Real Love Real Stories: Recent Episodes
Kanu Masenda Jacobsen
A platform to Share, Learn and Thrive in Love. No matter where you are on the spectrum of Love this is the place to be.
Stories and tips on building meaningful relationships in all aspects of your life
Join me (Kanu) to laugh a bit, relate a lot, cry a little and find tons of hope in these love stories.
Episode Description:
In this heartfelt episode of Love Mastery, Kanu dives into one of life’s most vulnerable questions: Am I ready for love after everything I’ve been through? Whether you’ve healed from addiction, navigated a tough divorce, or overcome a major life hurdle, this episode offers encouragement and guidance for those standing at the crossroads of love and transformation.
Kanu shares insights as a therapist and matchmaker, helping you assess your readiness for love, break free from unhealthy cycles, and choose a partner who uplifts the person you’re becoming. With practical tools, inspiring reflections, and the hope of 2 Corinthians 5:17, you’ll feel empowered to embrace a love that aligns with your growth and worth.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I truly find love again?”—this episode is for you.
Join me as I share a powerful story about hiking Mount Hood and the surprising lesson it taught me about love and relationships. We’ll explore why self-love is the key to attracting healthy connections and how carrying your own emotional “backpack” prepares you for real partnership. If you’ve ever felt like you need someone to complete you, this episode will challenge that belief and empower you to thrive as a whole person first. Tune in for practical steps and fresh insights to help you love yourself and others better!
Are you ready to bring fresh energy into your relationship this year? In this episode of Love Mastery, we’re exploring 5 simple, practical ways to reset and reconnect with your partner. From reflecting on the past year to setting a shared intention and committing to better communication, these tips are designed to help you and your partner thrive together. Packed with relatable stories, actionable advice, and a dose of inspiration, this episode is your guide to making 2025 your best year yet as a couple. Tune in and let’s refresh your love!
Description: In this episode of "Dear Kanu," Kanu dives into the pressing concerns of a recently divorced woman in her 60s. A listener of the Love Mastery Podcast, reaches out with a poignant question about the rising threat of romance scams in 2023. Join Kanu as she addresses this crucial issue, sharing the latest insights, online dating scam statistics, and practical advice to empower individuals to safeguard their hearts and wallets. In a world where vulnerability can lead to heartbreaking consequences, Kanu provides invaluable information to ensure that love seekers are equipped to navigate the digital dating landscape securely. Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and guidance to protect yourself from the pitfalls of modern romance.
In this episode of the "Love Mastery Podcast," the Kanu addresses a listener's dilemma about when and how to share a significant aspect of her life with her new boyfriend. The listener is in a loving relationship and feels a strong connection with her partner. However, she hasn't yet disclosed that she wears wigs, and she's unsure about the right time to bring it up.
The listener acknowledges the importance of honesty and openness in a relationship, but she also wants to ensure that the timing is appropriate. She's concerned about not overwhelming her boyfriend or making the revelation seem like a bigger deal than it is.
Episode is brought to you by: www.candleconsulting.net - matching top employers with topnotch talent
In this "Dear Kanu" episode I am answering a listener's letter looking to better manage her emotions and be able to communicate her feelings to her husband of 5 years regarding his female friends. In this episode I answer her question using the following points: self reflection, using "I" statements, active listening and being non-judgemental, seeking to understand first, being vulnerable, building trust and seeking professional help from a therapist.
This episode is brought to you by: Candle Consulting Group: www.candleconsulting.net
This episode is centered around answering a listeners question - " How can I tell if a guy likes me or if he is just being friendly?" I share the top most common signs most guys do if they are interested in a woman: 1) light physical touch 2) body language, compliments, he acts nervous, he opens up, he gives you his personal number, the initiates contact, he rembers details, he makes future plans, he teases you playfully, he is supportive, and he introduces you to friends and family
This episode is brought to you by: Candle Consulting Group: www.candlecoansulting.net
In this episode I read and answer a fan letter. Listener who I am referring to as Norman is in a age gap relationship and is looking to figure what to do. Norman describes the woman he is involved with to check off all the boxes. In this episode I also share the potential challenges and what to do about them.
This episode is brought to you by: www.candleconsulting.net
Meet this episode's guest:- Kayla and Andy Izard are authors, speakers, founders, and facilitators changing the way the world does connection. Their movement, The Raft Project, is making support normal and expected. Along with creating a safe space for real conversations in their community, they've poured their hearts into their Amazon bestseller, Good, and You? How to Get Real Support Instead of Faking It. Good, and You? explores support and connection in a real, practical, lively way.
After Andy’s prolonged mental breakdown in 2018, they doggedly pursued an open support group concept to process what they were experiencing. They knew they needed support – what they didn’t expect was so many others looking for the exact same thing.
- https://www.theraftproject.com/press-kit
- https://www.amazon.com/Good-You-Support-Instead-Faking-ebook/dp/B0BZXD6HKT
This episode is brought to you by www.candleconsulting.net
- Covering what depression is,
- criteria for diagnosing,
- how you get depression, negative effects of depression on relationships,
- how to support a loved one with depression and
- protetive factors
Patient Health Questionnaire -9
www.therapistaid.com
Celebrating this milestone of episode 100. This episode is all about discussing what LOVE is / how we viewed love as children and how we think of it now. In this episode you will also here from:
Tanner & Lauren,
Jennifer,
Kalisha,
JoJo and
Nick & Haley
This episode is sponsored by www.candleconsulting.net
Drawing upon her 15 years practical experience coaching women, Eleanor now specializes in helping women find lasting love.As a neurodivergent woman (AuDHDer), she expertly guides women who experience the world differently through their challenges, namely social anxiety, communication difficulties, problems with boundaries (attracting narcissists) and feelings of not being good enough, so they can become the sought after, lovable woman they want to be in their heart.
After struggling for decades attracting dysfunctional relationships, she stepped into her power and went on to meet and marry the love of her life in her 40s! She is here to save you the time and heartache she went through to find a mutual give and take relationship.
It is her mission to change the narrative for neurodivergent women from “I can’t have love because I’m too sensitive and something is wrong with me” to “I feel seen, heard and held. I feel safe enough to exhale and let go!” Find out more at www.lovemysticeleanor.com
Reach out to Eleanor personally on IG. DM her @lovemysticeleanor
Meet Sherman and Desiree based in Arizona...
Desiree- In 2018, Sacred Circle Institute came to life. Desiree created the institute to serve as a portal that transports folks into a deep level of healing and pleasure using the creative arts as a process for discovery.
www.sacredcircleinstitute.com
Sherman's passion and joy for Lego has turned into an eBay business venture. You can find all things Lego in here in his ebay store
Sherman's Ebay Sore
Sonali Chandra is an accomplished Indian-American dancer, model, and comedian who has appeared on “The Dr. Phil Show” and Lifetime’s “5 Guys a Week.” Chandra graduated with a Finance degree from Rutgers Business School in New Jersey and worked in NYC's corporate finance/real estate sectors before moving to Los Angeles.
She is leveraging her life experiences by developing various creative projects (studio feature film, comedy special, and memoir), so she can inspire and entertain audiences.
www.sonalichandra.com
Ruth Marquez is not only a Matchmaker, she's also a Dating and Love Transformational Mentor. Using the knowledge she has attained over many years of matchmaking, and mentoring, she helps singles discover what it is that's stopping them from finding long lasting and true connection.
https://www.ruthmatchmaker.com
In this episode as requested by listeners I share lessons learned from the Netflix series "Tinder Swindler" and some tools to avoid being a victim to romance scams.
Romance Scams are the most reported scams according to the Federal Trade Commission. US reported an estimated $1.3Billion in romance scams. In Canada a reported $50 millions lost in romance scams which went up from $22 million from 2018
In this episode I share with you 3 steps fraudsters put you through in order to scam you out of money.
In this episode I share tips on what to do pre: breakup and post: breakup especially if you want to maintain the friendship that is the foundation of your relationship. I share my past experiences too as it relates to the tips I am sharing.
This episode is sponsored by: Wines for Humanity. Browse their wine selection at www.winesforhumanity.com/love Every selection made benefits our community members that are without a home currently.
This is a followup episode to the "I fell in love with a cat named Summer" - A listener asked "What should I do my partner is asking me to chose him or the cat?" In this episode I share results from my crowd sourcing regarding this question, I share reasons why a partner might ask you to do that and lastly what you can do avoid having to choose between your fur baby or partner.
This episode is brought to you by: www.winesforhumanity.com/love - click this link to browse their selection and know that you are also supporting ending homelessness.
Providing you with an update. Real Love Real Stories is expanding to include all types of love going forward. So excited to be releasing and sharing with you this new content.
Happy 3rd Birthday Real Love Real Stories
A cat purring on your lap is more healing than any drug in the world, as the vibrations you are receiving are of pure love and contentment.
I will be sharing top 5 things you should consider before getting a cat
In this episode I am sharing 10 tips from seniors who gave valuable advice on how to find and keep true love.
The episode is brought by: The Ultimate Love Attractor Plan - helping high-achieving single women become love attractors. Book free Love Attractor Call Schedule Here
Book a free session with me: Click Here
In the guest chair is Diana. She is published author of the highly acclaimed memoir called “Living up to a Legend” Available on Amazon
She is a former journalist from Toronto and named the first fulltime female foreign correspondent for the Canadian Network CTV National News
She is the 4th chapter of her life and is currently the blogger of her new project called “Woman of a Certain Age in Paris”
www.womanofacertainageinparis.com
Zach Schleien is the Co-founder/CEO of the video speed dating app, Filter Off. Filter Off has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, BBC, and hit #1 on ProductHunt. Previously he ran and sold the dating blog Top Romp, which covered dating hacks and apps for the modern dater.
He is a TEDx speaker and his passions lie in technology, health, and creating authentic connections. When he is not working, Zach loves to travel the world, listen to podcasts, and workout.
Filter Off is a video speed dating app. We host local and community based virtual speed dating events. Local events are specific to a City while a community event can be anything from a Facebook group to a local religious institution.
Site - https://www.getfilteroff.com Run a free virtual dating event - https://www.getfilteroff.com/events.html FB - https://www.facebook.com/filteroff IG - https://www.instagram.com/filteroffdating Twitter - https://twitter.com/GetFilterOff YT - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaODRp6J13DMAQgfdPv-KIg/featured
In this episode you will hear Veronica's love journey. How she met her husband, how he showed up for their first date and how they became inseparable after.
Veronica is a life coach, leadership coach and founder of Leadership Life Support. She works with ambitious, driven women who have a strong desire to up their leadership game and make career moves that seem out of reach. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a manager seeking the e-suite, she helps women like you hone your leadership skills so that you can have an amazing career.
Brian and Maryann Remsburg, certified life coaches and founders of Adventurous Life, seek to live the purpose adventure that God has designed them for, and help others to do the same.
After living internationally for eighteen years, working in education and training, along with their four children, they have learned that stepping into your Zone of Challenge is the catalyst to learn and grow in sometimes very unexpected ways. They are ready to help you gain the adventurous mindset to reach your mountaintop summits in life.
Meet Debbie and Ernie Pitochelli. They share a common interest of exercise. They blended their families 10 years ago and their love is still going strong.
Whitney and Donovan Williams share their love journey. They take us on a journey from when they met in college to their engagement and to now being a beautiful family of 3. Their marriage a christ centered marriage
Coming up soon - they are launching their Instagram Page called "fromthewilliams"
In the guest chair is a woman who asked to be kept anonymous for her safety. It's a candid conversation where she shares her relationship that has been bad from the beginning.
If you are constantly demeaned, accused, shamed, blamed, bilittled, or verbally abused please seek help.
Guide to Overcoming the Urge to Buy Affection
It’s easy to fall into the habit of buying affection, but there are better ways to make your relationships run smoothly. These are some basic guidelines for relating to others in a healthier way so your inner qualities speak more loudly than your bank account.
You deserve to be valued for who you are. It’s delightful to exchange gifts and favors with those you love, but set healthy limits. In the long run, you’ll strengthen your connections and enable everyone to share in the joy of giving.
In this episode Valerie Fair who has been happily married for 49 years shares her love story and she tells us the importance of finding your own happiness in your relationship.
Valerie is an artist based in Phoenix AZ. You can see her art in a magazine she runs called Artist on the Cutting Edge eMagazine HERE
This episode is brought to you by: The Single Black Woman's Advantage ... Click Here for more information
Jennifer Lehr, MFT is an author, Marriage, and Family Therapist and the founder and creator of WeConcile® – an affordable online DIY relationship restoration program for couples.
Jennifer's journey led her from self-growth to helping others grow. Her mission is helping others create a life and relationship of love and joy.
Jennifer writes and talks about relational health and wellness as well as healing and living our best lives for various print and online publications as well as podcasts. You can find more about her at https://weconcile.com/about
Here are some additional links:
https://weconcile.com/
https://weconcile.com/quiz (Relationship Quality Quiz)
https://blog.weconcile.com/ (Blog with lots of relationship help)
https://www.jenniferlehrmft.com/ Has my personal blog with personal stories and Healing Tips Blog.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TBMWQX2 A book for singles. (The Magic Cake: The 7 Ingredients for a Relationship Ready Person.)
Specific Blog posts of interest:
https://blog.weconcile.com/2020/08/12/grow-your-relationship-with-an-attachment-style-quiz/ (about attachment)
https://blog.weconcile.com/2010/04/06/conflict-in-relationships-when-wounds-collide/ (when wound collide)
https://blog.weconcile.com/2020/04/20/use-this-time-to-build-relationships-not-break-them/ (A step-by-step guide to help you build your relationship while isolating and social distancing)
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/weconcile/
https://www.facebook.com/WeConcile/
With the right attitude, you can enjoy yourself on a first date. Dating is meant to be fun and exciting. In this episode I am sharing steps to take before, during and after your date.
A first doesn't have to cause anxiety, especially if you take proactive approach to making things comfortable for you and you date. Let go of your worries and enjoy yourself.
Happy Dating and Love always!
This episode is sponsored by: The Single Black Woman's Advantage: A game changing program that is helping many women change their narrative on how they are perceived into an advantage to find love. Click this link or copy and paste for more information: https://singlewomansadvantage.mykajabi.com/pl/186138
In the episode I share the real love relationship my parents had. I share types of love and health benefits
The episode is brought to you by:
https://singlewomansadvantage.mykajabi.com/pl/186138
In this episode Andrea and Kevin share parts of their love story. They take us back to when they first met working together at ESPN. They share with us how they make their relationship in these different times. It's a beautiful story. Read their NYT article to learn even more about them
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/10/fashion/weddings/adding-a-wedding-to-the-highlight-reel.html
This episode is brought to you by: The Single Black Woman's Advantage: A game changing program that is helping many women change their narrative on how they are perceived into an advantage to become Love Attractors
Click the link below to learn more:
https://thesingleblackwomansadvantage.mykajabi.com/pl/186138
Share | Learn | Thrive in LOVE
Forgive yourself for any relationship mistakes that might potentially be deeming your light to attract LOVE!
Episode is sponsored by: The Single Black Woman's Advantage - A game changing e-course that is helping women change their narrative on how they are perceived into an advantage to find love
Copy and paste this link: shorturl.at/fzHOY
June is Pride Month (this year marks 50th anniversary of annual Pride traditions) ... I was honored to sit down and interview Tasha and Briann January. Tasha is a Life Coach/ Author and Briann is a former Phoenix Mercury WNBA player who currently plays for Connecticut Sun. They have been in a relationship for 5 years now.
In this episode you will hear their love story/ how they support each other and how they make the relationship work when Bri travels a lot in her basketball career.
Connect with Tasha and Bri on Instagram:
Tasha: tashamariecoaching
Bri: bjan_20
Priya and Rohit are both from India but grew up in Zambia. Their families were really close which led to them being suggested they get married. They now live in Arizona and have 2 wonderful daughters.
In this episode they share their love journey, and how they make their relationship work since one partner travels a lot for work.
Meet Britt and Brotha Anthony. In this episode they take us back to when they met. They share how they started to dating, got engaged, bought a house together and got married all in one year. Connect with the Glovers
Facebook: Anthony Glover/ Instagram: Brotha Anthony
Facebook: Britt Glover/ Instagram: brit_tuh_nay
An interview with Chris discussing dating, and how he doesn't believe in the institution of marriage. He is single, 42, and lives in Arizona.
In honor of April being sexual violence awareness month I am sharing my own story. It has taken me over 20 years to get to this point. The numbers of cases of documented sexual violence have been on the rise in the last decade and that's not even thinking about those that go unreported. Let's talk about and educate each other about this topic. What happened to me was terrible and I don't wish that on anyone. Let's stop it once and for all especially for generations following
In the guest chair is: Jacqueline J Holness is a seasoned journalist with 15 years of professional experience writing and working for an assortment of newspapers, magazines, websites and other publications. She is a correspondent for "Courthouse News Service," an online, national news service for attorneys. Prior to working for "Courthouse News Service," Jacqueline worked primarily as an education reporter for the "News Daily" newspaper. She also worked as a reporter for the "Clayton Neighbor" newspaper where she covered several beats including education and county and city governments.
Endorsed by Candace Bushnell, creator of Sex and the City
Her book is available on Amazon and other platforms
Meet Colette and Brian Watson the owners of Black River life Media. The create media that celebrates Black life. They help small businesses reach their communication goals.
Brian is a NewJersey born actor, poet and filmmaker son of Jamaican immigrants.
Colette is a musician and creative director from the low country of South Carolina. She is also a co-host of a Venus Clapback
In this episode they share their love journey from meeting in the arts world in NYC to moving to Arizona where they currently reside
Connect with them on:
Facebook: blackriverlife
Instagram: blackriverlife
Meet Shirley who lives in Phoenix and is married to Dennis. The couple got married many years ago and are looking to get connected with a man who took pictures of their wedding back in 1965. John Brown who was married to Betty Brown back then used his camera to capture images of the weeding but since Dennis and Shirley left town after the wedding they did not stay in contact with John. Shirley gave me permission to use this platform to cast a wider net in search of John and Betty or their families about the pictures. Please reach out and lets get Shirley and Dennis their wedding pictures.
Sharing some tips that I feel will help you deal with each other during these difficult and uncertain times.
1) Choose joy in the 5 mins of being awake
2) Get Moving
3) Use safe words
4) Make a list of what is annoying
5) Use headphones
6) Take a shower and wear nice comfortable clothes
7) Clean up after yourself
8) Limit news intake
9) Finish unfinished projects
10) Take turns cooking
Researchers have explored this and concluded that there seems to be an association between our attachment styles as infants to the romantic relationships we choose. There are 4 basic attachment styles: 1) Secure attachment 2) anxious resistant attachment 3) avoidant attachment 4) disorganized attachment
Do you know which you are?
Cori shares how she met and married her husband after 3 weeks of meeting. Cori is the host and producer of "That's Not Proper" podcast.
Do you have ways that you “date yourself?” Things you wish a significant other did for you, but that you’ve taken it into your own hands to do. I am taking this year to be year to date myself. I am excited about this journey.
Buffy is a Clinical Psychologist who works primarily with women who are trauma survivors in Phoenix Arizona and her husband Robert is a Criminal defense attorney with an extensive criminal litigation experience.
She is grew up in San Diego and he grew up in Oklahoma, they met in Los Angeles but now call Phoenix their home.
They are touching lives of individuals and families all over the country by providing much needed cancer support. They run the "Living Hope Cancer Foundation" - where they will walk alongside you no matter what stage of the journey you are.
You can read more about Chuck's journey with cancer in his book: "Hi ... I'm Chuck" which is available on Amazon and on www.chuckkeels.com
Keep an eye out for Hannah's book: "Faith like skin" soon to the published
Rachel and Dave met at McDonalds .... Rachel was a hairdresser and Dave was spotting a mullet and later got a "Dorothy Hamill" cut. They have been married 18 years now
A new year, new outlook, new possibilities and plenty of fish in the sea. Goals can be stifling, intentions set us free to be our best selves. Providing you with a few ways to channel good energy for you to find love in 2020.
When they first met she was babysitting a Keg of beer at a party. His friends warned him to stay away from her but he didn't and now they have been married 31 years. Their relationship has sustained the bedlam rivalry that is between them. He is a Sooner fan and she is Cowboys fan.
Sharing Real Love Real Stories wins for the year.
Giving my shoutout to: Podcasts guests, to my listeners, storytellers, the attendees who came to live events, Heard Museum for collaborating with RLRS and for my team for supporting me.
Also sharing the Top 10 episodes for 2019 that have been listened to the most.
These are a few of my tried and true tips I have used over the years to avoid holiday gloom. 1) make your environment happy and inviting 2) help someone 3) Mingle or throw a party 4) create fun traditions 5) Don't beat yourself up and remember God's timing is different from ours
It's the Jolliest time of the year!!! Sharing some simple and easy tips to keep your relationship on the right track during the holidays.
1) Simplify your schedule 2) Stay healthy 3) Keep romance alive 4) Stick to a budget 5) De-Stress
This episode is brought to you by Audible. They are offering you a free audio book subscription for 1 month. Since this episode is about "5 love languages" if you haven't read the book yet ... go ahead and use your free trial to listen to the book today. You will understand yourself and your partner well.
www.audibletrial.com/realloverealstories.com
Ideas of showing love to your partner this holiday season using"
1) Words of Affirmation
2) Quality Time
3) Acts of Service
4) Gifts
5) Touch
Money
Food
Infidelity
Exercise
Ex's
Television
These are the most common I have read about and or heard from couples.
Kalisha is an Aquarian who moved to Arizona in 2017 by way of the Bluegrass State and Southern California. Her hobbies include practicing yoga, exploring the country and reading relationship books such as “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus” by John Gray PhD. In a personal quest to seek the purpose of marriage for her own relationship, Kalisha has spent several years studying its history, anatomy and behaviors. Most recently, she created a survey to better understand marriage beliefs in today’s society.
Take the survey here
In this episode you will hear 10 simple strategies to help you move on from a breakup. Try these helpful strategies to reconnect with your inner self and identify the path that will lead you to full recovery and closure ...
#breakup #healing #happiness #findinglove #getmotivated #yougotthis
It's not always obvious when the time has come to start a different chapter in our lives. It is always good to really think things through before making drastic decisions in life. Each relationship is different and I highly recommend seeking professional help to make sure you do the right thing for you and especially if you have children.
Here are 10 signs to help you know if it is time to move on from your relationship or not
Sam Walker's journey to discovering what else is out there led her to meeting her husband. How she sought her life out to open herself to finding love with Sam Walker/
Sam Walker is an Award- winning broadcaster and podcaster. Audio consultant and MD at Whatgoesonmedia. Event host and speaker. Mom of daughters and a Vegan
The signs that a man is falling in love are often right there in front of you, and there is usually doubt about how he feels about you.
Men fall in love differently than women. So, what are the signs of being in love? How do you know if he loves you?
Here are a few signs that I came up with and ofcourse there are a ton out there as well.
Meet Rynetta - she is a dedicated wife, an avid reader, an English Professor and she believes that you can change the world one literary text and one smile at a time
Recently rebranded from #jcrewismyfavstore to #reallyrynetta
You can connect with her on:
Instagram: reallyrynetta
Blog: www.reallyrynetta.com
Book recommendations from Rynetta:
5 languages of love
Don't be a wife to your boyfriend
Love Busters
The art of marriage
Love comes from feelings, lasting love is a matter of choosing to nurture the same. When Aditi met her husband, it was a magical coincidence. Choosing to marry was a choice for them and they felt the love bloom after that. "The love & respect my husband and I have shared over the past 12 years is not just the foundation of the life we have built but all my entrepreneurial success. His belief in my talent led to my writing career which snowballed into creating the global platform for diverse parenting voices - RaisingWorldChildren.com & the bestselling book Strong Roots Have No Fear" ... Aditi Wardhan Singh
This couple has so much love for each other its so beautiful .... Cameron and Mai share their love journey.
Cameron: Chief Strategy Officer at Palliative Care Alliance - community based and provides care management to patients with chronic, serious or critical illnesses in their homes especially as the focus continues to shift toward value and quality. Mai Ling: Chief Executive Officer of Xceptional ED - inspire and empower professionals, teachers, and parents to help more people with special needs through online learning. Working with thought leaders in the disability industry, her team builds on clinical expertise and professional experience to share real-world learning.
In this episode you will hear Jessica tell her story from when she was 16. She met a guy on yahoo messenger who lied to her about his age. He was 20 years older. He married her, moved her cross country, cheated on her and left her for his high school sweetheart.
She took time to heal and do good for others and as a result she met her husband now while volunteering in Haiti.
My reasons for choosing otherhood: career, freedom, time, money, and I just didn't have the right person to have kids with.
Some well meaning people have said: "You will regret it when you get older, being childless is selfish, you won't understand what it is like to truly love someone, etc"
The truth is I am ok with my decision and I am make a pretty awesome aunty. If I decide I want to be a mother I can always foster, or adopt.
Linda found Love and has been married 10 years.
"I was 43 years old, never married, and I weighed almost 300 pounds. Not only that, but I still had underlying fears. What if I do meet someone that I liked and after investing myself in it, it does not work out? Or worse, what if I got hurt? Maybe I should lose weight first? Or get my teeth fixed and have some work done to look younger" .... Linda Denise
www.lindadenise.com
Here is what you will learn after listening to this episode
1) To know who you are
2) To know your core values
3) Know your goals are in a relationship
4) Know your needs
I lead you through a short self reflection exercise to be open to love. I live you with some self reflection questions to ponder
In this episode I am providing you with updates and some exciting new things happening with Real Love Real Stories.
Thank you for all your support. I am excited to be back with new and exciting new content.
Thank you for going on this journey with me and for your support. I am so grateful and humbled that these love stories are being listened in 64 countries and counting. As I raise the glass to toast to this one year I want to thank all the guests that took time and shared their stories on my podcast. These stories give hope and inspiration to a lot of people. Cheers to one year!!!
Excited to come back on August 3rd with bigger and better things.
One of the ironies of modern life is that we can spend more time being connected, and yet, sometimes wind up being less present for each other. Maybe you're in the same room with a group of your friends, but each you is busy texting or talking on your phones. Maybe you're sitting down to a family dinner, but your mind is still back at the office or looking ahead to the chores you need to do this weekend. If you feel like you're missing out on something, you could be right. Relationships are more fulfilling when you give others your full attention and share the real you. Try these ideas for becoming more mindful in your personal and professional interactions
Excited to share this episode for 2 reasons: it's family and it's an opportunity for you to learn about the Zimbabwean culture when it comes to love, marriage, weddings and lobola. Isaac and Ruth Anne tell their story so beautifully and also they explain the cultural norms regarding bride price etc
Book recommendations: His Needs Her Needs by Willard F Harley Jr.
Some words used in this episode and their meaning:
1) Tete - Aunt
2) lobola/ dowry - token of your devotion aka bride price
3) Mukoma - Brother or sister or a senior person
Some of your questions and comments from facebook answered in this episode regarding: "Have you or are you going through pre-marital counseling? What did you gain from it?
Is it important to go through pre-marital counseling and also when is a good time to go through it?
-
TRUTHS OF A GOSPEL-CENTERED MARRIAGE
-
You’re marrying an image-bearer (Gen 1 & James 3)
-
You married not a finished product but a work in progress, and YOU are also a work in progress.
- Phil 1:6, 2 Cor 4:16, Romans 8.
- Marriage is all three:
- Back – to – back
- Side by side (CS Lewis)
- Face to face
-
Out of reverence for Jesus, submit to one-another (Ephesians 5).
- Love God more than you love each other.
10 MOST COMMON “ISSUES” IN MARRIAGE
-
Most spouses refuse to see themselves as the biggest problem in their marriage.
-
The purpose of marriage is to fulfill me and make me
- Marriage shouldn’t be hard work if we are truly “meant” for one another and we have feelings of love for each other.
- If I am diligent to meet my spouse’s needs, all my needs will be met by my spouse.
- Communication styles of men and women are SO different; it is a cross-cultural communication experience when husbands and wives talk to each other.
- A healthy marriage is all three: Back-to-back, side-by-side, face-to-face.
- Spouses are going to fight, but they don’t fight well.
- One of the biggest problems with the Church in America is the number of sexually active singles and sexually celibate marrieds.
- Balancing parenting with the genuine needs of the parents.
- Married couples rarely spend enough time talking about what the future might look like ... dreaming, budgeting, planning, brainstorming, & encouraging each other.
Book recommendations:
1) The meaning of marriage - Timothy Keller
2) Theories of human communication - Stephen W. Little John
Barry and Sherry have been married 30 years. They enjoy admiring beautiful women together. They are open and honest with each other and he looks at a marriage as a business proposition that needs a return on investment.
Continuing the love story of Tim and Adia and this time we are talking about their experiences of being in an interracial marriage.
Interracial couple from Phoenix Arizona share their love story. Tim and Adia have been married 6 years and counting. When Tim asked Adia to marry him she asked for a week to pray and fast about it before she gave him her answer.
An arranged marriage brought Parul Agrawal the love of her life. Her parents responded to a newspaper ad in India in the matrimony section.
"Growing up in India, I had always thought love was what we see in Bollywood movies. A boy chases a girl and they live happily ever after," Agrawal said.
It was about 22 days from when the parents responded to the newspaper ad to her getting married and relocate to the US.
Here is a few freebies from Sarah Blanchfield
www.sarahblanchfieldfinancial.com
Here is the link for the Money Discussion Guide for Couples - this one was created exclusively for you my listeners and is not published anywhere else :) https://www.dropbox.com/s/v7kc4tquv6zdry7/Money%20Discussion%20Guide%20for%20Couples.pdf?dl=0 Here is the link to my Money Audit Checklist https://www.dropbox.com/s/oaeh8mpa1rulu06/Money%20Audit%20Checklist.pdf?dl=0 If you are interested in more free resources ... here is the link to Sarah's free resource library opt-in page where you can sign up for my email list . It includes 11 different free resources all available for instant download there. https://www.sarahblanchfieldfinancial.com/free-resources-opt-in-page/
Want your relationship to stay strong and healthy? If you are looking for simple ways to nurture your relationship, here are 5 to get you started.
1) You have lives outside of your realtionship
2) Prioritize your relationship and have fun together.
3) Push each other and stimulate each other intellectually.
4) Check in with each other on the intimacy subject
5) Always be kind to each other after-al you are a team
What are your relationship goals?
JJ is a Professional Poker Dealer, Story Teller, Dog whisperer, Wine Steward, Former Green Beret, Labyrinth Designer, Desert Survival Instructor and an Author. He has written the following books that you can purchase on Amazon: 1) 'Pour L'Amour de Dieu' - For the love of God why am I still alive? and 2) Cards are Cards - But history is forever and 3) Desert Safety and Survival.
Thank you JJ for serving our country and for sharing your love story.
Enjoy his love story
Have your parents tried to hook you up before? How was it? Did they find a person that you felt was a good fit for you?
In this episode Kelsey talks about the guy her parents hooked her up with. She also shares a "what not to do on a first date" tip. Enjoy!
Love happens when you least expect it. Sarah wasn't looking for love but one day she walked into her local Walgreens to pickup a prescription and she met a cute guy behind the counter who she continued to flirt with for 14 months before he asked her out. James mentioned that he was very shy and always regretted not asking her out every time she came to the store - according to Sarah she frequented that store even for things she didn't need just so she could see him. He even tried to sell her a frying pan that was on clearance for $5 .... she didn't buy it. Enjoy their love story!
What makes a city girl move to the country? .... LOVE
Joyce and Randy met online and fell in love. Randy a country boy and Joyce a city girl connected on a christian site and fell in love. He makes her laugh everyday, they respect each other and are making their relationship work. She described him as follows "He is a like good bra" and he responded by saying "I guess I hold things up around here"
Enjoy their love story!!
Many of you have asked: 1) why did I start the podcast, 2) How did I start it?, 3) what has the journey been like 4) what are some lessons I have learned 5) and finally 6) what's next for Real Love Real Stories
In this episode I am answering all these questions for you. Enjoy!
There are so many online dating out that range from free to paid memberships. Anyone at any dating age can find one that has what they are looking for. I have personally tried many of them but did not find love online.
In this episode you will hear our personal online dating stories from my guest and I. We have been on good, bad dates and even have some cat fishing stories to share. Enjoy!
I am sure we have all suffered the loss of a relationship at one point or another. Whether or not it was your idea or not it still hurts. How did you heal and recover from it.
In this episode you will hear how Juliette Marie dealt with and is continuing to deal with the loss of her last relationship.
We all feel and know that we are loved by how people relate to us. There are five love languages that we can fall under that make us feel truly loved. They are: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Personal Touch. We, of course, will fall into more than one category but one will resonate more than the others.
Finding the right language is the key to helping a person feel loved. Do you know your love language? Follow this link and take this short and quick quiz and you will know in a matter of minutes:
https://www.realloverealstories.com/opt-in/
"When two people are meant to be, nothing and no-one can end them. They may get lost a time or two on their journey, but true, real love will always conquer (including real friendship love)
Nothing can compete with them. Others can only attempt to fill a void. And eventually, the two will be reunited. That's the beauty of true love, you always end up with the right person (even if you are just friends) at the right time, regardless of any other factor.
In this episode I go down memory lane and share about my lost connection from 24 years who I reconnected with recently. Enjoy my story!
How often do you travel? I saw this quote and loved it "Once a year go some place you have never been" Most single people who like to travel end up not doing so because they cannot find someone to travel with. The year go somewhere new and remember traveling solo is not letting other people hold you back when they cannot join you.
Emotional abuse, verbal abuse, and domestic violence are on the rise, especially among young people. The risk of falling into an abusive relationship is greater than ever.
There are obvious red flags to avoid in a prospective lover, such as angry, controlling, possessive, jealous, or violent behavior. Unfortunately, most abusers are able to mask these tendencies in dating. By the time many people notice the obvious red flags, they're already attached to an abuser, which makes it much harder for them to leave the relationship.
Here is a link to the shimmymob.com list of resources.
https://www.shimmymob.com/resources/what-is-abuse/EASAbrochure.pdf
Have you ever been in a relationship where trust was broken? How did you learn to trust and love again?
Trust can be broken in many different ways. It takes mental braveness, and support to get out of abusive relationships. In this episode we explore one woman's experience. She shares what she went through and how she is now in a beautiful and healthy relationship. Love does exist. Enjoy her story.
Tommy and Jenny went to Putnam High School (PCHS) in Oklahoma City together around the same time but did not date. Jenny moved to New York City and finished her high school there. 20 years PCHS would host a high school reunion for their class and their love story begins.
Part 1: The couple shares their love journey. How they met and how a deeper connection was created while they were being intimate in Colorado. This is a must listen if you or your partner have a hard time looking at you in your eyes while having sex. Do you connect love with sex?
Part 2: The couple shares how they make their long distance relationship work since they are 1400 miles + apart. They share the highs and lows of counting down to seeing each other ...
Part 3: SHE PUT A RING ON IT! The couple shares how Jenny proposed to Tommy. Here is an idea if you are a woman in a relationship where you feel like the guy is taking too long to put a ring on it. YOU CAN DO IT. Find out how Jenny did it.
Tommy and Jenny went to Putnam High School (PCHS) in Oklahoma City together around the same time but did not date. Jenny moved to New York City and finished her high school there. 20 years PCHS would host a high school reunion for their class and their love story begins.
Part 1: The couple shares their love journey. How they met and how a deeper connection was created while they were being intimate in Colorado. This is a must listen if you or your partner have a hard time looking at you in your eyes while having sex. Do you connect love with sex?
Part 2: The couple shares how they make their long distance relationship work since they are 1400 miles + apart. They share the highs and lows of counting down to seeing each other ...
Part 3: SHE PUT A RING ON IT! The couple shares how Jenny proposed to Tommy. Here is an idea if you are a woman in a relationship where you feel like the guy is taking too long to put a ring on it. YOU CAN DO IT. Find out how Jenny did it.
Tommy and Jenny went to Putnam High School (PCHS) in Oklahoma City together around the same time but did not date. Jenny moved to New York City and finished her high school there. 20 years PCHS would host a high school reunion for their class and their love story begins.
Part 1: The couple shares their love journey. How they met and how a deeper connection was created while they were being intimate in Colorado. This is a must listen if you or your partner have a hard time looking at you in your eyes while having sex. Do you connect love with sex?
Part 2: The couple shares how they make their long distance relationship work since they are 1400 miles + apart. They share the highs and lows of counting down to seeing each other ...
Part 3: SHE PUT A RING ON IT! The couple shares how Jenny proposed to Tommy. Here is an idea if you are a woman in a relationship where you feel like the guy is taking too long to put a ring on it. YOU CAN DO IT. Find out how Jenny did it.
In this episode my guest: Beatriz shares some of her dating stories and talks about what being in an open relationship is like. is there a deadline to open relationship? Do you tell your partner every when you get intimate with someone in open relationship?
Daniel and Kendra are a powerful black couple that has been married for 21 years. They are a beautiful couple from Arizona and they help other couples make their marriages work.
Kendra's Book Recommendation from this episode:
1) The Power of a Praying wife/ The Power of a Praying husband by Stormie Omartian
2) 5 Languages of Love by Gary Chapman
3) Drop the ball by Tiffany Dufu
When you are out and about and you see someone you are interested in how do you approach them? In this bonus episode I asked the participants the following questions:-
1) How do you approach someone you are interested in?
2) Do you find it easy to strike up a conversation with someone you are interested in?
3) What qualities draw you to someone new?
4) What's the best date you have had?
5) Do women find it creepy when guys approach you at the store, restaurant or park?
Real Love Real Stories - A platform for couples to share their love stories and for singles to find hope. In this episode you will hear stories of running, locking keys in the car as well as advice that your partner is not a mind reader. Listen to the full episode to find out more.
A platform for couples to share their love stories and for single to find hope.
This episode is full of great content. How 2 high school sweethearts are still madly in love 20 years later. Scott and Tawnya share their love journey, what makes their relationship keep going from being intimate to taking vacations with and without their kids. A must watch!
What is the law of attraction? Can you really use the Secret to get a partner? The book talks about "energy flows where attention goes". In this episode you will hear how Meeka used the "The Secret" to attract her Prince Charming.
A platform for couples to share love stories and for singles to find hope. In this episode you will hear how Visal and Stephanie met and how they continue to make their relationship work. This couple prays together and they talk about how it is hard to stay mad at each when you pray together. Enjoy their love story.
Chris and Tina from New Mexico just celebrated their wedding anniversary in May 2018. The first time they met she knew she was going to marry him and that he would at their wedding. Their love story is beautiful and made me cry tears of joy. Listening to their story gave me hope ... Enjoy their love story!
Patrick and Tina share how they met and they make their relationship work going on 19 years together. Fun conversation that included finger snapping, love for all humans, (loving without rules) and repeating messages. Enjoy their love story!
Patricia went on journey of self discovery in Asia but little did she know she would volunteer and fall in love. Jack and Patricia's first date was in the rice fields of Thailand while hunting for rats and drinking local whiskey. 2 cultures (Thailand and Netherlands) brought together and created a love story. Want to hear how Jack was a Monk first then fell in love? Listen to their story
A platform for couples to share their love stories and for single to find hope. Episode 2 features Joshua and Ivana and they talk about how they met/ how he proposed in the car on their way to the courthouse and how they do not fight but instead they have "love matches" Listen to their love story!
Love happens in unique ways and in the case of my guests love happened when Rosalie divorced one brother and years later fell in love with the other brother. Listen to their love story!