This podcast episode features hosts Mike and Kristen Jones as they launch the third season of Heart and Soulution, a show focused on improving interpersonal relationships. The hosts introduce the concept of a "sleep divorce," exploring how modern couples manage sleep disruptions like snoring or mismatched schedules to preserve their connection. Transitioning from home life to international adventure, they recount a recent family trip to Ireland intended to honor Kristen's late father. The narrative balances practical travel advice, such as navigating Dublin’s transit and finding hidden landmarks, with emotional reflections on traveling with adult children. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reintroduction to the series, highlighting upcoming topics like addiction, finances, and burnout.

© 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme (feat. Mike Jones)", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• Article Mentioned: 3 Signs You're Going Through a 'Sleep Divorce' – And the Expert Strategies to Restore Your Quality of Rest Right Now. Publication: Homes & Gardens. Author: Ottilie Blackhall (Sleep Editor). Published Date: March 6, 2026. Link: Homes & Gardens Article.

• Barry Lodge: Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland. Originally built in 1790 but has been tastefully updated and sits on 6 acres near the coast. David is an amazing host and the home is incredible,

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠@heartandsoulution.

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, hosts Mike and Kristen Jones conclude the second season by reflecting on their own relationship through a series of personal questions. They discuss the vital role of humor in marriage, noting how it serves as a tool for deescalating conflict despite occasional lapses in timing. The couple shares memories of their early dating experiences to emphasize that mutual friendship and active pursuit are the keys to maintaining a "spark" after the honeymoon phase. They also explore the concept of love as a daily choice rather than a fleeting feeling, critiquing modern dating shows for ignoring "red flags" in favor of superficial attraction. Finally, the hosts describe their daily rhythms and holiday traditions as essential methods for building a "bank" of positive memories to rely on during difficult times. 

© 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• Song reference (title and content): "Faithfully" by Journey (1983).
• Song reference: "Can you Feel The Love Tonight" by Elton John (1994).

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation @heartandsoulution.

In this episode, Mike and Kristen Jones discuss the psychological impact of emotionally immature parents. Drawing from Lindsay Gibson's research, the hosts explore how such parents often exhibit child-like behaviors, including a lack of empathy, extreme defensiveness, and the use of guilt or silence to control their children. These dynamics frequently lead to emotional isolation and a persistent sense of loneliness for the adult child, who may inadvertently seek out similarly unhealthy relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the necessity of establishing firm boundaries to break generational cycles of dysfunction. Ultimately, Mike and Kristen encourage listeners to shift their expectations, acknowledging that while they cannot change an immature parent, they can find healing and security through personal growth and spiritual faith. 

© 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• "Emotionally Immature" Is Not A Diagnosis, by Rachel Haack, MA, MFTI, "Psychology Today" (April 18, 2025).

• Gibson, Lindsay C., PsyD (2016), Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents:How to Heal From Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involve…, New Harbinger Publications.

• Song reference (title): "Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles (2017).

• Scazzero, Pete and Gerri. (2023), Emotionally Healthy Relationships: Discipleship That Deeply Changes Your Relationship With Others. HarperChristian Resources.

• Growing up, Bianca could never predict her father’s moods: the disorientation of an emotionally imm…, by Carly Dober, "The Guardian" (October, 2025).

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation @heartandsoulution.

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen Jones discuss the psychological concept of emotionally immature parents and the polarizing reception of Lindsay Gibson’s popular book on the topic. They explore a Psychology Today article that criticizes the book for potentially encouraging layman diagnoses and shutting down family dialogue, contrasting it with a Guardian piece that validates the painful, unpredictable experiences of adult children. The hosts emphasize that while the book may not be a strictly scientific clinical tool, it serves as a valuable resource for self-awareness and setting healthy boundaries. They define emotional maturity as the ability to remain objective, take responsibility for one’s feelings, and maintain deep connections without exploiting others. Ultimately, the discussion encourages listeners to use these insights to break generational cycles of dysfunction and foster more honest, differentiated relationships. 

© 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• ​"Emotionally Immature" Is Not A Diagnosis, by Rachel Haack, MA, MFTI, "Psychology Today" (April 18, 2025).

• Gibson, Lindsay C., PsyD (2016), Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents:How to Heal From Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents, New Harbinger Publications.

• Song reference (title): "Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles (2017).

• Scazzero, Pete and Gerri. (2023), Emotionally Healthy Relationships: Discipleship That Deeply Changes Your Relationship With Others. HarperChristian Resources.

• Growing up, Bianca could never predict her father’s moods: the disorientation of an emotionally immature parent echoed into her adulthood, by Carly Dober, "The Guardian" (October, 2025).

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation @heartandsoulution.

BONUS MATERIAL: In this episode of Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen Jones revisit the concept of repair techniques, which are tools used to de-escalate tension before an argument spirals out of control. The hosts introduce Dr. Gottman’s Four Horsemen—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—as negative behaviors that predict relationship failure if left unaddressed. To illustrate these concepts, they share a personal anecdote called the "mattress debacle," where poor communication and defensiveness led to a significant argument over disposing of an old bed. Ultimately, the hosts emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence and viewing disagreements as opportunities to grow closer rather than "winning" a fight. Through their own experiences, they demonstrate that even healthy relationships require continuous investment in a "positive perspective bank" to survive inevitable friction. 

© 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• Song referenced: "Fix You", Coldplay (2005)

• ⁠Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2002), The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony Books.

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation @heartandsoulution.

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, hosts Mike and Kristen Jones interview their long-time friends, Brandon and Megan Collins, to explore the evolution of their twenty-year relationship. The couple discusses their origins in a conservative "purity culture" environment, explaining how they prioritized a friendship-first foundation before marrying young. They detail their unique approach to intentional communication, which includes daily check-ins and avoiding "fighting" in favor of constructive processing. The conversation highlights how they navigate parenting teenagers while keeping their marriage the primary focus through consistent date nights. Finally, Brandon and Megan share how vulnerability and community support helped them endure a multi-year period of personal struggle and mental health challenges.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• Song mentioned: "Come Away With Me" by Nora Jones (2002).

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, hosts Mike and Kristen Jones explore strategies for revitalizing romantic intimacy and physical connection within a marriage. Drawing from the song "You've Lost That Loving Feeling," the couple discusses the importance of vulnerability and open communication to overcome feelings of rejection or insecurity. They highlight practical suggestions from various relationship experts, such as intentional physical closeness, sharing household activities like bathing, and maintaining a playful, flirtatious atmosphere. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on improving self-image and establishing a "sacred" space for the couple, free from the distractions of children or pets. Ultimately, the hosts encourage listeners to become "marriage explorers" by consistently prioritizing their partner’s needs and emotional satisfaction.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme" and all background music; written by Mike Jones, produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠Married Sex⁠⁠⁠⁠, by Gary Thomas and Debra K. Fileta, published in 2021 by Zondervan publishing, available on Amazon in multiple formats.

• ⁠The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work⁠. Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2002),Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2002), Harmony Books.

•  The Emotionally Healthy Leader, Pete Scazzero (2015), focuses on the core premise that spiritual maturity and emotional maturity are inseparable.

• Episode title and content references: You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' , by The Righteous Brothers.

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• ​Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, hosts Mike and Kristen Jones interview Jim and Joan Pagones, a couple married for over 44 years. The conversation highlights the couple’s fortuitous meeting in local politics and the humorous proposal that nearly went awry due to Jim’s reputation as a prankster. A central theme is their shared faith, as they recount their simultaneous, independent decisions to follow Christ years into their marriage. They also discuss overcoming significant health challenges, including cancer and diabetes, which they credit with strengthening their bond. Jim and Joan emphasize the importance of spiritual unity, financial transparency, and never going to bed angry. The episode concludes with a lighthearted "this or that" game, showcasing how their distinct personalities have complemented one another throughout their lifelong partnership.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme", "If We're Asking Other People Theme" and all background music; written and created by Mike Jones; produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Resource we mentioned: SYMBIS Assessment information ⁠https://www.symbis.com/⁠

• Song mentioned: "⁠Just the Way You Are⁠" by Billy Joel (1977)

Connect with Heart and Soulution:

• ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ​Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen Jones critique the claims of a Maryland pastor who says that the Bible does not explicitly forbid sex outside of marriage. The hosts argue that such teachings are false doctrines that contradict clear scriptural mandates regarding holiness and the exclusivity of the marital bond. They emphasize that God designed sexual intimacy as a sacred gift to be enjoyed specifically within marriage, serving as a physical representation of Christ’s relationship with the church. By citing various biblical passages, they highlight that sex is intended for mutual pleasure and bonding, rather than just procreation. The discussion also addresses the "purity culture" of the past, suggesting the church should focus more on the positive beauty of intimacy within God's boundaries. Finally, the couple shares personal anecdotes about their own meeting and early relationship to illustrate the lasting value of a God-centered marriage.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme" and all background music; written by Mike Jones, produced and mastered with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• ​⁠⁠⁠Married Sex⁠⁠⁠, by Gary Thomas and Debra K. Fileta, published in 2021 by Zondervan publishing, available on Amazon in multiple formats.

• Article -

https://churchleaders.com/news/511217-no-limits-baptist-preacher-says-theres-no-biblical-basis-for-abstaining-from-premarital-sex.html

• All scriptures referenced can be accessed through the free Bible app, YouVersion.

• Episode title reference: Beautiful Things, by Benson Boone.

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ​Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode from Heart and Soulution, Mike and Kristen Jones interview a young married couple, Ally and Zach, to provide a real-world look at modern relationships. The guests recount their eight-year journey, which began at a Buffalo Wild Wings, survived three years of long-distance dating, and culminated in a 2024 wedding. They share lighthearted stories about a nervous proposal involving a ring hidden in a sock and more serious reflections on their faith-centered ceremony. The discussion also highlights the importance of premarital counseling and the value of having a supportive community to navigate the early years of marriage. Finally, the couple offers advice on intentional communication and shares humorous anecdotes about buying a house and surviving travel mishaps.

(C) 2025 All Music by Mike and Kristen Jones for use by Heart and Soulution, including "Heart and Soulution theme", "Card of the day", "Get to Know You Theme" and all background music; generated with Suno.com.

Reference material and Resources to dive deeper:

• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠Resource we mentioned: SYMBIS Assessment information https://www.symbis.com/

• Song mentioned: "Love Someone" by Lukas Graham (2018)

Connect with Heart and Solution:

• ​Follow on Instagram: Join the conversation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@heartandsoulution.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ​Share Your Ideas: Let Mike and Kristen know your ideas for future episodes and engage in the conversation on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.