What happens when a precision-timed therapist and a free-spirited adventurer fall in love? In this candid, spicy, and surprisingly hilarious conversation, Bryan Reeves and Silvy Khoucasian pull back the curtain on their own relationship to explore what it really takes to embrace differences—and not just survive them, but grow because of them.

From cultural clashes to conflicting travel styles, sexual pacing to social preferences, they reveal the real stories behind the highlight reel—and how they've learned to navigate those gaps without losing themselves (or each other).

Whether you’re navigating a new relationship or decades into one, this episode is your permission slip to stop fixing, start witnessing, and love without needing sameness.

00:00 – Silvy calls Bryan out.

02:00 – Introducing Silvy: “This is my unmasked version”

03:30 – Speaking alongside The Gottmans at the Real Love Ready Conference

05:00 – Time: Is being late disrespect—or just different wiring?

08:00 – Ireland trip flashback: how they travel at totally different speeds

10:30 – “You’re fast. I’m slow.” – Processing pace in life and relationship

13:00 – Cultural differences: Armenian-Arabic collectivism vs. American individualism

16:00 – Privacy vs. openness: Who gets to tell the story?

18:30 – Affection gaps, erotic blueprints, and the golden retriever dynamic

21:00 – The wounds we bring: neglect, protection, and projection

25:00 – “Willing to disappoint—and to be disappointed”

27:00 – Grieving expectations: Letting go of the fantasy version of your partner

30:00 – Creating clear agreements vs. quiet resentment

33:00 – The dance of individuality and support

35:00 – Navigating transitions and identity shifts over 10 years

38:00 – Why difference isn’t the enemy—it’s the initiation

40:00 – Wrap-up and a preview of more episodes to come

“The problem isn’t our differences—it’s making them wrong that causes problems.” – Silvy

“Your wound is holding hands with mine.” – Bryan

“I grieve my expectations of you so that I may discover your love yet again.” – Silvy

“You’re in my story now. It’s not just mine anymore.” – Bryan

“When it’s hysterical, it’s historical.” – Silvy and Bryan

“Respect can still be late.” – Silvy

“Resentment dies in the land of clear agreements.” – Bryan

Bryan Reeves → https://bryanreeves.com

Silvy Khoucasian → www.silvykhoucasian.com

In this heartfelt solo episode of Bridging Connections, host Bryan Reeves delves into the profound journey of navigating life transitions and personal growth. Reflecting on his own experiences, Bryan shares the challenges and revelations that come with the death of a dream, the practice of grief, and the art of surrender. Join Bryan as he explores the importance of embracing change with grace, finding gratitude in unexpected places, and the enduring power of love and loss. Tune in for an introspective conversation that invites you to reflect on your own life transitions and how you can meet them with more ease and gratitude.

• The paradox of being relational yet introverted
• Grieving the dream of home ownership and fatherhood
• Moving back to Los Angeles after the “great pandemic migration”
• Letting go of material things and the stories they hold
• The practice of grief in a death-phobic, grief-illiterate culture
• The meaning behind Bryan’s tattoo: Command. Surrender. Breathe.
• The flowering of a crepe myrtle as a symbol of unexpected beauty in endings
• A reflection on leaving behind gifts that may benefit others

“It’s not the end of everything. It’s just the end of everything you know.”

“A dream can’t die if you don’t dare to dream in the first place.”

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

“We are like plants. We need the right soil to thrive.”

“How might you meet the death of a dream with more grace, more ease, and perhaps even more gratitude?”

Bryan invites listeners to consider the dreams they may be quietly grieving or actively resisting. Rather than clinging to what was or what might have been, he offers a profound question:

• Die Wise by Stephen Jenkinson
• The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller
• Iron John by Robert Bly

For more on Bryan’s coaching, writing, and future episodes, visit bryanreeves.com

[00:02:15] - Introduction to the episode and the theme of life transitions.

[00:05:30] - Brian shares his personal journey of moving across the country and the death of a dream.

[00:12:45] - The importance of acknowledging and grieving the loss of dreams.

[00:20:10] - Reflections on the practice of surrender and its role in personal growth.

[00:28:00] - The story of planting a tree and its symbolic meaning in life transitions.

[00:35:20] - Brian's insights on love, loss, and the enduring power of gratitude.

[00:42:00] - Closing thoughts and an invitation to reflect on personal life transitions.

What does it mean to become fully alive as a man? In this powerful debrief, Bryan and Tait reflect on the transformative journey of Elevate 2025, a year-long men's journey that culminates in a life-changing retreat.

From breaking emotional masks to finding real brotherhood and discovering true purpose—not as a destination, but as a way of being—this episode dives into what happens when men are finally given permission to feel it all and be it all.

This isn’t just another “men’s retreat recap.” This is a raw, grounded look at the healing, aliveness, and lasting connection that unfolds when the right men gather in the right way.

• Why most men are stuck between anger and apathy
• What “being a full-range man” actually looks like in real life
• The power of emotional safety in all-male spaces
• What happens when a man finally says, “I’m f*cked up” and gets met with real support
• The truth about purpose: It’s not out there—it’s right here
• How this retreat created friendships that will last a lifetime
• Why most men don't have people who would fly across the country for their funeral—and how that can change
• The 3 Promises of the Elevate journey: Fully Enlivened, Powerfully On Purpose, Deeply Supported

[03:00] – Why it’s so hard to describe the magic of a retreat

[06:15] – The emotional wiring of boys—and how we shut it down

[07:50] – Anger and apathy: the two emotions men are left with

[10:30] – Real talk: “I’m not okay” and finding support

[14:00] – Becoming a full-range man: Warrior and Lover archetypes

[17:00] – Why purpose isn’t a future goal—it’s a daily choice

[24:00] – Deep support: what real brotherhood looks like

[28:45] – Who would fly to your funeral? The power of connection

[30:45] – Living with men who will hold your grief and your greatness

[32:00] – How to join the Elevate journey + what's next

• You’re a man who feels like something’s missing—even if life looks “successful” on the outside
• You’ve been curious about men’s retreats but unsure if they’re for you
• You’ve felt alone in your struggles and want genuine connection
• You’re a woman who loves a man who’s ready for more depth, purpose, and heart

• Elevate Men’s Journey → https://bryanreeves.com
• Book Mentioned: Real Boys by William Pollack
• Past Retreats: Elevate 21, 24, and now Elevate 25/26
• Upcoming Podcast Series: SEX (Yep—we’re finally going there)

If you’re ready to explore what it means to be fully alive—and deeply supported—email Bryan at [email protected] to get info about Elevate 2026.

And if you know a man who needs this… send him this episode. It might just change everything.

In this special on-the-road episode, Bryan and Tait reflect on five years of deep men’s work as they gear up for the Elevate 2025 Men's Retreat — a five-day, mountaintop experience in western North Carolina designed as a modern-day rite of passage. From sacred brotherhood to the storms that shape us this conversation is raw, real, and radically human.

Episode Highlights:

00:01:44 – The Elevate Retreat: A modern-day rite of passage for men

00:03:12 – The first year’s tears: What vulnerability unlocked for men

00:06:28 – Creating sacred, no-demand space for transformation

00:08:25 – Who really has your back? Reframing masculine support

00:09:21 – Bryan’s past distrust of men—and the healing that followed

00:12:39 – The magic of presence, and Bryan’s role in creating breakthroughs

00:16:44 – Power without domination: Becoming Kings among Kings

00:17:56 – From deep conversation to competitive games: A full-spectrum retreat

00:21:16 – Three stages of the storm: Before, during, and after life's crises

00:26:24 – Why men don’t need fixing—just new patterns and community

Connect with Bryan:

📧 [email protected]

🌐 bryanreeves.com

Join the Journey:

🚀 Early access to Elevate 2026 👉 [email protected]

🌍 2 spots left for "Elevate Ireland 2025" Men’s Retreat! (email for details)

In this episode of Bridging Connections, we welcome Jayson Gaddis, psychotherapist, author, and founder of The Relationship School, to discuss the vital topic of conflict and repair in relationships. Highlighting the inevitability of conflict, we delve into effective repair processes encompassing ownership, empathy, and validation. Additionally, we explore themes of emotional safety, sensitivity in men, and the dynamics of partnership. Jayson shares insights from his book 'Getting to Zero' and offers practical advice for navigating and improving relational conflicts. The episode is a treasure trove of actionable strategies aimed at fostering deeper connection and understanding in long-term relationships.

00:00 The Importance of Repair in Relationships

00:20 Introduction to Bridging Connections Podcast

00:53 Meet Jayson Gaddis

03:46 Discussing Relationship Conflict

14:12 Understanding Sensitivity in Men

22:07 The Role of Emotional Safety

28:36 The Repair Process in Relationships

29:36 The Importance of Repair in Relationships

30:39 Steps to Effective Repair

31:09 Ownership, Empathy, and Validation

31:57 Challenges in Validation

32:37 Listening and Reflecting Back

33:30 Personal Experiences and Reflections

34:24 Handling Defensiveness

36:02 The Role of Humor in Relationships

37:08 Biggest Repair Maneuvers in Marriage

42:36 Avoiding Conflict vs. Speaking Up

45:55 Masculine Leadership and Conflict

47:55 Conflict and Repair in Parenting

48:47 Rapid Fire Relationship Questions

52:55 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Jayson:

• Website: https://www.jaysongaddis.com/

Podcast: https://relationshipschool.com/

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 

• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

In this episode of Bridging Connections, we welcome Terri Cole, a licensed psychotherapist and bestselling author, to discuss high-functioning codependency. We dive into Terri’s extensive experience with codependency, exploring the ways in which overly selfless behaviors can lead to burnout, resentment, and health issues. Terri shares personal stories and professional insights, examines the impact of societal expectations, and offers actionable advice on setting boundaries and practicing self-consideration. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling perpetually exhausted and seeking to reclaim their time, energy, and emotional well-being.

00:00 Introduction: Taking Control of Your Life

00:24 Welcome to Bridging Connections

00:59 Meet Terri Cole: Psychotherapist and Author

01:19 Understanding Codependency

02:32 Terry's Journey from Talent Agent to Therapist

12:05 High Functioning Codependency Explained

24:26 The Costs of High Functioning Codependency

33:43 The Connective Role of Women in Families

34:13 Challenges with Labels and High Functioning Codependency

35:57 Emotional Labor and Household Equity

39:55 Resentment and Taking Responsibility

46:57 The Importance of Setting Boundaries

54:36 Self-Consideration as the New Self-Care

01:00:34 Final Thoughts

Connect with Terri:

• Website: https://www.terricole.com/

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 

• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

In this episode of Bridging Connections, we dive into the profound topic of living a liberated life with Josh Trent, host of the Wellness and Wisdom podcast. Josh discusses the importance of alignment with nature's laws and the concept of being in harmony. Our conversation explores the relevance of nonviolent communication, the significance of self-awareness, and the continuous journey of self-integration. We also touch on the challenges and rewards of practical spirituality, emotional epigenetics, and the day-to-day dynamics of intimate relationships. Josh introduces his new initiative, the Liberated Life community, designed to guide individuals towards deeper self-understanding and harmonious living.

Connect with Josh:

• Website: https://joshtrent.com

• Instagram: @joshtrentofficial

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 

• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

01:00 Exploring a Liberated Life with Josh Trent

02:48 Top Three Insights from 700+ Episodes

06:52 Understanding Nature's Laws and Human Connection

23:56 The Simplicity of Truth and Relationships

29:21 Defining Liberation and Freedom

31:09 Understanding Manufactured Concerns

32:01 The Importance of Human Connection

32:24 Deeper Concerns and Self-Realization

35:05 Balancing Survival and Soul Work

39:19 Navigating Triggers and Vulnerability

46:04 The Power of Nonviolent Communication

53:10 Emotional Epigenetics and Healing

56:45 Introducing the Liberated Life Community

01:00:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Bridging Connections, we discuss profound topics of self-acceptance, intimacy, and healing with Allana Pratt, an intimacy expert. This conversation touches on the importance of embracing one's flaws, the journey to overcome self-loathing, and the deep need for authentic connection. Allana shares her methods, including her work with psychedelic somatic integration and the transformative power of confronting and integrating deep-seated emotions. We also discuss the significance of nurturing all parts of oneself and the value of making peace with unresolved wounds. This episode emphasizes the critical role of self-intimacy in fostering meaningful connections and navigating the complexities of human relationships.

Connect with Allana:

• Website: https://allanapratt.com/

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 

• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

00:00 Embracing Imperfection: Self-Acceptance

00:19 Introduction to Bridging Connections

00:55 Welcoming Allana Pratt: Intimacy Expert

03:08 The Essence of Bridging Connections

04:42 Exploring Loneliness and Connection

05:43 The Journey to Self-Intimacy

07:01 Patterns of Disconnection

09:19 The Role of Divine Mother Energy

13:44 The Power of Somatic Integration

19:47 Men and Emotional Disassociation

22:07 Societal Pressures and Emotional Suppression

22:19 Body Sensations and Emotional Expression

23:21 Men's Struggle with Disconnection

23:47 The Desire to Feel Alive

25:15 Embracing All Emotions

26:15 A Mother's Journey with Her Son

27:30 Making Art from Pain

29:17 The Importance of Allowing Pain

35:41 Unconditional Self-Love and Acceptance

40:19 Practical Tips for Relationships and Self-Love

41:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Bridging Connections, we talk with Louis Weinstock, a seasoned child psychotherapist and author. This discussion centers on overcoming shame and guilt in parenting, the importance of parental healing, and the impact of unresolved traumas on children. Louis shares personal experiences and professional insights on being a present and effective parent. We also delve into the roles of fathers, the concept of divine masculinity, and the importance of congruence and presence for children's psychological well-being. The episode concludes with a focus on daily acts of love and practical advice for parents to be more present with their children.

00:00 Introduction

00:41 Introduction to Bridging Connections

01:32 Meet Louis: Child Psychotherapist and Author

02:52 The Journey of Fatherhood

03:36 Navigating Grief and Loss

07:07 The Protector Role in Parenting

16:49 Healing and Emotional Presence

33:25 Emotional Breakthrough in a Singing Workshop

34:16 The Last Barrier for Men: Fear

35:04 Expressing Emotions: Anger, Fear, and Sadness

37:20 The Role of Fathers and the Impact of Guilt

39:05 Boys' Sensitivity and Cultural Conditioning

40:19 Defining Positive Masculinity

49:48 Bridging Connections Between Parents

59:56 The Importance of Presence in Parenting

01:02:35 Conclusion

Connect with Louis:

• Website: https://louisweinstock.com/

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 

• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

In this episode of Bridging Connections, we welcome Sheleana Aiyana, founder of Rising Woman. Sheleana takes on her journey from tumultuous upbringing and traumatic relationships to her spiritual and healing path. Sheleana shares profound experiences from ayahuasca ceremonies and the importance of working through personal wounds to foster healthy relationships. We touch on the challenges men and women face in understanding each other's experiences and the significance of mutual vulnerability and support in partnerships. Sheleana dives into the need for self-healing and becoming 'the one' rather than seeking someone to complete us.

00:00 Introduction to Episode

00:34 Welcome to Bridging Connections

01:17 Rebranding the Podcast

02:27 Introducing Sheleana

04:40 Men and Relationship Anxiety

06:59 Challenges in Male-Female Dynamics

11:59 Founding Struggles of Rising Woman

18:02 Spiritual Path vs. Healing Path

24:31 Becoming the One

29:18 Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships

29:41 The Importance of Healing Work

30:49 The 10-Year Relationship Journey

34:40 Understanding Safety in Relationships

35:49 Ayahuasca and Profound Healing

42:15 Building Trust and Healing with Men

52:43 Steps to Self-Discovery and Healing

54:28 Final Thoughts

Connect with Sheleana:

• Website: https://risingwoman.com/ / https://sheleanaaiyana.com/

• Instagram: @sheleanaaiyana

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com 

• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08