In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial elements that can keep a couple tethered in a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship: emotional intimacy and shared goals. We explore the significance of fostering emotional closeness, vulnerability, and open communication within a relationship to build a strong foundation of trust and connection. Additionally, we discuss the importance of setting common goals and working together towards them, as they can create a sense of unity, purpose, and shared vision for the future. Tune in as we discuss candidly about emotional intimacy and aligning goals can enrich and strengthen your relationship, while also reminiscing on our date night portrait painting.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content:

https://www.instagram.com/loveafterlullabies/

Interested in being a guest? Shoot us an email:

[email protected]

In this solo episode, Miranda explores the art of conflict resolution using the Gottman Method's three essential components: Accepting Influence, Identifying Perpetual Problems, and Taking a Break. Join her as she delves into practical strategies for fostering mutual respect, open communication, and the importance of knowing when to hit pause during heated moments. Learn how incorporating these elements can transform conflicts into opportunities for deeper understanding and connection in your relationships.

Please reach out if you'd like to be a guest on our show:

[email protected]

Also, don't forget to follow us on Instagram for fun behind-the-scenes content:

https://www.instagram.com/loveafterlullabies/

**Special Re-Release of S1 E6 with Steve Calis**

Join us as Steve Calis tells his serendipitous love story, which ultimately saved his life. Steve shares his experience of love, self identity and his role in becoming a new dad.  (This episode contains sensitive material including suicide ideation and intent, which could be triggering for some listeners.  Please take care while listening.)

Steve Calis is a podcaster from the small town of Yeovil, Somerset in the UK. He is engaged to the love of his life and has a beautiful son.  

Steve hosts The Steve Calls show! Steve is on a journey to be a better man. or, at least, a less stupid one. Join Steve each week as he sits with his two friends Kevin and George and often some very special guests to figure out what life is really all about. Enter the unusual, funny, warm and chaotic world of Steve Calis and join him on a quest to answer life's biggest questions and lots of life's small, weird questions too!

Listen to the Steve Calis Show here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AUqedDpgolrI1cQUAAUYy

If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health crisis, please reach out for help. If you are located in the United States, call Lifeline at 988. If you are located in the UK, call 116 123 or visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/?fbclid=IwAR0Ym31CWh2yuFDDoo6mIaJJkPbKdlkX3YUAYSWhuk6VFVU3VKI_W76pANE

Don't forget to follow Love After Lullabies on Instagram for all the behind the scenes content:

https://www.instagram.com/loveafterlullabies/

Also, if you'd like to be a guest on our show, please email us at:

[email protected]

In this BONUS episode, Maria Berglund, founder of InKind Boxes, shares her experiences with postpartum care and the inspiration behind her nonprofit organization. She discusses the differences between postpartum care in Canada and the US, highlighting the lack of support and attention given to new mothers in the US healthcare system. Maria explains how her own postpartum experiences led her to create InKind Boxes, which provides carefully curated postpartum care packages for families. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and receiving help during the postpartum period, as well as the need for intentional postpartum planning and support. In this conversation, Love After Lullabies and Maria discuss the challenges of setting boundaries and breaking people-pleasing habits as parents. They also explore the impact of in-kind gift boxes on families in need and share personal stories of giving and receiving these boxes. Maria shares her experience of moving to a new country and adjusting to parenthood. They discuss the importance of self-care and supportive partnerships, as well as the value of honest conversations about postpartum experiences. They also highlight the importance of finding support and community as parents and provide information on how to get involved with In-Kind.

Check out their website:

https://inkindboxes.org/

Be sure to follow InKind on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/inkindboxes/

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/loveafterlullabies/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Also, the best form of support in the Podcast world is to leave us a rating an review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. YOU are the heartbeat of Love After Lullabies!

If you'd like to be on our show, we would love to have you! DM us on instagram, or email us at:

[email protected]

On today's episode, we're joined by the incredible Christina and Charlie Walker. Together, we explore a variety of subjects, from cultivating community to redefining parenthood, and how working collaboratively strengthens our bonds and inspires those around us. Join us as we delve into their remarkable journey.

Christina Walker has been a private vocal performance coach for over 20 years. She is the CEO of PRACTICE-POLISH-PERFORM®, a virtual training program for youth performers, and is pioneering Performing Arts Mindset™education in the youth performing arts industry. Christina is a mom of 4 (ages 16-20) and lives in Dallas, TX.

Charlie P. Walker is an Associate Director of Cardio-Renal Sales at Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, where he’s been employed for the past 20 years. He started his career in Tennessee, where he met his wife Christina, before moving to Dallas Texas in 2015. Charlie is a Florida native, but made Tennessee his home after attending Carson-Newman University on a football scholarship, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. After pursuing a professional football career and serving as a public school teacher, Charlie worked as Director of Personal Training with the Bally Total Fitness Corporation and as a Youth Pastor in Knoxville, TN where he achieved his Master’s Degree in Biomechanics from the University of Tennessee in 2007.

In addition, Charlie is active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as a NCAA Character Coach, and volunteering as a Regional Team Captain for All Pro Dads. He and his wife Christina serve at Covenant Church in Carrollton TX (North Dallas) with their four beautiful and talented children, Lyric, Malachi, Maya, and Solomon.

https://www.practicepolishperform.com/theroadtothestage/

If you want to take advantage of Christina's offer, use the code LoveAfterLullabies30%off in the checkout cart to redeem your performance mindset journey!

Join us as we sit with Rodd and Alexandra, a married couple and relationship coaches, as they share their experiences and insights on maintaining intimacy and connection after becoming parents. They discuss the challenges they faced during the transition to parenthood, including the lack of sleep and support. They also highlight the dynamics of being firstborns and how it influenced their parenting journey and the importance of finding something more in their relationship and the process of reigniting the spark. They talk about seeking guidance and education to improve their relationship and build intimacy and also discuss the significance of sharing vulnerability and desire in cultivating a strong connection. Finally, they reflect on changing assumptions and goals and the courage it takes to speak up about their needs and desires.

In this conversation, Rodd and Alexandra share their insights on building intimacy and connection in a relationship, especially after having children. They discuss the importance of shared experiences and having a common goal in maintaining a strong partnership. They also emphasize the power of choosing one's experience and finding moments of connection throughout the day. Practical strategies for intimacy, such as appreciating non-sexual physical touch and creating intentional moments of connection, are explored. The conversation concludes with information about Alexandra's work and resources, including the Honeymoon 2.0 retreat.

How to reach Alexandra:
website https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/
The Intimate Marriage Podcast:
www.alexandrastockwell.com/podcast
“Uncompromising Intimacy”
www.alexandrastockwell.com/book

IG
https://www.instagram.com/intimacydoctor/

FB
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093537316555

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrastockwell/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@intimacydoctor

Tiktok
https://www.tiktok.com/@intimacydoctor

In this solo episode, Miranda and Aaron dissect further into their conflict pattern, with a recent uptick of tension in the house. With a commitment to growth and understanding, they reflect and explore strategies for healthier communication. 

Drawing from Miranda's recent participation in a sex therapy course, they delve into the topic of intimacy and its intersection with technology. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as they broach the subject of sex robots, sparking a thought-provoking and controversial dialogue around the ethical and emotional implications of such innovations on human relationships. 

From navigating arguments to the future of intimacy, this episode promises laughter, introspection, and maybe even a few cringy eyebrow-raising moments!

For more info on the Texas Obscenity Statute:

⁠https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/pe/htm/pe.43.htm⁠

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes and upcoming info:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/loveafterlullabies/⁠

If you'd like to be a guest on our show, we'd love to have you! Reach out via instagram, or email us at:

[email protected]

In this candid episode, Rachel Needham, a career woman, single parent, mindset and relationship coach, and author of the book Blueprints for Divorce, shares her story and what led her to become a single parent. She discusses the red flags she noticed in her relationship before having kids and how those issues were already present. Rachel also talks about the expectations of marriage from religious and societal influences and how they can impact relationships. She shares her experience of ending the relationship and the response she received from others, while emphasizing the importance of self-care and self-love during and after divorce. The conversation also touches on personal growth and the concept of free will within the context of religion. Rachael also discusses her book, 'Blueprints for Divorce,' which offers guidance and support for individuals going through a divorce, in a novel way.

Takeaways

Red flags in a relationship should not be ignored, as they can indicate underlying issues that may become more pronounced after having children.

Expectations of marriage from religious and societal influences can put pressure on couples and may not align with the reality of their relationship.

Ending a relationship can be difficult, and the response from others may vary. It's important to prioritize self-care and surround yourself with supportive people.

Self-care and self-love are crucial during and after divorce to heal and rebuild a fulfilling life. Emotional safety and trust are crucial in relationships. It is important to determine how much we are willing to open up emotionally to certain people and establish trust to create a safe space.

Personal growth and the concept of free will can be explored within the context of religion. It is important to find what is right and good for oneself and one's family.

Separation and divorce can be challenging, but choosing love for oneself and one's children is a powerful decision.

The book 'Blueprints for Divorce' offers guidance and support for individuals going through a divorce, providing a choose-your-own-adventure approach to navigating the process. Purchase your copy here:

https://www.amazon.com/Blueprints-Divorce-Love-Sacrifice-Redemption/dp/B0CTYB9H4L/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3N1R4U8PBXTXW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vPu1Q8qQjpYhC-mEQmuyWyOL3vgoFko3yLkawc8IOaXWKoOaAVjOiGtzQ96PRsb8JCDtHUkped0hzPV3jN8fUAk9tZKoGasd_BxHMxjqasGLZVkMyye3LR7yaXL9dg5S0fQj-LT9FQ93cAfcgDa1ah0dw49eZh9lnVWJ3d6cy4zyeE4SneamPHupdo6GVRkIyVgBkQ31LGbT52ZeqwexJlSDDjK1zah9g9SMyVNZ2rw.NE3xbK65y878sn6y2I2erNtcIjAkVomKq0DmCDbymGk&dib_tag=se&keywords=blueprints+for+divorce&qid=1710791048&sprefix=blueprints+for+divorce%2Caps%2C297&sr=8-1

About Rachael:

Rachael is a mindset and relationship coach, business owner, single parent, friend, and lover of life and God. Having lived in France to get her master's degree, Rachael now speaks French with her girl-boy twins. The three of them love both exploring the world and living on their Midwest farm with their Goldendoodle, orange cat, and robo-vacuum.

https://rachaelneedham.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:26 Growing Up and Getting Married

03:02 Starting the Healing Process

04:00 Writing the Book

05:27 Expectations vs Reality

05:44 Recognizing Red Flags

07:19 The Influence of Religion

09:28 Deciding to End the Relationship

09:47 Response from Others

10:46 Guilt and Responsibility

12:10 Leaving the Relationship

13:00 Emotional Safety and Trust

17:17 Dating and Relationships

20:06 Dealing with an Unhealthy Marriage

21:11 The Decision to Divorce

22:10 The Response of the Ex-Spouse

24:56 The Act of Love in Divorce

26:44 The Book 'Blueprints for Divorce'

In this episode, Leslie and Brady share their journey of leaving traditional 9 to 5 jobs to pursue entrepreneurship while embracing stay-at-home parenthood. From navigating challenges of balancing family life and business ventures to finding fulfillment in pursuing their passions, their story inspires and motivates. Tune in as they discuss the joys and hurtles of their transition.

Bio from our guests:

Leslie and Brady Huffer started a digital marketing side hustle soon after they got married as a creative outlet and additional income stream while she was a special education teacher and he was in corporate sales. Their marketing agency, Hey Huffers, grew faster than they had anticipated and they decided to take the leap to quit their 9 to 5 jobs to run it full-time together. A week later they found out they were pregnant and expecting a baby girl! Now they get to run their business and be home and present with their daughter each day! In addition to Hey Huffers, Leslie has started a community to help other moms launch profitable at-home businesses as well as sharing simple everyday activities to keep kids engaged, learning, and growing each day called The Joyful Work at Home Mama. They love empowering other families to live life on their own terms!

Social Media: Instagram: @thejoyful_WAHM and @heyhuffers

Don't forget to follow Love After Lullabies on instagram, and reach out if you'd like to be a guest!