n an episode of the God, Money, and Sex Podcast, hosts Raul and Vivian Villacis delve into the role of physical appearance in long-term relationships and marriages. They discuss the common misconception that looks are the foundation of a relationship, emphasizing instead the importance of deeper connections and mutual respect. The conversation highlights how relationships based solely on physical attributes or material wealth are prone to failure when those elements fade or change. They explore the idea that confidence and self-esteem are more attractive and sustaining than mere physical appearance. The hosts stress the need for personal growth and self-care, not just for the sake of appearance, but for overall health and well-being.

This episode of the GMS podcast was sparked by Keke Palmer, and a video of her dancing provocatively with Usher. Her husband aired out their dirty laundry for the world to see, posting his disapproval on social media. This sparks a conversation about what women should wear in what context, why this conversation wasn’t kept private, and the frustration that comes from trying to control other people. This conversation will touch on a lot of areas that can help you as a spouse and a parent.

On this episode, we are talking about a very heavy topic today. We are discussing the movie The Sound of Freedom, which is a movie about child sex trafficking. This is a very popular movie, which surprised many, given its intense subject matter. Raul and Vivian were, like everyone who saw it, touched by the message of this true story about Tim Ballard, who founded Operation Underground Railroad, and how he went from arresting predators to saving children directly. While it may seem hopeless at first to fight such evil in the world, there are things you can do. You can support anti-trafficking organizations, and you can protect your daughters and teach your sons. This is an episode that may make you angry, but you should watch this episode, and watch the movie in theaters.

On this episode of the podcast, Raul and Vivian discuss the 5 stages of a relationship, and the positive and negative feelings that you go through when you are in that stage: 

The infatuation stage is when you have that obsession, that neediness, that feeling that you can’t live without your partner. (Sometimes called “puppy love.”) A possible downside to this is that you become needy, and some relationships can’t survive if one partner is controlling and insecure. 

The honeymoon stage is when you don’t see anything wrong with your partner. You often overlook flaws in your partner, and unintentionally encourage unhealthy behavior by not being honest about your partner’s flaws. This can seem like the best time in a relationship, and couples often chase that feeling of the honeymoon stage, without realizing that the deeper love in the stages to follow is crucial to a long term relationship.  

The dissolution stage is also called the “reality check.” After overlooking your partner’s flaws in the honeymoon stage, you now acknowledge those flaws. It can be a real downer to have to confront the truth about your partner, and often your own disappointment is projected onto your partner. This is where your love is tested and you have to have the real and raw conversations.

The reevaluation stage is when you ask yourself if you’re going to be with this person for the rest of your life. It leads directly to the next stage (or doesn’t).

The commitment stage is where you go all in. You become aware of what you’re bringing into the relationship so that you can enhance each other’s lives. You want to grow old together, rather than chase the feeling of the beginning of a relationship. From that place, you can build a vision together.

On this episode of God, Money & Sex, we talk about the lessons we’ve learned from teaching. 

Recently, Vivian went on a trip to Ecuador to see her family, specifically her grandmother. It was a very tough trip because she knew her grandmother was sick, and she needed to be there for her before it was too late. Raul shares his own experience with his Grandfather passing away, and then they transition from there to building confidence in a relationship when your partner is in pain. Raul gives three rules for men: Don’t expect women to tell you what they want before you do anything, get clear on what you want, and never stop being hungry to improve your relationship. Watch this episode to learn how to improve your relationship, whether times are good or bad.

Why did Will Smith slap Chris Rock? Was it because of the darkness inside of him, or maybe because Jada gave him the “off with his head” look? On this episode of God, Money & Purpose, Raul and Vivian Villacis offer their take on why Smith acted the way he did from a place of understanding rather than judgment.

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In this episode of God, Money & Purpose, Raul and Vivian talk about the importance of celebrating your wins. Vivian has recently completed putting on her 6 Day Queens’ Challenge, and Raul has recently finished his own Get Your Edge Back Challenge. As teachers, the two have come so far in the years since they started their respective personal development journeys. This would not have been possible without celebrating the base hits along the way, rather than focusing on home runs that are few and far between. Watch this episode to see what Raul and Vivian have been doing since the last episode.

https://edgelink.click/getmyedgeback Follow us: Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/godmoneypurpose Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/047uSAEkLnvGmXlQ6MuuxB Vivian Villacis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivianvillacis/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivianpassion Raul Villacis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raultheedge/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaulTheEDGE/ Website: https://raulvillacis.com/

On this episode of God, Money & Purpose, Vivian and Raul discuss the topic of change. A person needs to be in pain in order to change. More specifically, a person needs to face his pain in order to change their habits. Once a person starts on that journey of self-improvement, the question becomes: what can the other person do? The person who has taken steps to change often has a fantasy that his partner will follow the example and magically level up as well. The reality is a little more complicated. You have to change yourself enough and be happy with yourself enough to inspire your partner to change, but not pressure them. It may take a long time, years, even, in order for your partner to face her own pain. But the way to make lasting change is to never focus on the outcome but enjoy the journey together.