In this powerful episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Dr. Mark A. Hicks—author, counselor, ghostwriter, and relationship coach—to unpack one of life’s deepest questions: How do we truly learn to love?

Drawing from his groundbreaking book, Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last, Dr. Hicks reveals the five core components of love that can transform romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, and workplace relationships: grief, emotion, practicality, acceptance, and passion. These insights blend wisdom from ancient biblical texts with modern psychology to offer a holistic, teachable path to deeper connection.

Listeners will hear:

• Why grief is the foundation of love and a gateway to healing
• How emotional safety and expression create lasting bonds
• The role of practicality in avoiding relational breakdowns
• Why self-acceptance is essential to loving others
• How passion brings joy and meaning to everyday life
• Real-life stories of toxic love, healing, and rediscovery
• Lessons from the Book of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs
• Reflections on Brene Brown’s research and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
• Candid conversations about childhood trauma, conditional love, and emotional resilience

This episode is an invitation to unlearn dysfunctional relationship patterns and embrace love as a learnable skillset. Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, rebuilding trust, or seeking deeper emotional intimacy, this conversation will equip you with actionable wisdom.

• Website: www.markahicks.com
• Coaching, workshops, speaking inquiries, or to grab his free eBook: Use the contact form on his website
• Book: Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last