In this episode of Let’s Talk Love, Robin sits down with Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP, authors of Too Tired to Fight: 13 Essential Conflicts Parents Must Have to Keep Their Relationship Strong. Together, they share an honest and insightful conversation about the challenges of parenting while maintaining a strong partnership. The Mitchells explore how conflict, while inevitable in raising children, can become a powerful opportunity for connection. Drawing from their book, they provide practical tools and intentional communication strategies to help couples navigate stress, deepen understanding, and strengthen their bond amidst the complexities of parenting. This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to parent—and partner—with greater teamwork and compassion.

Takeaways:

• Parenting inevitably brings conflict and disagreements.
• Attachment dynamics shift when children are introduced.
• Conflict can be an opportunity for connection.
• Intentional communication skills can be learned.
• Understanding your partner's story is crucial in conflict resolution.
• It's important to recognize and express your emotions.
• Suspending defensiveness allows for better communication.
• Navigating parenting challenges requires teamwork and understanding.
• Creating space for intentional conversations is essential.  
• Cyclical arguments often stem from unresolved emotional issues.
• Postpartum changes can significantly affect physical touch dynamics in relationships.
• Developing skills for connection is crucial for thriving in parenting. 

We want to hear from you! Send us your anonymous questions for the Podcast as well as our weekly IG Live Ask The Experts Q&A. https://realloveready.com/submitaquestion

Links:

Book - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059371427X

Website - https://couplescounselingforparents.com/too-tired-to-fight/

Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/couples-counseling-for-parents/id1598800142?i=1000672124088

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Credits: the Let’s Talk Love Podcast is hosted by Robin Ducharme, recorded and edited by Maia Anstey, and transcribed by Otter.ai.

This week on Let’s Talk Love, Robin is joined by Love and Relationship Coach Chantal Landreville to explore the journey to authentic and lasting love. Chantal shares her inspiring story of being single for 18 years before stepping into her role as a coach, offering powerful insights into the importance of self-awareness and personal development in relationships. Together, they discuss the balance of feminine and masculine energies, the difference between wants and needs in a partnership, and the intention behind dating. Chantal highlights the pillars of healthy relationships—willingness, respect, acceptance, and thoughtfulness—and emphasizes the need for safety and vulnerability in love. Drawing from her book, she offers practical tools to help listeners navigate their own relationship journeys with clarity and confidence.

Takeaways:

• Applying personal development is crucial for relationship success.
• Vulnerability is essential for deep connections.
• Understanding the difference between wants and needs in relationships is key.
• Relationships require a balance of giving and receiving.
• Self-awareness helps in recognizing patterns in relationships.
• The 'why' behind our desires is often overlooked.
• We need to weed out superficial wants to find true connection.
• Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and acceptance.
• Continuous growth and openness are vital in partnerships.
• Self-awareness is crucial for understanding relationship dynamics.
• Dating should focus on being known rather than just being liked.
• Safety is a fundamental need in relationships.
• Thoughtfulness in daily interactions strengthens bonds.

We want to hear from you! Send us your anonymous questions for the Podcast as well as our weekly IG Live Ask The Experts Q&A. https://realloveready.com/submitaquestion

Links:

https://raiseyourlovesignal.com/book-landing-page/

https://raiseyourlovesignal.com/

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Credits: the Let’s Talk Love Podcast is hosted by Robin Ducharme, recorded and edited by Maia Anstey, and transcribed by Otter.ai.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Love, host Robin Ducharme is joined by Zach Brittle, LMHC, and Laura Heck, LMFT—co-hosts of the podcast Marriage Therapy Radio and authors of Reconnect: A Marriage Counseling Workbook. As Certified Gottman Therapists, Zach and Laura bring their expertise to a conversation about the intricacies of love and relationships. Together, they explore the power of curiosity, the importance of small gestures, and the distinction between adoration and appreciation in fostering emotional connection. Zach and Laura discuss appreciating partners for who they are rather than what they do, reevaluating roles and responsibilities to maintain fairness, and supporting each other's dreams. Packed with practical advice and heartfelt insights, this episode offers tools for couples to deepen intimacy and navigate relationship challenges.

Takeaways:

• Curiosity is essential for meaningful relationships.
• Small gestures can significantly impact emotional connection.
• The ReConnect workbook is designed for couples feeling disconnected.
• Adoration in a relationship goes beyond appreciation.
• Meaningful conversations sustain healthy marriages.
• Couples should prioritize small things often.
• The sin of certainty can hinder relationship growth.
• Creating rituals can enhance emotional intimacy.
• Regularly reevaluating household roles can improve relationship satisfaction.
• Supporting each other's dreams is essential for a thriving partnership.
• Revisiting the love story can help couples reconnect and find joy.
• Communication is key to understanding each other's perspectives.
• Emotional labor is often overlooked in relationship dynamics.
• Couples should aim to be each other's biggest supporters.
• Shared goals and visions strengthen the bond between partners.
• A positive perspective can reveal the good that exists in relationships.

We want to hear from you! Send us your anonymous questions for the Podcast as well as our weekly IG Live Ask The Experts Q&A. https://realloveready.com/submitaquestion

Links:

https://marriagetherapyradio.com/

Workbook - https://amzn.to/4ds7XY6

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Credits: the Let’s Talk Love Podcast is hosted by Robin Ducharme, recorded and edited by Maia Anstey, and transcribed by Otter.ai.

In this episode of Let's Talk Love, Robin is joined by world-renowned trauma expert Dr. Frank Anderson to explore society’s growing awareness of trauma and the path to healing. Dr. Anderson shares insights from his memoir, To Be Loved, reflecting on his personal journey and the power of storytelling in trauma recovery. Together, they discuss the complexities of therapy, real-life applications of therapeutic insights, and the dynamics of trauma bonding within families. Dr. Anderson helps us understand trauma responses, the four T’s of trauma healing, and the transformative nature of the healing process. Emphasizing forgiveness as a personal choice and the necessity of reclaiming one’s power, this conversation illuminates the journey of self-awareness, self-love, and the collective effort essential for healing.

Takeaways:

• Trauma awareness has significantly increased in recent years.
• Storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing.
• Healing often occurs outside of traditional therapy settings.
• Trauma bonding can complicate family dynamics.
• Thanking our trauma responses can change our internal world.
• The four T's of trauma healing are essential for recovery.
• Healing can happen through sharing experiences.
• Forgiveness is a personal choice, not an obligation.
• Ignoring our wisdom often keeps us connected to unhealthy relationships.
• Transforming trauma involves corrective experiences.
• Taking back your power is crucial after trauma.
• Healing is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

We want to hear from you! Send us your anonymous questions for the Podcast as well as our weekly IG Live Ask The Experts Q&A. https://realloveready.com/submitaquestion

Links:

To Be Loved https://tr.ee/ZtpAr5plNR

https://www.traumainstitute.com/

https://www.frankandersonmd.com/

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Credits: the Let’s Talk Love Podcast is hosted by Robin Ducharme, recorded and edited by Maia Anstey, and transcribed by Otter.ai.

This week on Let’s Talk Love, Robin welcomes Licensed Psychologist, Author, and Founder & CEO of Therapy for Black Girls, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. Together, they explore the transformative power of sisterhood and community, with Dr. Joy sharing insights into the unique experiences of Black women and the vital role of friendship in mental health and healing. They discuss the loneliness epidemic, the courage in vulnerability, and the strength in asking for help, while examining the challenges of unlearning the need to appear constantly strong and self-reliant. Together they highlight ways to offer help to friends in need and encourage listeners to take risks in forming new friendships.  With practical advice, Dr. Joy inspires us to foster deeper connections and build friendships that truly uplift and sustain us. 

Takeaways:

• Cultural upbringing influences how women view friendships.
• The loneliness epidemic affects a significant portion of the population.
• Sisterhood allows for visibility and support among women.
• Curiosity in conversations fosters deeper connections.
• Holding space means listening without judgment.
• Intentional time for friendships is crucial for intimacy.
• Creating safe spaces allows for vulnerability.
• Asking for help is a skill that can be developed.
• Offering tangible help can be more effective than open-ended offers.
• Building new friendships requires taking risks.
• Every connection has the potential to grow into a friendship.
• Sisterhood plays a crucial role in healing and support.

We want to hear from you! Send us your anonymous questions for the Podcast as well as our weekly IG Live Ask The Experts Q&A. https://realloveready.com/submitaquestion

Links:

https://uta.bulkbooks.com/products/sisterhood-heals-the-transformative-power-of-healing-in-community

https://www.sisterhoodheals.com/#sister-quiz

https://therapyforblackgirls.com/

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Credits: the Let’s Talk Love Podcast is hosted by Robin Ducharme, recorded and edited by Maia Anstey, and transcribed by Otter.ai.

This week on Let’s Talk Love, Robin is joined by award-winning journalist and menopause advocate Tamsen Fadal. Tamsen opens up about her journey from a successful career in journalism to becoming a champion for women’s health, with a focus on navigating menopause. Tamsen shares her personal experiences with menopause, highlighting the importance of understanding its stages and the need for greater education and support for women during this transition. She points to the importance of finding healthcare professionals who truly understand menopause.  Tamsen shares what has worked for her, including making key lifestyle adjustments and embracing aging with grace.  She also reflects on her time as a matchmaker and how our relationships naturally evolve over time.  We look forward to reading her newest book, How to Menopause,  releasing this March 2025. 

Takeaways:

• Over a billion women will experience menopause by 2025.
• Perimenopause can last several years and includes various symptoms.
• There are effective solutions for managing menopause symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy.
• Finding a knowledgeable doctor is crucial for menopause management.
• Listening to your body and self-care are essential during this transition.
• Aging can be embraced as a blessing, not feared.
• Tamsen's matchmaking experience taught her about relationships and self-discovery.

We want to hear from you! Send us your anonymous questions for the Podcast as well as our weekly IG Live Ask The Experts Q&A. https://realloveready.com/submitaquestion

Links:

https://www.tamsenfadal.com/howtomenopause

https://www.pbs.org/show/the-m-factor-shredding-the-silence-on-menopause/

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Credits: the Let’s Talk Love Podcast is hosted by Robin Ducharme, recorded and edited by Maia Anstey, and transcribed by Otter.ai.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Love, Robin speaks with relationship coach Nathalia Christensen about the complexities of unhealthy relationships and the journey to healing. Nathalia shares her personal story of overcoming anxiety and finding her path as a coach. They discuss the signs of toxic and narcissistic behaviors.    This conversation emphasizes how important introspection and self-awareness is in building relationships based on mutual growth, love and respect.

Takeaways:

• Toxic relationships can manifest in various forms, not just romantic.
• Recognizing red flags early can prevent deeper emotional harm.
• Self-awareness is crucial in identifying unhealthy dynamics.
• Healing from toxic relationships requires time and self-reflection.
• People pleasing often stems from feeling unsafe in a relationship.
• Healthy relationships foster personal growth and self-esteem.
• Trusting your gut feeling is essential in relationship dynamics.
• Researching potential partners can help avoid toxic situations.
• Taking the time to get to know someone is vital for a healthy relationship.

We want to hear from you! Send us your anonymous questions for the Podcast as well as our weekly IG Live Ask The Experts Q&A. https://realloveready.com/submitaquestion

Links:

Work with Nathalia: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePd0dYrMWVknyZLXq1CtWa3yHETcuuQ6uCQOxfPJ1_w0H4XQ/viewform

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Credits: the Let’s Talk Love Podcast is hosted by Robin Ducharme, recorded and edited by Maia Anstey, and transcribed by Otter.ai.

In this heartfelt conversation, Robin and Jessica Janzen explore the themes of love, joy, and resilience. Jessica opens up about her journey through grief during and after losing her son, Lewiston, and how she made the powerful choice to embrace joy amidst the sorrow. Drawing from her experiences as a motivational speaker, she highlights the importance of trusting intuition, the power of community, and how giving and receiving support can transform life’s most difficult moments. They also discuss Jessica's book, Bring The Joy, where she illustrates how simple acts of kindness—from both friends and strangers—brought her family renewed strength during their hardest times. This conversation reminds us of the power of human connection and the strength found in community.

Takeaways:

• Joy can coexist with grief.
• Following your heart's nudges is essential.
• Community support can transform experiences.
• Resilience is key in relationships.
• Perspective shifts can change everything.
• Celebrating joy is a choice we can make.
• It's important to receive help from others.
• Living a life of service brings fulfillment.
• Gratitude can be a default setting.
• Personal growth often comes from challenges.

We want to hear from you! Send us your anonymous questions for the Podcast as well as our weekly IG Live Ask The Experts Q&A. https://realloveready.com/submitaquestion

Links:

https://jessicajanzen.ca/coaching

https://www.loveforlewiston.com/

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/194978441X?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_7STBGZA1XKJ3G60J10RV

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Credits: the Let’s Talk Love Podcast is hosted by Robin Ducharme, recorded and edited by Maia Anstey, and transcribed by Otter.ai.

In this conversation, Robin and Terri Cole explore the concept of High-Functioning Codependency (HFC), examining HFC behaviors and the emotional costs they bring to relationships and personal well-being. Terri shares insights from her book Too Much, highlighting how easily we can become overly responsible for others' crises and the importance of self-awareness and self-care. Together, they unpack the toll HFC takes, from burnout to diminished intimacy.  Terri offers empowering strategies for recovery, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering deeper self awareness and healing.

Takeaways:

• High Functioning Codependency is often misunderstood and overlooked.
• Many high-achieving individuals do not identify as codependent.
• Recognizing the traits of HFC is crucial for self-awareness.
• The cost of HFC includes burnout and lack of joy in life.
• Setting boundaries is essential for healthy relationships.
• Intimacy can suffer in relationships affected by HFC.
• Recovery from HFC involves learning to receive and ask for help.
• Self-discovery is a key component of overcoming HFC.
• It's never too late to create the life and relationships you desire.

We want to hear from you! Send us your anonymous questions for the Podcast as well as our weekly IG Live Ask The Experts Q&A. https://realloveready.com/submitaquestion

Links:

terricole.com/fhc

www.hfcbook.com

www.terricole.com

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Watch the podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/realloveready

Credits: the Let’s Talk Love Podcast is hosted by Robin Ducharme, recorded and edited by Maia Anstey, and transcribed by Otter.ai.

This week on Let’s Talk Love, Robin is joined by Sabrina Zohar for an insightful conversation on the complexities of love, relationships, and dating. Sabrina shares her personal journey, from acting to becoming a love coach, and dives into the importance of self-discovery, authenticity, and setting healthy boundaries in relationships. Together, they explore how reframing rejection can transform your dating experience, the role of online dating, and why trusting your intuition is key. This heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of cultivating self-worth and approaching dating with gratitude and openness.

Takeaways:

• Self-discovery is crucial for building healthy relationships.
• Rejection can be reframed as redirection in dating.
• Online dating can be more effective when approached with intention.
• Creating an engaging dating profile is essential for attracting the right partner.
• Vibe checks before dates can help gauge compatibility.
• Trusting your intuition is key in navigating relationships.
• Dating fatigue can be managed by setting boundaries and taking breaks.
• Gratitude plays a significant role in fostering positive relationships.
• Choosing yourself first is vital for healthy connections.

We want to hear from you! Send us your anonymous questions for the Podcast as well as our weekly IG Live Ask The Experts Q&A. https://realloveready.com/submitaquestion

Links:

https://www.sabrinazohar.com/foundation-course-overview

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Credits: the Let’s Talk Love Podcast is hosted by Robin Ducharme, recorded and edited by Maia Anstey, and transcribed by Otter.ai.