thehealingcouple.com
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
It’s OPEN! The Empowered Couples University has launched and you can now enroll in courses: http://meetthefreemans.com/ecu
See you on the next episode!
In this mini chat with The Freemans we’re diving into how to shift feeling disconnected to connected in just a few minutes. It’s much simpler than you think and it just takes this intentional practice each day.
In this episode-
You will know: How disconnection can be upgraded to connection
You will have: A simple exercise you can do right NOW to feel connected to your partner
You will feel: A sense of romance and gratitude for each other
YOU MUST SEE:
You now can register for the LAST Couples Goals Accelerator group program of 2018. End the year with MORE momentum in your financial goals, family goals and relationship goals. Join the group starting November 6th here: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/couples-goals-accelerator-online-group-program
See you on the next episode!
Meet this powerful couple, Jaiya and Ian Ferguson. You won’t hear this conversation at your average dinner party.
Would you like even BETTER intimacy & sex with your partner? Would you like to know more about your partners preferences and your own with physical pleasure? What if you had a common language to express your sexual needs and desires openly, without feeling embarrassed, with your partner. What if you really could magnify your love life and experience more pleasure and ecstasy with your partner? Are you in?
If so, you’ll love today’s episode:
Known as Miss Jaiya, she is the Internationally recognized, award-winning sexologist and best selling author of (Red Hot Touch), she is also the creator of the Erotic Blueprint Breakthrough™ and the Erotic Blueprint™ Quiz. Over more than two decades of client observation and clinical research she discovered a map of arousal that reveals your specific erotic language of arousal. She has been so effective at creating this breakthrough for people, that she personally works with Tony Robbins and his platinum partners at his own events.
Ian Ferguson had his own business in custom cabinetry serving hollywood actors and producers in creating luxury lifestyles, for 15 years. He is now fully involved with developing the Erotic Blueprints with Jaiya and expanding the message to allow people to become sexually satisfied and erotically free in their relationship.
What You Will Hear:
You will now hear about this revolutionary framework to create deeper connection and sexual satisfaction with you and your partner!
- Why you both need to know each other’s “erotic blueprint” to bring even more pleasure into your relationship.
- How intimacy actually impacts your ability to create and manifest.
- Why sex and intimacy is a topic that couples are often embarrassed to talk about and how to make it more comfortable.
- Are there any ‘erotic blueprint types’ that are incompatible? Or can a couple be compatible sexually with different types?
- And so much more about how to bring more pleasure and intimacy into your relationship.
Take Your Erotic Blueprint Quiz Here:
https://www.eroticbreakthrough.com/freemans
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
It’s OPEN! The Empowered Couples University has launched and you can now enroll in courses: http://meetthefreemans.com/ecu
The “brief chat “ with The Freemans today comes from a live speech we gave at the Arizona Couples Brunch. How to be Unshakable as a couple no matter what comes up in your relationship by utilizing and focusing on these 3 pillars: Your State, Your Alignment to your Vision, and Your Time!
In this episode you will:
Know: That being unshakable means having the ability to respond to live rather than react.
Have: 3 Pillars to focus on to increase your capacity to respond powerfully to any challenge.
Feel: Unshakable in your direction and connection together.
Topics Covered In This Speech:
- What would being unshakable mean for you in your relationship
- How being unshakeable allows you to accomplish in life
- What is the purpose of life and the purpose of your relationship
- How to not take on the energy of your partner when they are upset
- How many of you have a vision statement for your relationship and have looked at this week?
- Owning your time by proactively scheduling your week as a couple
- How many of you find it difficult to say “NO” to things?
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
It’s OPEN! The Empowered Couples University has launched and you can now enroll in courses: http://meetthefreemans.com/ecu
See you on the next episode!
These college sweethearts are a happily married couple sustained by faith as the foundation for their love and business. With Brandi being the Creative and Brandon being the Analytic, their celebrated differences are exactly what make this partnership extraordinary.
Together Brandon & Brandi Carson have formed and run the wedding planning business Posh & Private. Their unique love story provides both the synergy and inspiration their clients rely on, when seeking wedding planning expertise. You too will gain so much wisdom from them today on how through effective communication you can to turn what you love into a living!
From this episode you will learn:
- The unexpected way to balance business & romance
- How to discover the best roles for you to each play in your relationship
- The essentials to communicating authentically as a couple
- The must-knows when planning your wedding
Questions asked in this interview:
- Rapid fire: Where is home for you? How long have you been married? How did you first meet? Was it love at first sight?
- How long were you married before starting a business together?
- What inspired you to start Posh & Private?
- What do you believe is essential for couples to know when starting to plan their wedding?
- What’s in the way of couples communicating honestly with each other?
- What do you believe is essential for couples to know when starting to plan their life after the wedding?
- How has Faith played a role in your relationship?
- How do you “balance” business and romance? Or do you believe that balance is more of a myth as its about integration?
- What’s a challenge you have run into being in business together that you didn’t expect?
- How do you celebrate in life after focused periods/phases in your business?
Connect with The Carsons:
http://www.poshandprivate.com
As budding innovators in the Wedding & Event Industry, their company, Posh & Private, is a collaboration of their love, passions and professional experiences.
Other resources from The Freemans:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Join the next Couples Goals Accelerator, the Online Live Group Program for Couples: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/couples-goals-accelerator-online-group-program
See you on the next episode!
Real talk for a minute, did you know that stress is linked to the top 5 causes of death? Obviously stress has an impact on your quality of life, and on how long you may even be around. The worst part about that is much of that stress is coming right from your relationship! Something that was originally meant to give support, love and compassion, vitality and LIFE!
On a lighter and more daily note, what if you could handle stress effective and feel ease, peace, play and creativity.
It’s time to no longer let money, work, outside circumstances become more powerful than the two of you as a team.
In this episode you will:
Know: the root source of stress and what keeps you stuck in it longer
Have: 3 ways to handle stress together and keep momentum going
Feel: Calm & Unstoppable (like superheros) no matter what shows up in your relationship
Other resources:
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
Join the next Couples Goals Accelerator, the Online Live Group Program for Couples: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/couples-goals-accelerator-online-group-program
Meet this Soulful Couple, Jim & Ruth Sharon.
They work together as licensed therapists turned relationship coaches.
Yes, they have a ton of credibility but they have even MORE wisdom and love.
You will definitely love their book, Soulful Marriage as well as what they share in this interview.
What you will learn:
- The key elements to a relationship lasting for 5 decades!
- What it means to be a SoulFul couple
- How to fill your cup individually to be a better partner for each other
- How to handle disagreements in a healthy and empowering way
- How you can keep the energy fresh and exciting after many years together
- And more!
Questions asked in this interview:
-
Rapid Fire: How meet, how long married, where do you live, word to describe marriage?
-
How has marriage changed for you from the first 10 years, to 4 and 5 decades?
- How did you develop healthy communication habits early on?
- How do you keep the energy fresh with the same person for that long?
- Do you prioritize your relationship connection over activities, to-do’s, business, etc?
- What are your spiritual practices each day? And do you practice together or separately?
- Do you believe there is only 1 Soulmate for each person?
- Do people still have major challenges even when they are with their soulmate?
- What does being a SoulFul Couple mean to you?
- Do you have certain agreements with each other for arguments? Aka- agreements around yelling or cursing?
- Have you noticed relationship dynamics change over the last few decades with technology? Do you see a correlation between technology and relationships changing?
- What have you learned by being in business together?
- What is one of the biggest things you hear couples in general struggle with?
About Guest Jim & Ruth:
From SoulFul Couples, married 48 year, Dr. Jim Sharon is a licensed psychologist and coach for committed couples seeking to evolve their love relationship. Jim has over 40 years of professional experience serving thousands of couples in counseling, relationship coaching, seminars, and retreats. He and his wife Ruth are the authors of Secrets of a Soulful Marriage: Creating & Sustaining a Loving, Sacred Relationship. Dr. Sharon is a Global member of the International Coaching Federation and the Colorado Chapter of ICF, where he served as a board member last year.
Learn more about them here: https://www.soulfulcouples.com
Additional Resources:
Follow the Freemans here on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Meet_TheFreemans/
And join the next Couples Goals Accelerator program:
https://www.meetthefreemans.com/couples-goals-accelerator-online-group-program
Do you start your morning connected, peaceful and inspired?
Or do you start in a rush...hurrying to your phone, to get to a meeting, and barely have a chance to ask your partner what they are doing that day?
A common question we receive from couples is about how to start the morning, how to set daily intentions TOGETHER and how to do this in a short period of time, even 10 minutes. Tune in to this mini podcast episode here on iTunes: 3 Morning Habits to do with Your Partner to Have a Powerful Day
Whether you have an hour, 10 mins or 30 mins...in this episode you will: Know: the key difference between reacting or responding to life as a couple.
Have: 3 ways to proactively start your morning as a couple to be effective, productive and high vibe.
Feel: Peaceful and empowered to start your day together.
Other resources:
Follow us on Instagram:
Join the next Couples Goals Accelerator:
See you on the next episode!
Meet Kelsa & Michael Dickey, incredible people, and owners of one of the largest financial coaching company in Arizona. Michael is a self-proclaimed “spender” in the relationship, while Kelsa is a self-proclaimed “saver”. They share so openly and authentically about the lessons they’ve learned in marriage and in business together.
You will know just how to handle one person being a saver and one being a spender to have your money work for you. You will have powerful stories and principles about money, parenting and marriage; leaving you feeling peace and connection with your partner as you go on this journey of marriage together.
Questions Asked In This Interview:
- Kelsa, What held you back from asking Michael for help in the business and with family?
- Michael, how did you feel when she asked you for full-time help in the business?
- How can couples have an easier transition into going into business together?
- How can couples be more open and transparent with the roles at home?
- What challenges do most couples run into with money?
- Where does the “wing-it” syndrome with money come from?
- Do money patterns come from inheriting them from our family or parents?
- Is it ok to have one partner in a marriage be the spender and one the saver? If not, causes too much conflict, how do they overcome this money mentality?
- We’ve talked to some couples who get advice from their parents about money, but times have also changed? Do you see that couples have different money management options that their parents didn’t have?
- When is the “right” time to merge money together?
Quotes:
“The biggest hindrance is the 'good enough syndrome'....
well it's good enough, well we're not bad, but we're not
feeling in control or on the same page
with our money.”
About Them:
Michael is a self proclaimed spender and is the director of corporate training at Fiscal Fitness Phoenix. He was able to join his wife Kelsa in her financial coaching business full time two years ago and loves working together as a couple. Kelsa is the saver of the relationship. She grew up seeing her single mother constantly stressed over money and new that she wanted to help people never feel the same stress her mother felt. In addition to running Fiscal Fitness together, they are committed parents and incredible partners to each other.
Resources:
After the interview, also connect with them more at www.fiscalfitnessphx.com.
You will love this interview and the principles around money they share.
Connect with them today: www.fiscalfitnessphx.com and www.financialcoachacademy.com
The last couple of weeks, several beautiful and smart women shared with us that they feel jealousy when they see their partner talk or text with another female, even if it’s for business or friendship. They shared that the jealousy even turns to resentment and starts to create a pattern of “checking up” on their partner and arguments and disconnection.
Whether you’re a male or female, or you’re the jealous one or partnered with someone is jealous; this short episode chat with The Freemans will give you the opportunity to turn that jealousy into trust and become even more connected with your partner.
You will hear in this episode:
- 3 sources of jealousy
- 3 ways to shift jealousy into trust
- How to have your partner support you in transforming your jealousy
Quote:
“Jealousy is often coming from a past experience that's impacting you now.....but you can release that emotion & move into trust.”
How is it that a couple would make it on the UK list of top 10 most empowered couple? In this episode you will find out that is exactly what Johnathan and Dulcie have done, as they brought together their lives and business, to run the thriving Fen Dairy Farm in Bungay, U.K.
All of their business & relationship success, happiness and connection came from combining their individual and unique talents together to serve a bigger purpose. This is the mark of a power couple. Listen in to discover how you can leverage your different skills to work, play and live together effectively and successfully.
Questions asked in this interview
- How did you combine your goals and decide to work together?
- Are you able to balance business and romance or do they blend together?
- How did you two become one of the top 10 Power Couples in the U.K.?
- How do you keep fun and play alive in your relationship while also building the business?
In this episode you will learn:
- How to leverage your different skills and talents in work but still work well together
- How to reconnect to the reason you’re together after times of being disconnected
- Why making family travel time a priority is so important
- The power of having a vision as a couple, that is separate from your business vision.
- The importance of having a diverse group of couples friends.
- The power of emotional awareness and a hug during tough times.
- How to make your partner a priority and making sure you have their back.
Quotes:
“It’s not just about sharing the good times. It’s also about sharing the work and having their back.”
Bio of guest:
Meet Jonathan & Dulcie Crickmore, living in Bungay, in the U.K. and they work and live on a farm that’s been in the family for 80 years. They have been named one of the U.K.’s top 10 empowered couples, and grown the business through leveraging their different skill-sets: Jonathan working more with his hands and with the animals, and Dulie focuses on marketing and branding for the farm. They are parents of two kids and have a passion for travel, and they make sure to travel for weeks out of every year.
Resources:
Guest resources: Connect more with this incredible guest here:http://fenfarmdairy.co.uk/
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow them on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
The "American Dream" has always been to live in America as the land of opportunity. It was about the ability to have a family you love, move into a great house, drive a nice car, be friends with you neighbor and raise a family.
Is this still your American Dream or is this an "inherited dream" passed along to you by someone else? In this episode the Freemans explore what it really means to live the American Dream and to create a future for you and your relationship that is created by you and not just given to you.
Questions asked in this interview
1) What is your version of the American Dream?
2) Do you have a vision for your life and your relationship that is much bigger than material possessions and even yourself?
In this episode you will learn:
We are all meant to be creators of our own unique experience of life.
We do not just react to life's circumstances but we use the events in life to create our own vision when we have clarity on our relationship purpose.
Quotes:
"It is not about the creation, but about the creating in life."
Resources:
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow them on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
Getting to know one's spiritual beliefs usually happens pretty early on in a relationship. Its one of those foundations of a relationship where most feel their beliefs must match a potential partner.
There are times in established relationships, where an individuals spiritual beliefs change and now may be different from their partners. This can seem difficult to navigate as it seems to people as something that must be "overcome".
In this episode the Freemans dive into how to have a relationship continue and to thrive even when spiritual beliefs may not be the same.
Questions asked in this interview
1) Can you, as a finite human being, truly and fully understand the infinite?
2) Do you fully understand how even a blade of grass works in its entirety? If not is it possible that even your own beliefs of spirituality are not completely understood or necessarily right or wrong?
In this episode you will learn:
None of us completely know or experience God, Source or the infinite, so its not about having to have the same exact view as your partner.
Its more about seeing your spiritual differences as a way to more deeply know each other and have an even more complete experience of spirituality through conversations with your partner.
Quotes:
"Do you fully understand how even a blade of grass works in its entirety?"
Resources:
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow them on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
When you first enter into a relationship, isnt one for the first obstacles how to create your combined friends together? Each individual has their friendships coming into a relationship and sometimes deciding how to merge the two, or which ones to spend time with becomes a significant question for the growth of a relationship.
In this episode the Freemans cover the Social aspect of a relationship and how to create a group of friends that support the grow of your relationship vision and have a community that supports both of you!
Questions asked in this interview
1) Do we try and merge our individual groups of friends together into one group?
2) What if I do not like some of the friends my partner has?
In this episode you will learn:
How to create a balanced social life together as you form your relationship.
How to assess and determine the types of friendships that will best support the growth of your relationship and not be a hindrance.
Quotes:
"Your friendships are like your fourth grade teacher. There are times when you have learned what there is to learn, and you graduate to your next teacher."
Resources:
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow them on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
Does the honeymoon phase just go away after some period of time? Is that only in the beginning? Is that only in dating? Is that only when you first get married or is there something we can shift? Is it something we can have the experience of, dare I say for our whole relationship?
Together the Freemans dive into the conversation around experiencing the excitement and joy of being in a relationship as the new normal!
Questions asked in this interview
What really is the experience of the "honeymoon phase" in a relationship?
In this episode you will learn:
1) The honeymoon phase is just the level of uncertainty within your relationship. That you can intentionally elevate all throughout your relationship together.
2) The honeymoon phase is not anything that just fades on its own, its when you stop creating and allow your relationship to be a part of your routine.
Quotes:
"As human beings we are program to survive, so being in a relationship for a certain period of time becomes a default part of our life."
Resources:
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow them on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
I was taught that I was supposed to save as much as I could and that brought me security. Hence why we talk about what is your meaning of money as a couple, as a couple, but even as an individual inside of your relationship. Is it for security? Is it for status as a for enjoyment or control, and for me, I went to my engineering job, I earned a salary and it was all about stockpiling. It was about making that savings account as big as possible because it brought me a sense of security and can I say that I had a lot of enjoyment around money? No, not really at all. And when I went to purchase by invest into things like clothes or shoes, it was very difficult for me to actually kind of let go actually as I think about this. Contributing and giving to other people was very difficult because now with my mindset stockpiling for security, I always saw items from myself or giving to others as reducing what I had.
Questions asked in this interview
What does money really mean to you?
Are you thinking too short term about money and what you want to experience?
In this episode you will learn:
Setting up money buckets
How to shift your mindset around money to attract more.
Quotes:
"Saving and enjoying money happen at the same time!"
Resources:
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow them on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
What an honor it is to connect with Sandy and Lon in this episode, as not only have they committed themselves to a 54 year marriage, but they have given their past 15 years to helping couples design their own relationship.
Relationships are all about growth as individuals and as a couple, so join us as Sandy and Lon share about how to "challenge" your partner to grow outside their comfort zone.
Questions asked in this interview
- What would you say is the purpose of a romantic relationship?
- What do you see is one of the biggest challenges in the current idea of relationships?
- If a couple feels their life is far off from their ideal design, where can they begin?
- How can you challenge your partner to grow, when uncomfortable or reach any limitation?
- How do you handle tense conversations or disagreements? Does it get easier over time?
- Is there anything you wish you could go back and tell yourselves 20 years ago?
In this episode you will learn:
- What the highest level intention is for your relationship.
- How to "challenge" your partner to grow beyond their comfort zone to strengthen your relationship.
Quotes:
"Previously, relationships were seen as a way to get something, that otherwise you wouldn't obtain"
Bio of guest:
Joining us today is Lon and Sandy Golnick, co-founders of Relationship By Design, together they have been leading workshops, seminars and trainings in the fields of relationships, families and business relations for over 40 years. They bring 53 years of marriage, plus their experience as parents of two daughters and six grandchildren.
Lon and Sandy have the unique skill to listen intently and compassionately to engage people in being full partners to generate new opportunities in their relationships. They are dedicated to you experiencing being intimately related, appreciated and fulfilled. Lets jump right in to hearing from them how to Challenge Your Partner To Grow Outside Their Comfort Zone!
Resources:
Connect more with this incredible guest here: http://relationshipbydesign.com
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow them on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
This interview is one-of-a-kind with an incredible couple who shares about creating a “New Paradigm” partnership in practical ways.
Meet an incredible couple, Anaiya & Pete, living primarily in the South of France.
They share about pure miracles in their partnership, including how Pete LITERALLY showed up at Anaiya’s doorstep when she was convinced she would be single.
Questions asked in this interview:
- How did you two meet?
- Why do you believe people pursue relationship? Why do they want them?
- Share a little more about what a “new paradigm” partnership is vs an “old paradigm partnership.”
- How do you know when to just laugh something off or “keep it light” vs when do dive deep into a conversation together?
- Is there a way you ask each other when you have permission to go deeper into a trigger point or “wound”?
- What are some ways you keep it fun and light when it could have instead turned into a serious moment?
- Pete, you said your favorite thing about partnership is “presence,” what does presence look like to you within a sacred union?
- Pete, would you share with the group about what guided you to feel your previous divorce “completion” was in alignment?
- Anaiya, did you write your book “Sacred Relationships” while you were with Pete?
- How do you two play together?
In this episode you will learn:
- How Anaiya met Pete literally at her doorstep when she lived in the middle of nowhere (miracles are real).
- What is a “Sacred Relationship.”
- How to balance fun/play and deep transformation work together as a couple.
- Some practical masculine and feminine differences.
- Exercises you can implement in the moment of “tension” to bring light energy to the situation.
- Why it’s important to have an “inner marriage” within yourself as well as the “outer marriage” with your partner.
- How to have compassion for your past partners (even past marriages) supports your current partnership
- And so much more about the “new paradigm” of relationships
Bio of guest:
Anaiya Sophia is an independent mystic of an almost forgotten faith and a teacher of Kundalini Yoga. She carries an Oral Transmission from the Sacred Feminine Mysteries which she weaves into all her gatherings. She co-authored several incredible books, including our personal favorite: Sacred Relationships (a must read).
Pete is nobody’s fool first-three-Chakras-up man from a man’s background as a soldier, a climber, a divorcee but believer in the truth of loving Sacred Union, which as he sees it is The Work of Love. He brings to relating the ever-deepening quest for personal truth, integrity with courage and the determination it takes to face his own Shadows as the only true route through which he and we can open to the Light and Mystery of Love.
Together they run a beautiful and sacred bed & breakfast in the South of France.
Their favorite thing about partnership:
Anaiya- Impeccability
Pete- Presence
Resources:
Guest resources: Connect more with this incredible guest here: https://anaiyasophia.com
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow them on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
It is on our hearts to speak on this topic about "What if my partner and I want different things?" as we have heard this from a number of the couples that we have mentored in the last few months.
This may seem like a depressing question to have come up, as it gives the feeling of "SHOOT" are we not on the same page? This can even lead to the thought of: "is this not the right relationship for me?"
Have no fear or dismay, at some point we think most couples will ask this question, as its just a natural function of life... expansion and growth. We are not the same people form year to year so why would your relationship stay the same? This question just points to that its time to revisit and clarify what you both desire and how that fits into your vision together.
Questions asked in this interview:
1) What is your Partnership Vision Statement?
2) What would you like more of in your relationship?
In this episode you will learn:
1) Its about asking better questions
2) The importance of clarity around your vision together
3) If something doesn't seem to be working, go more general
4) Its all about growth, so find out what area in life your partner is interested in growing themselves. This can be anything!
Quotes:
"Trade expectation for appreciation."
Resources:
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow them on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
I felt guided to talk today about a question I've received from several women this week (funny enough how it's shown up so much recently) from both single women AND women in relationships: "Am I expecting too much from him?"
I love this question because I have had it come up many times. In my marriage sometimes I catch myself asking if I have unrealistic expectations. In this episode I offer you two different questions to ask yourself to find out if you are expecting too much from him AND what you can do about it. Enjoy!
Questions asked in this interview:
How do I know if I am expecting too much from him?
Are my expectations really just requests I haven’t vocalized yet?
In this episode you will learn:
- How to fulfill your needs so you are 100% fulfilled and everything he offers is a BONUS.
- How to communicate your requests to him
Quotes:
“When I fill my cup completely and love myself, everything he offers is a bonus on top of it.”
Resources:
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow them on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
A friend asked me recently, "I know you are about having other couples fulfill their dreams together. But why are relationships so important to you?" This question made me travel back in time and look over my life as to what relationships meant to me back in grade school and through college.
What I ended up rediscovering is that I honestly believed at one point that not only would I probably never get married, but I would be single forever. My specific religious upbringing rooted fear around premarital sex and with so much evidence that I wasn't desired (being broken up with, cheated on and in one moment, feeling I had no support from my parents) gave me the belief that I was all alone in a dangerous world.
Questions asked in this interview:
1) What beliefs have been limiting you from creating the relationship that fulfills both of your dreams together?
In this episode you will learn:
Thankfully, none of us are products of the circumstances that have come up in our lives. However there are many things that may have happened to you in the past that have created beliefs about yourself that are totally false. However they have been running your life like they are the reality. This may even be currently running in your relationship now.
Quotes:
"I was sure I'd be single forever. Until..."
Resources:
Connect more with The Freemans at www.MeetTheFreemans.com and follow on instagram: @meet_thefreemans
Scotty King & Leslie Medley see everyday life in a whole new way!
Adventure is their fuel for their life and partnership. Scotty & Leslie are an inspiring couple who are truly designing their dream life: travel and contribution.
This EmPowered Couple travelled all over the world for six months this year and shared their adventures in a beautiful and thought proving BLOG/VLOG called American Wanderlove.
You can see that they are not open to living a life inside any boundaries--they create a freedom lifestyle.
In this podcast you will hear:
-How they stayed connected while dating long distance (in really creative ways)
-How timing in life was a major factor for their relationship being successful. They don’t think they would have worked if they started dating years before they did.
-Some of their favorite personal development books
-How they were able to travel in Asia for 6 months this last year and come right back to jobs
AND MORE.
Egbert and Joy live in Tucson AZ and have been married for 17 years with two children, ages 9 and 6 years old. Eggbert is a top retina surgeon and investor while Joy is a miraculous mom, angel investor and has a network marketing business. They love to travel with our family and experience other cultures. It is important to them that their children grow up having compassion, love and empathy for others.
This is reflected in the way they interact and communicate with people and shows their mentality around how they raise their children. They feel that a key component to the success of our marriage is open communication. They give us all keys to Mastering Marriage and Parenting.
Join Aaron in this episode to hear about what it means to "Be a Man" in relationships today. Being the man in a relationship used to mean that men were expected to act a certain way in a relationship. Well there is a shift happening as that old paradigm is not working anymore. Maybe it never really has.
Guys, here are 4 values and keys to the new way of "being a man" in a relationship, one that leaves you with more peace, satisfaction and to create an extraordinary relationship.
Women, its time men showed up differently, not only so that you can fly and discover your purpose but that relationships can truly be thriving!
Tune in to hear this couple, Mr & Mrs Unstoppable.
These two radiate the term, "Never settle" because they truly believe that everyone can really partner with someone who brings out their greatness.
Hear this couple share about their experience with ending previous marriages and the lessons that changed their perspective on relationships in a beautiful way.
They share one of the most empowering views on divorce we have ever heard.Also hear from them about becoming best selling authors on Amazon & their mission with their book, The Poetry of Relationships.
These two are making a massive difference and we can see why they are called, Mr & Mrs Unstoppable.
Learn more about this couple on their website: www.MrAndMrsUnstoppable. And to connect more with The Freemans, you can find them on Instagram & FB @Meet_TheFreemans and www.newpowercouples.com
These two represent individual strength & an unbreakable bond together. Tune in to hear Tiffany & Deric share about their commitment to personal development & how they believe that is KEY to a strong marriage. These two participate in seminars, read books, work with a life coach--all to continuously keep building themselves up and live a phenomenal life. They believe that is what also allows them to work together in business. They thrive in their strengths and their differences and truly love working in a family business.
Deric is generous in his sharing about previous barriers that they both worked through in his perception of partnership. This couple is so authentic and fun-loving.
You will love to hear their values & their story.
You can also find their local business, Pop-A-Lock servicing all over Arizona. popalock.com
Ignite Your Connection To Your Partner! Tune in to this weeks podcast where we talk about a FAIL-PROOF way to notice when you feel disconnected from your partner & how to re-ignite that deep connection. It starts at the level of communication, where are we holding back what we truly desire to say, and how does that create an experience of disconnection. Hear genuine stories that explain how this applies to ALL relationships at some point or another. These principles can also be applied to friendships and family! See link in bio. And when you enjoy the podcast, please write a review. #PurposefulPartnership #PurposefulLiving
Andrew & Bela say, “we aren’t in it for a minute, we are in it to win it.” Tune in to hear this dynamic couple share about shifting their friendship into a romantic partnership. These two are powerful in their careers: Bela is the Founder of Smart Dating Academy & regularly featured on national media like the Steve Harvey show for her relationship & matchmaking expertise; and Andrew has helped large organizations with powerful strategic planning. AND at the same time, they also balance a beautiful family with two children and 19 years of marriage.
Tune in to hear how they use “de-escalation” as a method to break up the energy in arguments; how to facilitate conversations about money; and balancing business & personal life.
You won’t want to miss this interview!
Meet Joe + Allison DuBois.
While their story inspired the famous Television series, The Medium, their partnership began long before the show. They met 13 years before this television show shifted their life. Tune in to hear more about this unique couple. Not only are they incredible to hear from because they've been a part of the creation of The Amber Alert in Arizona, working with the District Attorney's Office in the Homicide Department, but also because they balance their careers beautifully with their family life. They are known and respected (both in real life and their television depiction) for parenting three incredible young women & having a thriving relationship. In this episode you will get: 1)The secrets behind a 23 year marriage and still having fun & keeping play alive. 2)Adapting in relationships, especially when you experience fame overnight & keeping your partnership a priority. 3)Attracting wealth & keeping your priorities in alignment. 4)Keeping the mindset of "YES" in life & partnership.
Chris & Lori Harder live in Santa Monica, CA and are all about growing a business (in their case multiple businesses), creating a huge impact & having fun all while keeping personal boundaries.
They have built a massive 7 figure business around physical health and wellness through nutrition, tailored workouts and creating a tribe of happy people.
Though this journey they have launched their own podcasts with over a million downloads each, written books, invested into socially conscious businesses and shown so many others how to do the same. All of this happens while keeping their marriage and relationship thriving. How do they do it all?
You will LOVE this interview with this beautiful couple, Lori & Chris. In this episode you will get: 1. How to make sure YOU are taken care of (even while busy) 2. The mindset behind growing together through it all. 3. The way to thrive in your business, especially Network Marketing. 4. The power in finding out what you're "not good at." 5. How to keep romance & fun in your relationship after years! This interview is not to be missed! You'll listen to this and feel freakin buzzing. Resources: For The Love Of Money Podcast - Chris Harder: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/for-love-money-podcast-business-philanthropy-entrepreneur/id1215523596?mt=2 Earn Your Happy Podcast - Lori Harder: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/earn-your-happy-podcast-motivation-self-love-entrepreneurship/id1087926635?mt=2
Have you ever thought to yourself, "I have such a big dream for my life and I just don't know how to make it happen"? We have that exact answer for you in thisvision driven interview with Rob and Debbie.
This powerful duo will provide you with powerful and and actionable "nuggets" of inspiration that will give you and your partner CLARITY & peace of mind about your future. You'll want to hear from this #NewPowerCouple
Debbie is the former deputy press secretary for U.S. Senator John Glenn and founder of “Women on Fire”, a top woman's community for inspiration, strategies and support to live the life of your dreams. She uses her gift to see and nurture other's strengths and talents.
Rob is one of the highest ranking Master Certified Coaches with the ICF and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs, executives, couples and corporate teams articulate their mission and strategic direction. He has been described as a cross between Yoda, Gandhi and Perry Mason for the touch of “The Force” he brings to his work.
Join us on this episode where we break through that which holds us all back in life and in relationships.... FEAR. Whether you are dating, recently married or have been married for years, let this episode take your relationship to new heights.
As authors and leaders of an international community, this Power Couple will open your eyes to another level of being partners in business and in life together.
Roxana & Arnaud dive right into their spiritual growth as individuals and in their relationship. Find out how "heartfulness" can elevate your mental, emotional, and spiritual freedom. You might have heard the term "mindfulness," now learn the power of moving from your head and into your heart.
Tune in and hear what's possible when two extraordinary people come together with a common vision.
After believing they would never be open to love again, Catherine & Doug share their keys to overcoming fears and unifying family. Many people know Catherine for her media career as a TV host and her contributions in the community, and Doug for being a highly successful business owner and charisma--but these two share how you can truly thrive in your career AND partnership. Tune in for this genuine, raw and fun conversation.
Rock & Roll Legend Alice Cooper and his Wife Sheryl have lived with the high demand of traveling the world and experiencing celebrity for over 40 years! Many of those years were living in the rock & roll party world of (yes you guessed it.... Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll).
Sheryl was trained in classic ballet and met Alice when she was 18 years old and selected to be in one of his shows. She barely knew about rock and roll at the time. She continued to dance with his tour for a year and then they married in 1976 in Mexico.
In 2011 Alice was inducted into rock and roll hall of fame and they are both proud of how they "married" classical broadway and rock together. They have 3 kids and live in Arizona. They now have a non-profit Solid Rock Teen Center, that serves inner-city teens in AZ. The Teen Center gives kids a safe place to gather, feel safe and explore their music talents when that would otherwise not be available.
Through all of those years this power couple has a strong relationship of love that all comes from a simple "Solid Rock" foundation of faith in God, which Alice says is what saved is life.
In this episode you will get:
1) Their life experience of marriage, trust, faith and where commitment truly comes from.
Quotes:
“Never waste a good crisis”
Resources:
Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Center: https://www.alicecoopersolidrock.com