On today’s episode of the Authentic Pursuit Podcast, host Kristina Mathieu is joined by Deontae and Magan, a dynamic couple who share their inspiring journey of love, family, and the pursuit of authentic connection. As parents of five children and entrepreneurs with their new business, ***Premium Engagements***, Deontae and Magan discuss the power of small gestures in building and maintaining a strong relationship.

From simple acts like putting toothpaste on a toothbrush to making sure their partner feels cared for and appreciated, they emphasize the importance of showing up for each other every day, even in the little things. Their conversation highlights the significance of self-love, vulnerability, and clear communication in overcoming tough seasons and strengthening intimacy and connection in relationships.

Deontae and Magan also touch on how they model respect and healthy relationships for their children, and offer valuable advice to couples facing challenges. Their story is a reminder that love, respect, and appreciation don’t require money—just a willingness to show up and care for each other in meaningful ways.

If you’re looking to create your own special moments or just need a little extra help in making your relationship even more meaningful, consider reaching out to Premium Engagements. Magan and Deontae are here to help you make those small but significant details come to life.

***Premium Engagements***

Website: https://www.premiumengagements.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/premiumengagements/

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the power of love and authenticity in all areas of life.

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The couple discusses how they keep the spark alive in their marriage after four years, by going on date nights and doing small gestures to show they care, their goals and dreams which include traveling, financial stability, and personal growth, and their key practice of having a vision for their relationship and reminding each other of it every day. Kristina Mathieu and Wes, a couple who are also business partners, talk about their relationship and the challenges they faced in communicating and working together. They share how they learned to be better active listeners and the progress they made in their relationship through therapy. Wes talks about how he used to struggle with understanding the importance of good communication and boundaries due to not having any role models for healthy relationships, but has since learned and grown. Kristina also emphasizes the value of prioritizing oneself in a relationship and speaking up.

The Authentic Pursuit podcast by Kristina Mathieu is now in season two and will feature real couples sharing their love stories and growth together. For the first episode, Kristina's husband Wes joins her to talk about their story, their blended family, and their commitment to always strive for progress, not perfection. They also share some fun and meaningful questions that couples can discuss together to keep the romance alive and prioritize each other amidst busy schedules. They also mention the Paired app as a helpful tool for their relationship.

Items Mentioned in Today's Episode

Paired Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/paired-couples-relationship/id1469609343

Paired Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.getpaired.app&hl=en_US&pli=1

Lunch box notes: https://www.authenticpursuit.net/product-page/business-cards

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As we wrap up Season 1 of the Authentic Pursuit Podcast, we’ve spent this season diving deep into the foundations of self-esteem — exploring how we see ourselves, how our experiences shape our sense of worth, and how we can begin to cultivate authentic confidence from within. From unpacking negative self-talk to learning how to celebrate our unique journeys, this season has been all about embracing the real you.

But this is just the beginning. As we gear up for Season 2, we’ll be taking things even deeper — exploring how self-esteem connects to relationships, career growth, personal boundaries, and living with purpose. Expect more real conversations, personal stories, and actionable tools to help you navigate life with clarity and confidence.

Thank you for joining us on this authentic pursuit so far — Season 2 is coming soon, and we can’t wait to keep growing together.

It's a about progress not perfection.

Items Mentioned in this Podcast:

Progress Not Perfection Journal: https://www.authenticpursuit.net/product-page/authentic-pursuit-progress-not-perfection

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In this special Valentine’s Day episode of *Authentic Pursuit*, host Kristina explores the profound concept of "Agape" love, emphasizing its role as a selfless, unconditional, and universal form of love that transcends boundaries. The episode begins with an introduction to Agape, highlighting its significance in Christianity and its distinction from other types of love.

Listeners are introduced to the various Greek words for love, which enrich our understanding of relationships:

1. **Eros**: Passionate love associated with romantic attraction.

2. **Phileo**: Brotherly love, characterized by companionship and loyalty.

3. **Storge**: Familial love, nurturing natural affection between family members.

4. **Xenia**: Hospitality and kindness towards strangers.

Understanding these different forms of love allows listeners to appreciate the richness of their connections with others.

The episode continues with a focus on experiencing Agape love in daily life, particularly in parent-child relationships, which exemplify the unconditional support and acceptance inherent in this form of love. A personal anecdote from the host underscores the power of being loved for one’s true self, reinforcing the idea that "the beauty of connection lies in being seen, heard, and loved for who we truly are."

The discussion then transitions to the importance of authenticity. In a society that often pressures individuals to conform, the host encourages listeners to embrace their true selves. Agape love provides a safe space for vulnerability, allowing individuals to shed fears of judgment.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the concept of self-love, an essential aspect of Agape love. The host shares practical tips for cultivating self-love, including:

1. **Positive Affirmations**: Reminding oneself of strengths daily.

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2. **Setting Boundaries**: Recognizing limits and prioritizing well-being.

3. **Self-Care Rituals**: Engaging in activities that nourish the soul.

4. **Forgiving Yourself**: Embracing mistakes as part of the human experience.

5. **Journaling**: Reflecting on feelings to reinforce self-worth.

Throughout these discussions, the mantra "Progress, Not Perfection" serves as a guiding principle, encouraging listeners to take small, meaningful steps toward embodying Agape love.

As the episode concludes, the host invites listeners to commit to embracing Agape love in all its forms and to strive for genuine connections with others. They are encouraged to share their thoughts and stories about Agape love and to connect on social media or through the podcast website.

In summary, this episode of *Authentic Pursuit* offers a heartfelt exploration of love, authenticity, and the journey toward self-acceptance, reminding us that it’s all about progress, not perfection.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Authentic Pursuit, a lively and heartfelt podcast where we explore the complexities of human experience with honesty, compassion, and a sprinkle of humor. In our latest episode, “Let’s Get Jolly and Real: Facing Holiday Struggles Together,”we dive into the challenges many of us face during the holiday season.

Join host Kristina Mathieu as they tackle the often-unspoken feelings of sadness and anxiety that can accompany what’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. With relatable personal stories, lighthearted anecdotes, and practical tips, this episode invites you to embrace the holiday season without the pressure of perfection.

Whether you’re feeling the weight of social media’s “perfect” holiday portrayals or navigating family dynamics that leave you feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone! We’ll discuss ways to make progress, not perfection, and share coping strategies to help you find joy amidst the chaos.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that promises to uplift, inspire, and remind you that it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling this holiday season. Let’s get holly and real together!

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"The Power of Setting Boundaries: Protecting Your Authentic Self"

In this episode of "Authentic Pursuit," host Kristina Mathieu explores the essential practice of setting boundaries for mental and emotional health. The discussion begins with the importance of boundaries as protective measures that foster self-care, healthy relationships, reduced stress, and personal empowerment. 

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own boundaries and consider who in their lives they need to communicate them to, including family, friends, colleagues, and romantic partners. Practical tools are introduced, such as sentence starters for setting boundaries, along with specific examples of how to apply them in various contexts.

The episode also emphasizes the importance of maintaining boundaries through consistency, clear communication, and self-compassion. Challenges in boundary-setting, such as pushback and feelings of guilt, are addressed with tips on how to overcome these hurdles.

As the episode concludes, listeners are reminded that setting boundaries is an act of self-love and are invited to share their own experiences and stories on social media. Overall, this engaging episode provides valuable insights into the transformative power of establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships.

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In this episode of **Authentic Pursuit**, host Kristina Mathieu explores the transformative concept of the **Social Discipline Window**, developed by Dr. A. L. "Tony" Kline. This framework categorizes our responses to behavior in relationships based on two critical dimensions: **Support** and **Accountability**. 

Listeners will learn about the four quadrants of the Social Discipline Window:

1. **High Accountability, High Support**: Where healthy relationships thrive, balancing emotional support with accountability.

2. **High Accountability, Low Support**: A scenario where individuals are held responsible without adequate emotional backing, often leading to feelings of isolation.

3. **Low Accountability, High Support**: Where caring is present but accountability is lacking, potentially enabling unhealthy behaviors.

4. **Low Accountability, Low Support**: A detrimental quadrant characterized by disengagement and emotional distance.

Through real-life and professional examples, the podcast illustrates how these quadrants manifest in everyday situations, including romantic relationships and workplace dynamics, particularly in the context of addiction and personal struggles.

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Social Disciple Freebie:

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The episode emphasizes that relationships are about **progress, not perfection**, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own relational dynamics. The host highlights the importance of fostering authenticity in relationships by balancing support and accountability, ultimately leading to deeper, more meaningful connections.

Tune in for insights on improving your relationships and creating an environment of trust and respect!

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The Journey Begins: Embracing Your True Self**

In the inaugural episode of "Authentic Pursuit," host Kristina Mathieu invites listeners on a transformative journey of self-discovery, focusing on the theme of embracing one's true self. Kristina shares her personal experiences, discussing the importance of authenticity in personal growth and how being genuine fosters self-acceptance and confidence.

The episode addresses common barriers to authenticity, such as societal expectations, fear of judgment, and past traumas, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these obstacles. Kristina provides practical steps for listeners to begin their own journeys, including self-reflection, mindfulness, setting boundaries, and seeking support from a nurturing community.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their identities and consider what authenticity means to them. Kristina also sets the stage for future episodes, which will explore deeper themes related to relationships, healing, and personal and professional growth.

Join Kristina in this empowering conversation that inspires you to embrace your unique journey and live authentically.

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