This episode marks an incredible milestone—the 500th episode of the Empowered Relationship Podcast. To celebrate, Dr. Jessica Higgins and her husband, Reid Peterson, sit down for a heartfelt and revealing conversation about what it really takes to cultivate a truly empowered partnership.

If you’ve ever wondered why, despite your best intentions, emotional honesty and vulnerability can feel so risky—or why differences and conflict so often create distance instead of closeness—you’re not alone. The path to authentic connection is filled with challenges that test even the strongest relationships.

In this special episode, Jessica and Reid open up about the principles and practices that have helped them build a foundation of trust, love, and growth throughout their years together. They share personal stories, practical strategies, and honest reflections on navigating tough conversations, supporting each other’s emotional needs, and finding clarity in uncertain times.

Whether you’re learning to handle conflict, embrace vulnerability, or co-create a meaningful vision for your life together, you’ll discover insights and tools to transform relationship challenges into opportunities for deeper connection and lasting love.

 

Episode Highlights

04:58 Building safety and trust through honesty in partnership.

09:15 Jessica shares how vulnerability early in dating deepened their intimacy.

11:47 How honest conversations help reduce shame and strengthen connection.

14:11 How different personalities shape communication in relationships.

19:52 Strategies to navigate conflict with calm and empathy.

35:51 Building clarity, connection, and purpose through joint visioning.

44:08 Strengthening relationships through further exploration and resources.

 

Your Check List of Actions to Take

• Practice speaking honestly about your core feelings, emotions, and needs—even when it feels risky or uncomfortable.

• Pause during moments of tension to take a few deep breaths, center yourself, and check in with what you’re feeling before responding.

• When conflict arises, communicate the need for space calmly and agree on a time to revisit the discussion to avoid sweeping issues under the rug.

• Seek reassurance or a quick check-in from your partner during periods of disconnection to help reduce anxiety and foster trust.

• Cultivate attuned listening—focus on truly understanding what your partner is expressing beyond the words, and ask clarifying questions when needed.

• Name whether you’re seeking comfort or solutions in conversations, so your partner knows how best to support you.

• Regularly engage in shared visioning exercises together to clarify mutual values and dreams, and support each other in the process—even when values differ.

• Download and use the “12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love” guide to gain clarity and practical strategies for your relationship.

 

Mentioned

12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free relationship guide) (pdf)

Relational Health Assessment (quiz)

 

Ever feel like you know all the “right” things to do in a relationship, but when the moment comes, your body is flooded with stress, your voice tightens, or you just shut down? Many of us long for deep connection and trust, but when life gets real, our nervous system can hijack our best intentions. The invisible forces of old wounds, protective patterns, and the lightning-fast reactions of our bodies can make true safety in love feel just out of reach.

In this episode, you’ll discover practical ways to bridge the gap between knowing and feeling safe and connected with your partner. Drawing on insights from attachment and polyvagal theory, somatic psychology, and real-world relationship experiences, the conversation sheds light on what “embodied safety” truly means—and why it’s the foundation for intimacy, trust, and even passion. Listeners will come away with tools to notice their body’s cues, co-regulate with a partner, and develop relational intelligence that supports lasting, resilient love—even when challenges arise.

Aubrey Aust is a writer and master’s candidate at NYU studying relational psychology and philosophy. Her work explores how emotional safety, embodiment, and relational intelligence shape intimacy and trust. Drawing from attachment theory, polyvagal theory, and somatic psychology, Aubrey helps individuals and couples understand how to build safety in relationships through both the mind and the body. She is passionate about making complex psychological insights practical, soulful, and deeply human.

 

Episode Highlights

08:38 How our bodies subconsciously sense safety or danger in relationships.

10:32 The importance of nonverbal cues and body sensations in emotional communication.

16:50 Identifying and changing self-protective behaviors that block intimacy.

19:10 Accessing vulnerability for co-regulation.

21:54 How consistency shapes true relational growth.

26:32 Navigating the tension between meeting others’ needs and self-care in daily life.

28:08 How curiosity about intense emotions can help heal shame and estrangement.

32:04 How understanding core needs brings freedom and new options in relationships.

35:17 Rewiring your reactions: How noticing your nervous system transforms relationships.

38:39 How small shifts in attention can instantly calm your nervous system.

41:30 Unlocking the power to heal and evolve through relationship challenges.

 

Your Check List of Actions to Take

• Take conscious pauses to slow down and deepen your breath, helping you regulate stress and become more present in relationships.

• Practice tuning into your bodily sensations during interactions—notice tension, breath patterns, or relaxation—to better understand your felt sense of safety.

• Build somatic awareness by gently observing your physical reactions when you feel unsafe or activated, such as tightness, speeding up, or shutting down.

• Create check-in rituals with your partner to attune to each other’s nervous system cues, like noticing changes in body language, tone, or energy.

• Normalize and expect moments of rupture or conflict, and view them as opportunities to build relational trust through repair and open communication.

• Get curious about your protective patterns (such as people-pleasing, avoidance, or hyper-independence) and consider when they may no longer serve intimacy.

• Use subtle self-regulation techniques in social situations, like grounding your feet, gently pressing your fingers together, or scanning the room to calm your nervous system.

• When you feel dysregulated in a conversation, ask clarifying questions or take a brief pause to gather yourself instead of reacting from a place of activation.

 

Mentioned

It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Social Baseline Theory (National Library of Medicine article)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (Psychology Today)

Polyvegal Theory (Polyvagal Institute)

ERP 261: How To Strengthen Your Relationship From A Polyvagal Perspective – An Interview with Dr. Stephen Porges

ERP 276: Understanding The Need For Both Self-Regulation And Co-Regulation In Relationship – An interview With Deb Dana

Evolve in Love (program)

Evolve In Love Discovery Session with Dr. Jessica Higgins (Acuity booking link)

 

Connect with Aubrey Aust

Websites: aubreyaust.com

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCozW2k08GkMQbjs1vyN_Fkw

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aubrey__aust

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aubrey-aust-8b7744174 

Newsletter: aubreyaust.com/newsletter

 

Why is it that talking about desire and intimacy with your partner can feel more intimidating than any other conversation in a relationship, even when you’ve shared years—or decades—together? So many couples silently struggle with mismatched libido, lost spark, or simply the discomfort of broaching sensitive topics about sex and pleasure. When left unspoken, these issues have the power to erode connection and joy in long-term relationships. If you’ve ever wondered why desire seems to fade, or why candid discussions about passion feel off-limits, you’re not alone.

In this episode, listeners are invited to explore how couples can move beyond just talking about desire and actually grow it together. Through stories, scientific insights, and actionable strategies, the conversation unpacks the barriers to open communication about sexuality—from shame and defensiveness to the physical and emotional roots of low libido. Along the way, listeners will learn how to build safety, cultivate presence, and consciously turn toward intimacy, laying the foundation for a relationship that’s vibrant, resilient, and full of authentic connection. Whether you’re seeking new energy with your partner or looking for tools to nurture your own sexual self-awareness, this episode is packed with practical guidance to help you rediscover your spark—together.

Dr. Diane Mueller, ND, DAOM, is a board certified sexologist with dual doctorates in Naturopathic as well as Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is the founder of the sex education center: MyLibidoDoc.com and hosts 'The Libido Lounge' podcast, where she helps monogamous couples create more passion, desire, hotter sex and better communication.

 

Episode Highlights

06:23 Dr. Diane Mueller’s journey from healing vulvar pain to embracing sexual wellness.

07:48 Navigating relationship styles and lessons learned from open relationships in the pursuit of lasting passion.

10:34 The importance of open sexual communication and overcoming shame in relationships.

16:27 Building a foundation of safety and how positive feedback strengthens sexual communication.

25:24 Presence and pleasure, and the mindfulness connection for enhancing sexual experience.

30:13 Embracing emotions in sexuality, including the role of anger and emotional expression in intimacy.

36:12 Identifying dissociation and cultivating presence to deepen sexual experience.

37:47 Harnessing sex for healing by using altered states and partner practices for growth.

41:36 Personal growth and relationship success with reflections on healing, compatibility, and lasting love.

 

Your Check List of Actions to Take

• Start open and honest conversations about sex and desire with your partner to reduce shame and taboo.

• Give specific, positive feedback after intimacy to build safety and connection.

• Clearly discuss and define your relationship agreements and boundaries together.

• Practice being present during intimate moments through mindful breathing or grounding exercises.

• Try a sensual touch practice, like giving each other foot massages, while focusing on sensation and awareness.

• Reflect on any personal beliefs or shame around sexuality and seek ways to address or release them.

• Take time to identify your own turn-ons and communicate these clearly to your partner.

• Use physical intimacy as an opportunity to process emotions, such as through movement, sound, or affirmations.

 

Mentioned

Sex for One: The Joy of Selfloving (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Revive Your Love Life: 5 Easy Steps for MindBlowing Orgasms and Romance (link) (Free ebook)

The Libido Quiz (quiz)

YourUnique Sex Language (quiz)

Libido Lounge (podcast)

ERP 489: Flow State and Sexual Connection: A New Dimension of Intimacy — An Interview with Emily Jamea

ERP 362: Understanding & Increasing Sexual Desire — An Interview with Dr. Lori Brotto

Evolve in Love (program)

Evolve In Love Discovery Session with Dr. Jessica Higgins (Acuity booking link)

 

Connect with Dr. Diane Mueller

Websites: mylibidodoc.com

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/1678228482662878

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCfWNwoCl4f4WMHpagB2KQsw

Instagram: instagram.com/mylibidodoc

 

Have you ever faced a family crisis only to realize that financial instability adds an overwhelming weight to an already heavy moment? Or maybe you’ve felt isolated as the “first” in your family to reach new professional heights, only to discover no one handed you a playbook for building true generational wealth. Financial challenges don’t just shake our wallets—they can ripple through our relationships, legacies, and even our sense of security and belonging.

In this episode, listeners are invited to think beyond individual wealth and step into a bold new perspective: managing your family like a thriving enterprise. You’ll discover why taking the role of “Family CEO” is not only possible but essential if you want to break cycles of financial insecurity and create a blueprint for lasting abundance. Through candid conversation and practical examples, this episode explores how intentional leadership, open communication, and collaborative vision-setting can empower you and those you love to build a family legacy that lasts.

LaVaisha Davis is a wealth manager and advisor at Ell Wess Advisors, a firm offering family office solutions to founders, executives, and investors. She specializes in wealth-building, legacy planning, and asset protection—empowering clients to build financial independence and generational wealth. With a no-nonsense yet engaging style, she breaks down complex strategies like becoming your own bank. Her mission: to show people their family is their first enterprise—and should be managed like a business to build lasting wealth.

 

Episode Highlights

05:42 Lavisha Davis recalls how family tragedy became a turning point for financial awareness.

08:53 How pain and loss inspired leadership and deeper financial responsibility.

12:03 What it means to be the family CEO: Mindset and misconceptions.

14:49 The challenges and opportunities of being the first financial trailblazer.

17:24 Crafting a shared family vision and values around wealth.

20:57 Running the family like a corporation: Structure, roles, and the family bank.

29:42 Understanding the risks and the need for transparency.

31:33 The cost of poor planning including inheritance, probate, and lost wealth.

37:13 Turning family strengths and structure into lasting wealth.

42:30 How to get started: Practical support and CEO training resources.

 

Your Check List of Actions to Take

• Clarify your wealth vision by choosing whether to focus on personal financial security or building generational wealth.

• Adopt the Family CEO mindset and lead your household with intentional financial goals and strategies.

• Establish a family bank to manage shared resources as if you were running a business account.

• Have open money conversations to build trust, clarify roles, and reinforce shared commitments.

• Identify and leverage family strengths by assigning financial roles that align with each person’s skills.

• Provide financial education for yourself and your family to make informed decisions and prepare future generations.

• Create a governance system with clear values, rules, and processes for collective decision-making.

• Take consistent action by turning plans into progress through small but steady financial steps.

 

Mentioned

Income to Wealth Masterclass (webinar registration link)

 

Connect with Lavaisha Davis

Websites: lavaishadavis.com

Facebook: facebook.com/lavaisha.davis

Instagram: instagram.com/lavaishadavis

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lavaisha-davis-27094b208

 

Ever felt like you’re stuck in old relationship patterns, no matter how hard you try to break free? Or perhaps you find yourself repeating the same old arguments, feeling misunderstood, or cycling through self-doubt and disconnection from your partner. The truth is, long-term intimacy often brings hidden challenges to the surface, and many of us wrestle with how to unravel deeply ingrained habits that hold us back from experiencing truly authentic, safe, and thriving partnerships.

In this episode, listeners discover how making tiny, targeted external shifts—rather than endlessly searching for answers within—can pave the way for new relational experiences and stronger partnerships. By exploring actionable strategies rooted in intuition, personal development, and a unique system for understanding your “ego centers,” you’ll learn how even the smallest changes can disrupt well-worn habits, unlock growth, and attract more authentic, secure connections in your life. Whether struggling with undervaluing yourself, longing for healthier dynamics, or navigating the challenge of healing old wounds in love, this conversation offers fresh perspectives and practical tools to help you build the partnership you truly want.

New York Times best-selling author and intuitive Laura Day has spent nearly four decades helping individuals, organizations, and companies harness and develop their innate intuitive abilities to create profound change. Newsweek magazine calls her “The $10,000-a-Month Psychic,” adding “When business people need a crystal ball, they turn to consultant Laura Day, the ‘intuitionist.’” The Independent dubbed her “The Psychic of Wall Street.” Laura’s work has helped demystify intuition and bring it into the mainstream for everyday folk and A-Listers. In her workshops and presentations, she demonstrates the practical, verifiable, and sometimes astonishing uses of intuition in the fields of business, science, medicine, and personal growth.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

 

Episode Highlights

04:49 How Laura Day’s trauma shaped her path as an intuitive.

08:11 Bringing structure and credibility to intuitive and psychic work. 

11:57 Discovering the “Prism” and redefining the role of ego.

14:25 How small external shifts can disrupt ingrained patterns.

19:19 How our bodies and patterns shape reality.

21:02 What your heartbeat says about your relationships.

25:35 How self-talk influences the energy you bring to relationships.

29:10 How new habits around value impact every area of life.

31:12 Simple practices to reinforce self-worth and openness.

34:01 Setting goals and finding a community to support relational growth.

 

Your Check List of Actions to Take

• Write down three meaningful goals that give your life and relationships purpose.

• Pick one small, new habit to try today—something simple that disrupts old patterns.

• When you catch self-criticism, replace it with a gentle affirmation (e.g., “I forgive myself for being imperfect”).

• Practice responding to opportunities and compliments with openness and gratitude to change how you engage with the world.

• Pause to notice what emotion you’re giving off before you act or speak.

• Invite new experiences, people, or communities into your life that challenge your habits or expand your perspective, rather than only looking inward.

• Do one thing outside your comfort zone or in a new environment.

• Join or engage with a community that encourages your growth.

 

Mentioned

The Prism: Seven Steps to Heal Your Past and Transform Your Future (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Practical Intuition: How to Harness the Power of Your Instinct and Make It Work for You (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Practical Intuition in Love: Let Your Intuition Guide You to the Love of Your Life (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Connect with Laura Day

Websites: lauraday.com

Facebook: facebook.com/lauradaycircle

YouTube: youtube.com/user/LauraDayCircle

Instagram: instagram.com/lauradayintuit

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laura-day-023b1713

 

Money may not buy happiness, but the tension between enjoying life today and securing a stable future can leave many couples feeling stuck, anxious, or even at odds with each other. Are you and your partner finding it difficult to strike a balance between living for the moment and building a financially secure tomorrow? Navigating finances together can bring up deep-seated fears, old money stories, and conflicting priorities—making it a journey that’s as emotional as it is practical.

In this episode, you’ll discover how couples can open up the conversation about money in a way that’s thoughtful, honest, and constructive. Through real-life examples and expert strategies, you’ll learn how to identify and communicate your financial values, create a flexible plan that adapts to life’s twists and turns, and build habits that support both today’s joy and tomorrow’s security. Whether you’re saving every penny out of fear or struggling to rein in your spending, this conversation offers actionable tools to help you play the right "money game" together—and come out stronger as a couple.

Eric Roberge, CFP, is the CEO and lead advisor at Beyond Your Hammock, a financial planning firm based in Boston that serves professional couples in their 30s and 40s with young families. His business partner and wife, Kali Roberge, serves as COO of BYH. Eric & Kali understand the challenges of financial planning around families and children because, as parents of a three-year-old, they’re in the trenches and well-versed in what it takes to build a financial plan that serves every member of the family. Eric and Kali live with their daughter and two cats in Cambridge, Mass.

 

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

 

Episode Highlights

04:12 How Eric & Kali  built a marriage and business partnership.

08:54 The struggles of balancing love, work, and parenthood with the same partner.

11:22 How to start honest money conversations with your partner.

13:08 What money arguments reveal about communication styles.

18:11 How childhood shapes our money mindset.

21:18 Redefining “enough” and moving beyond scarcity.

24:38 Simple saving targets without guilt or judgment.

26:02 Planning with flexibility so life’s surprises don’t derail you.

29:56 Why your financial map should keep evolving.

33:51 Systems over stress: Using money rules and systems to create freedom, not restriction.

36:37 Defining the money game you want to play.

40:33 How to nurture your plan, find the right guides, and stay the course.

 

Your Check List of Actions to Take

• Take a moment to pause, breathe, and check in with your body and emotions before starting any money conversation with your partner.

• Together, review your current finances—assets, liabilities, cash flow—without judgment, to see where you stand right now.

• Have open conversations about what matters most to each of you, both in daily life and in the future, to uncover shared values and goals.

• Reflect on and share your individual “money scripts” or early financial beliefs, and notice how these influence your current behaviors and stressors.

• Clearly specify what “enough” looks like for your family, so you have a concrete target for saving and spending.

• Create simple guidelines (like saving 25% of your income) to automate good habits and reduce emotional spending decisions.

• Revisit your financial plan regularly to adjust for life changes, ensuring your approach evolves with your circumstances and goals.

• Intentionally set times to have financial discussions as a couple, even when life gets busy, so things don’t build up or get avoided.

 

Mentioned

Money for Life with Eric Roberge, CFP (Apple Podcast) (podcast)

One page financial plan (link)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

 

Connect with Kali & Eric Roberge

Websites: beyondyourhammock.com

Facebook: facebook.com/beyondyourhammock

X: x.com/beyondfinances

Instagram: instagram.com/beyondyourhammock

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericroberge

TikTok: tiktok.com/@beyondfinances

About this Episode

What if everything you know about love is a myth—built on luck, chance, and hope? The truth is, many of us walk into relationships with big dreams of “happily ever after,” only to find that real connection can feel overwhelming, elusive, or even impossible to sustain. We use words like “respect,” “trust,” and “compassion,” but rarely stop to define what they truly mean for ourselves and our partners. Without a roadmap, couples often end up lost in confusion, miscommunication, and heartbreak.

In this episode, you’ll discover a fresh, research-backed framework for designing love that actually lasts. You’ll learn about the six key ingredients necessary for truly thriving relationships and uncover why love can’t survive on feelings alone. By diving into practical strategies, real-world examples, and self-reflection tools, this conversation offers a powerful guide to recognizing what really matters in your connection and how to nurture it, every single day.

Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, Ph.D., is a renowned author, speaker, and thought leader in relationship dynamics. With experience in 41 countries, she has advised hundreds of couples, governments, UN agencies, and corporations. Her book, Love by Design: 6 Ingredients to Build a Lifetime of Love, explores six key principles for thriving relationships. Dr. Nasserzadeh’s work has been featured in leading media outlets, including NPR, The New York Times, BBC, CNN, and more.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. Episode Highlights 

05:45 Dr. Sara’s unique approach to relationship dynamics and global work.

09:43 Unpacking the emergent love research model and its origins.

10:58 Grounded theory research: Analyzing couples and identifying relationship patterns.

15:52 Defining core relationship concepts and the search for universal ingredients.

19:19 Emergent model findings: Moving beyond “love comes first”.

21:01 Three phases of research and development of a relationship assessment tool.

24:42 The six key ingredients for lasting love.

29:11 The power of loving behaviors and nonverbal communication in relationships.

32:20 Cultural and physical factors that influence emotional connection.

34:32 The importance of everyday gestures and their impact on intimacy.

38:07 Small actions and social etiquette: Nurturing connection in daily life.

44:49 Understanding your “love blueprint” and core sensitivities.

45:56 Knowing yourself: Quirks, pet peeves, and vulnerabilities in relationships.

49:24 Dr. Sara’s resources, final thoughts, and where to connect.

Mentioned

Love by Design: 6 Ingredients to Build a Lifetime of Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Connect with Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh

Websites: sara-nasserzadeh.com

Facebook: facebook.com/Dr.SaraNasserzadeh

YouTube: youtube.com/user/DrSaraNasserzadeh

Instagram: instagram.com/dr.saranasserzadeh

Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like it to be discussed, please contact us by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

About this Episode

What happened to our sex life? It’s a question that so many couples and individuals ask themselves in silence, often with a mix of confusion, frustration, and vulnerability. Desire seems to disappear overnight. Intimacy becomes awkward or routine. Shame and self-doubt creep in, making it all the harder to talk about what’s really going on—let alone figure out how to reconnect. The problem isn't just about mismatched libido or busy schedules. It's about navigating the invisible scripts, societal expectations, stress, and even past wounds that shape our most intimate experiences.

In this episode, we dive deep into understanding the roots of sexual disconnection and desire discrepancies–from personal identity and past experiences to relational habits and cultural messaging. Through empathetic discussion and expert insights, the conversation invites listeners to explore both individual and relational factors that impact their sex lives, offering practical strategies for reclaiming intimacy, self-awareness, and genuine pleasure. Whether you’re looking to rekindle passion, start new conversations, or simply better understand your own needs, this episode delivers compassionate tools and supportive perspectives to help you navigate the complex terrain of modern sexual relationships.

Dr. Kate Balestrieri is the author of What Happened to My Sex Life? and a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist focused on helping people heal from trauma and addiction, improve relationships, and have better sex lives. She is the founder of Modern Intimacy, a counseling practice that operates in Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago, and a passionate advocate for mental health, relational and sexual health, and wellness.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. Episode Highlights 

03:08 Kate’s personal and clinical journey exploring lost desire.

08:46 How identity and culture influence sexual expression.

11:32 Confronting fear and questioning sexual norms.

15:12 Creating safety to discuss and explore new desires.

18:39 Building safety and self-awareness around intimacy.

20:56 Unpacking shame, fantasies, and compulsive sexual behavior.

26:17 Understanding that fluctuating desire is normal.

29:04 The impact of stress and lifestyle on libido.

31:22 Prioritizing self-care and space for intimacy.

35:04 Practicing rolling consent and daily connection.

37:51 Rethinking gender roles in intimacy.

40:03 Addressing resentment and rebuilding honesty.

44:04 Healing, self-compassion, and claiming pleasure.

Mentioned

What Happened to My Sex Life?: A Sex Therapist’s Guide to Reclaiming Lost Desire, Connection, and Pleasure (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Get Naked with Dr. Kate (*Apple Podcast) (podcast)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Connect with Dr. Kate Balestrieri

Websites: modernintimacy.com

Facebook: facebook.com/themodernintimacy

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UClA2nKs0kZyeInZctBNCUqw

Instagram: instagram.com/themodernintimacy

Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like it to be discussed, please contact us by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

About this Episode

Are you stuck in the cycle of trying to control everything in your relationship, only to find yourself drifting further away from the connection and harmony you truly crave? Sometimes, the harder we try to make things “right,” the more we lose sight of what makes love resilient, joyful, and honest. The truth is, love isn’t about micromanaging or enforcing your idea of perfection—it’s about learning to ride life’s unpredictable waves with trust, acceptance, and a willingness to let go.

In this episode, listeners are invited to explore how letting go of control and embracing the natural flow of love can transform the way they relate to their partners. Through personal stories, reflective questions, and practical guidance, this conversation offers insight into why acceptance and trust are essential for deepening intimacy and resilience in your relationship. You’ll discover tools to break free from the criticism-defensiveness loop, foster genuine communication, and understand how even small shifts in mindset can create lasting change in your love life.

Daniel A. Miller is a best-selling author who explores how acceptance, letting go of control, and trust can transform relationships and personal well-being. His newest book, The Way of the Wave: Nature’s Model for Navigating Life’s Currents, offers practical guidance for embracing life’s unpredictability with greater ease, resilience, and inner peace. Daniel’s work draws on decades of experience, blending personal stories, research, and wisdom to help others live more empowered, connected lives.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. Episode Highlights 

04:49 Lessons in listening and humility from Daniel’s early controlling behaviors.

06:51 How nature and acceptance transformed Daniel’s approach to relationships.

13:25 Letting go of control: The key to real intimacy and gratitude.

19:44 How Daniel learned quick repair to break cycles of withdrawal.

21:12 Attunement and emotional safety as the root of true intimacy.

26:08 Life’s crises exposed control’s dangers and the power of acceptance.

31:12 Trading fear for acceptance unlocked deeper possibilities for Daniel.

37:22 Humility and vulnerability as foundations for lasting

41:29 How acceptance and engagement create richer, more intimate relationships.

45:19 Letting go enables trust, imperfection, and true flow in life.

Mentioned

The Way of the Wave: Nature's Model for Navigating Life's Currents (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

The Gifts of Acceptance: Embracing People And Things as They Are (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Losing Control, Finding Serenity: How the Need to Control Hurts Us And How to Let It Go (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Connect with Daniel Miller

Websites: danielamiller.com

Facebook: facebook.com/people/Losing-Control-Finding-Serenity

Instagram: instagram.com/danielamillerauthor

Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like it to be discussed, please contact us by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

About this Episode

Grief can strike when we least expect it, turning our world upside down and reshaping the very foundation of our relationships. When couples encounter loss—whether through miscarriage, infertility, or unexpected life changes—the path to healing can feel lonely, uncharted, and overwhelming. Even the closest partnerships can struggle to find the words, understanding, or comfort needed to move forward together. How do we navigate personal pain while remaining present for each other? Can couples truly heal side by side, even when their experiences of grief are so different?

In this episode, listeners are invited into a heartfelt conversation exploring the realities of grief and healing within intimate relationships. Through personal storytelling and expert insight, the discussion dives deep into the complexity of navigating loss as a couple—highlighting the differences in individual grief experiences, the power of mutual support, and the importance of holding both sorrow and hope. Practical wisdom and lived experiences shed light on how couples can create space for each other’s emotions, foster resilience, and slowly rebuild a sense of connection and possibility. Whether you have faced loss yourself or support someone who has, this episode offers guidance and reassurance that, together, healing is possible.

Madeleine Garner is a New York-based writer. Her play, I Ragazzi, cowritten with her father, Broadway writer David Goldsmith, was published in 2023 by the Dramatists Play Service and is now available for licensing. She is the Head of Creative Services Operations, Americas at Sotheby’s Auction House, and she received her B.A. in Art History and Italian Studies from Wheaton College in Massachusetts. She resides in Queens with her husband, daughter, and cat. Recently, published “Your Baby Will Find You: A Story About Grief, Loss, and Healing.”

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. Episode Highlights 

05:17 Madeleine recounts the shock and heartbreak of her miscarriage, revealing the profound emotional and physical challenges she faced in its aftermath.

09:52 The clinical steps following miscarriage, unhelpful care, and the early stages of coming to terms with profound grief.

12:01 From shared struggles to connection—turning grief into creativity.

23:16 The value of surrendering to the unpredictable process of grief, healing, and hope.

29:16 Madeleine reflects on “Your Baby” as a symbol of destiny, fulfillment, or creativity for anyone navigating loss or uncertainty.

31:10 The balance between striving and surrendering.

36:10 Grieving as a couple: Different paces, shared support.

40:02 How returning to one another after rupture and repair builds a secure partnership and deepens intimacy after loss.

43:58 Resources and ways to connect with Madeleine.

Mentioned

Your Baby Will Find You: A Story About Grief, Loss, and Healing (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

This is Me and Only Me (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

The Missing Piece (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

ERP 453: How To Navigate Grief In Long Term Relationship – An Interview With Christina Rasmussen

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Connect with Madeleine Garner

Websites: maddydaragarner.com

Instagram: instagram.com/maddydaragarner

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*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.