Send us a text

Infidelity cracks everything open. The trust you relied on? Shattered. The future you imagined? Uncertain. And now, you’re left asking the question no one ever wants to face: Can we actually survive this?

In this week’s episode of Love Shack Live, we’re stepping into one of the most painful, and misunderstood, relationship challenges: what happens after betrayal. If your partner has cheated and you’re trying to figure out whether to stay, how to heal, or even just how to breathe again, this conversation is for you.

We’ll answer the tough questions, like:

• What’s reasonable to expect from your partner in the early days of reconciliation?
• How do you begin to rebuild trust when everything inside you wants to protect yourself?
• What conversations actually matter after infidelity, and which ones will just make things worse?

You’ll also hear a deeply personal story from Staci about her own experience of betrayal, and how understanding, not blame, became the key to finding her footing again.

This isn’t a conversation about blame, shame, or quick fixes. It’s about anchoring yourself when the ground disappears beneath you. It’s about discovering what’s underneath the choice to betray. And it’s about giving yourself permission to not know what comes next.

Because the truth is: what you don’t say in your relationship matters just as much as what you do.

Whether you stay or walk away, this episode will help you begin the process of making sense of the mess, and finding your next step forward.

Timestamps: 

01:34 Listener Questions on Infidelity
02:40 Personal Story of Betrayal
06:50 Coping with the Shock
10:43 Understanding Emotional Drivers
13:39 Navigating Relationship Ruts
20:29 Key Conversations to Have
25:42 Common Misunderstandings
28:06 Reflecting on Personal Responsibility
30:58 Understanding Emotional Drivers
31:12 Gender Dynamics in Relationships
39:58 Building Emotional Safety
47:11 Practical Steps for Healing
47:33 The Power of Play
51:41 Musical Reflection
52:57 Final Thoughts and Resources

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength, so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

Send us a text

Right now, it feels like the world, and maybe even your own home, is pulling apart at the seams. Conversations that once felt effortless now feel loaded. The people we love can start to feel like strangers. And sometimes, shutting down or avoiding the tough talks just seems easier. But at what cost?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for people at a relationship crossroads, where daily conflicts, growing emotional distance, and a longing for real connection collide. I’m Staci Bartley, a relationship mentor, joined by my husband and co-host Tom, and our daughter Brooke. Together, we’re here to help you navigate love’s toughest seasons.

Today, we’re picking up where we left off with Topaz Adizes, a master of human connection and the creator of the Emmy-winning project The And. He’s spent years facilitating raw, unfiltered conversations between people from all walks of life, proving that the right questions can dissolve fear and bring people back together.

But here’s the question: What’s really at the root of division, in our relationships and in the world? And what’s the one shift that could change everything about how we relate to each other?

If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing someone, not because they’ve left, but because you just can’t seem to reach them anymore, stick with us. This episode isn’t just about understanding connection. It’s about learning how to create it, even when it feels impossible.

🔹 Listen now and discover the power of the right questions.

Timestamps:

02:36 The Impact of Social Media on Connection
03:37 The Art of Active Listening
07:25 The Challenge of Disagreement
10:30 Echo Chambers and Identity
16:46 The Importance of Vulnerability
21:41 Navigating Change and Conflict
36:22 The Power of Vulnerability in Holding Space
36:47 Fear and Fury in Media Content
37:53 The Impact of Algorithms on Human Behavior
38:08 Content Creation with a Purpose
39:10 The Role of Fear in Control
39:54 The Importance of Listening and Understanding
43:42 Creating Safe Spaces Through Questions
53:44 The Value of Owning Your Actions

🌟 Learn more about Topaz and his incredible work:

🔗 Visit The Skin Deep: https://www.theskindeep.com

📖 Get Topaz’s Book: 12 Questions for Love: https://www.theskindeep.com/products/12-questions-for-love-book

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength, so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

Send us a text

Do you feel like you and your partner are growing apart? Like no matter how much you try, the connection you once had is slipping through your fingers? Maybe conversations feel repetitive, like you’re stuck in the same arguments, or worse, like you’re just roommates, living parallel lives under the same roof.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Why does my partner seem distant?
• How do I bring back the spark in my relationship?
• What should I do if my partner won’t open up?
• Is emotional intimacy something we can rebuild, or is it too late?

Then this episode is for you.

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for people at a relationship crossroads, where emotional distance, conflict, and uncertainty don’t have to mean the end, but an opportunity to create something new. I’m Staci Bartley, a relationship mentor who’s spent over a decade helping couples navigate the hardest moments of love, alongside my husband and co-host, Tom, and our daughter, Brooke.

Today, we’re joined by Topaz Adizes, creator of The And, an Emmy Award-winning project that has helped thousands of couples reconnect by asking the right questions, the ones that cut through the tension and lead to real, vulnerable conversations.

Could the secret to saving your relationship lie not in fighting harder for answers, but in learning how to ask better questions?

If you’re desperate to reconnect but don’t know where to start, this episode will show you the simple but powerful way to rebuild trust, intimacy, and emotional closeness, starting today.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how the right questions could change everything.

Timestamps: 

01:19 Meet Topaz Adias: Master of Human Connection

02:59 Discovering a Passion for Intimate Conversations

04:34 The Essence of Teamwork and Connection

07:09 Navigating Relationship Challenges

12:47 The Importance of Emotional Weightlifting

16:37 Identifying and Addressing Toxic Relationships

21:50 Making the Decision to Let Go

24:26 Embracing Completion in Relationships

27:20 Crafting Quality Questions

29:14 The Science of Constructive Questions

39:59 Exploring Anger and Emotional Management

43:43 Resources and Final Thoughts

🌟 Learn more about Topaz and his incredible work:

🔗 Visit The Skin Deep: https://www.theskindeep.com

📖 Get Topaz’s Book: 12 Questions for Love: https://www.theskindeep.com/products/12-questions-for-love-book

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength, so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse

Send us a text

Are you stuck in the endless loop of waiting for your partner to return, hoping things will magically go back to normal? Waiting isn’t the solution, and it’s costing you more than you realize. In this episode, we explore the high price of holding on too tightly while standing still, and why it’s time to stop waiting and start living again.

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for those at a relationship crossroads, where daily conflicts feel heavier, the emotional gap is growing, and the future feels uncertain. I’m your host, Stacey Bartley, along with my co-hosts Tom and Brooke, here to help you navigate the toughest moments in love and give you real, actionable strategies to turn things around.

So, how long should you wait? And more importantly, what is waiting actually costing you?

This episode dives into the emotional and psychological toll of waiting for your partner to make a decision. We’ll uncover how waiting keeps you stuck, drains your confidence, and erodes your self-worth, all while your partner remains unaware of the damage being done. We’ll also share why waiting doesn’t heal the relationship, and instead, leads to a cycle of emotional burnout and uncertainty.

Get ready to shift your perspective. You don’t have to wait for your partner’s decisions to take control of your own life again. Tune in for practical, transformative tips to regain your power, rebuild your confidence, and stop letting uncertainty define your future. It’s time to make space for yourself, even while waiting.

Curious about how to move forward even when you’re unsure of what’s next? We’ll reveal exactly how small shifts can create meaningful change that will help you thrive, no matter what happens with your relationship.

Listen now, and learn why waiting is never the answer, and how you can start taking steps to live again.

Timestamps: 

01:36 The Psychological Toll of Waiting
02:46 The Cost of Waiting: Mental and Physical Health
04:12 Space Without a Plan: A Path to Degradation
15:24 Taking Back Your Power: Active Healing
29:29 Small Daily Shifts to Move Forward
37:57 Conclusion: Living with Purpose

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength, so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout for a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

Send us a text

Valentine’s Day is here, but instead of feeling loved and cherished, you’re dreading it. Maybe there’s a pit in your stomach because this year is different. Your partner has asked for space. They’ve pulled away emotionally, or maybe they’re physically gone. Now, a day that’s supposed to be about love feels like a cruel reminder of what you’ve lost… or what you still might lose.

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for people at a relationship crossroads, where daily conflicts, emotional distance, and uncertainty don’t have to mean the end of love, but a chance to rebuild it in a way that actually works.

I’m Staci Bartley, a relationship mentor who’s spent the last decade helping people navigate the hardest moments of their lives. Alongside my co-host and lover, Tom, and our daughter, Brooke, we help you untangle the messiness of love.

So here’s the question we’re tackling today: Why does Valentine’s Day feel so painful when your relationship is in limbo? And more importantly, how do you get through it without making the biggest mistakes that will only leave you feeling worse?

In this episode, we’re unpacking the biggest emotional traps that keep you stuck, the #1 mistake people make when they’re desperate for connection, and, most importantly, how to reclaim Valentine’s Day in a way that strengthens you instead of breaking you down.

By the end of this episode, you won’t just have a survival plan, you’ll have a game plan for making this day something that actually helps you begin to feel good again.

So, if you’re wondering whether your partner will reach out… if you’re tempted to send that “just thinking of you” text… or if you feel like you don’t belong anywhere right now, this episode is for you. Let’s get started.

Timestamps: 

01:12 Understanding the Pain of Valentine's Day
01:50 The Stubbed Toe Analogy
05:01 Common Mistakes in Relationship Limbo
09:25 Broadening Your Perspective
22:05 Practical Tips for Self-Love on Valentine's Day
27:34 The Importance of Self-Discovery
36:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship—it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength—so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout for a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

Send us a text

What if the hardest part about your partner asking for space isn’t the space itself—but what it does to you? The sleepless nights, the overthinking, the way every conversation replays in your head like a broken record. You tell yourself to be patient, but inside, you feel like you’re unraveling.

No one teaches us how to handle this moment. Most people react out of fear, chasing, shutting down, or grasping for control, without realizing the way they handle this space is shaping what happens next.

In this episode of Love Shack Live, we break down:

• ✅ The #1 mistake people make when their partner asks for space (and what to do instead).
• ✅ Why space isn’t necessarily the end—but an opportunity for clarity and growth.
• ✅ How emotional weightlifting helps you shift from panic to peace.
• ✅ The truth about why your partner needs space (it’s not what you think).

So how do you navigate this without making things worse? And is it really possible for space to bring you closer rather than push you apart? We need you to hear us say—yes.

Join us for a conversation that will change the way you see space, separation, and yourself.

🎧 Listen now!

Timestamps: 

01:45 Why We Need Space
03:47 Personal Growth During Separation
08:47 Emotional Weightlifting
12:40 Autonomy in Togetherness
17:48 Facing the Pain and Growing
19:31 Common Emotional Fears
23:56 The Courage to Request Space
27:01 The Hard Truths of Relationships
32:31 The Cycle of Self-Rejection in Relationships
33:18 Realizing the Need for Autonomy
35:30 The Importance of Self-Understanding
38:27 Building Blocks of Self-Work
41:35 Communicating Needs and Embracing Change
48:55 Emotional Weightlifting and Self-Reflection
53:41 Final Thoughts and Practical Exercises

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship—it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength—so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout for a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

Send us a text

Ever feel like you’re the only one holding your relationship together? You keep showing up, biting your tongue, doing what needs to be done—not out of love, but out of obligation. And yet, the more you give, the more exhausted, disconnected, and unseen you feel.

The hard truth? Obligation isn’t just draining you, it’s destroying the very emotional connection you’re trying so hard to save.

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for people at a relationship crossroads. If you’re struggling with daily conflict, emotional distance, or feeling like your partner is slipping away, you’re in the right place. I’m Staci Bartley, a relationship mentor with over a decade of experience helping couples navigate the hardest moments of love and life. I’m joined by my co-host and partner Tom, and our daughter Brooke, and together we help you understand what’s really happening in your relationship—and what you can do to change it.

So here’s the question: What if the thing you think is holding your relationship together, obligation, is actually pulling it apart?

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking:

• 💔 How obligation slowly replaces intimacy, passion, and connection
• ⚡ Why unspoken expectations and hidden resentments build over time
• 🔄 The difference between commitment and obligation—and why confusing them leads to burnout
• 🛠️ How to shift from obligation-based love to genuine choice and emotional freedom

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a relationship that’s more about duty than desire, this episode is a must-listen. Because love isn’t about checking boxes, it’s about showing up because you want to, not because you have to.

🎧 Press play now and start breaking free from the weight of obligation.

Timestamps: 

02:46 Marriage and Obligation
04:04 The Impact of Unspoken Expectations
07:58 The Balance of Obligations and Relationship Health
09:21 Emotional Exhaustion and Coping Mechanisms
13:46 Commitment vs. Obligation
16:46 Psychological Resistance to Obligation
21:22 The Emotional Weight of Obligations
26:21 Burnout and Self-Preservation
27:30 Dealing with Overwhelming Obligations
28:48 The Impact of Self-Imposed Obligations on Relationships
32:40 Reframing Obligations as Choices
37:39 Practical Tips for Managing Obligations
43:53 Communicating Boundaries and Needs
44:54 Making Obligations More Manageable
46:33 The Importance of Variety in Relationships
47:54 Final Thoughts on Navigating Obligations

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship—it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength—so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout for a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

Send us a text

Have you ever felt blindsided by your partner asking for space? Maybe you’re stuck replaying every conversation, wondering how it got to this point. Or perhaps you’re grappling with resentment, thinking, Why didn’t they say something sooner?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for those standing at a relationship crossroads. If you’re dealing with daily conflicts, emotional gaps, or longing to reconnect with someone you deeply care about, this is your space.

In this episode, we answer your most raw and heartfelt questions:

• Why should I appreciate my partner for asking for space, especially when it hurts so much?
• How can I let go of the resentment when they didn’t communicate their struggles sooner?
• Is it okay to reach out during a separation, or will it make things worse?

Together, we’ll uncover why asking for space is often an act of courage, not rejection, and how this moment can open a door to deeper connection and growth. You’ll walk away with actionable tools to navigate the gray areas of space, silence, and second chances.

Don’t miss this powerful episode that might just reframe how you view one of the hardest moments in your relationship journey.

Timestamps:

02:15 Understanding the Need for Space
05:48 Balancing Sadness and Empathy
08:01 Self-Reflection and Communication
11:58 Creating a Safe Space for Difficult Conversations
20:53 When to Reach Out During Space and Separation
24:07 The Importance of Self-Integrity
24:36 Understanding Emotional Drivers
25:03 Dealing with Separation and Unrequited Love
25:57 The Capacity to Love Many
28:47 Effective Communication in Relationships
30:54 Creating Space in Relationships
39:01 Navigating Separation with Children
41:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic. It doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. Instead, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide is designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust—on your own terms and timeline. Learn more and get started today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and gaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, discover the tools and support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

Send us a text

Have you found yourself in the unsettling quiet of giving your partner the space they asked for, wondering if you’re doing the right thing, or if you’re losing them altogether? The silence can be deafening, filled with questions: Am I helping or hurting? Is this space tearing us apart, or could it actually bring us closer?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone standing at a relationship crossroads, unsure of how to bridge the growing gap. If you’re facing daily conflicts, emotional distance, or moments of doubt about whether love can survive the strain, you’re in the right place. Together, we uncover the skills and strategies to rebuild bonds that are genuine and lasting.

In this episode, we tackle the burning question: How much space is too much? We’ll explore how to honor someone’s need for space while maintaining a connection, and why this time apart might be the very thing your relationship needs to grow.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical tools to create clarity during times of separation, establish healthy boundaries, and navigate the emotional uncertainty with intention and confidence.

And here’s the twist: we’re not just talking about “giving space” to your partner. We’re diving into how to use this time to reconnect with yourself, strengthen your foundation, and discover the opportunities hidden within the discomfort.

So, grab your headphones and step into the Love Shack, where we’ll guide you through this challenging season with wisdom, hope, and actionable insights.

Your journey starts here.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Relationship Crossroads
01:14 Understanding the Need for Space
02:04 The Challenges of Giving Space
02:58 Learning Relationship Skills
04:47 Facing the Reality of Relationship Issues
07:39 Common Misconceptions About Space
19:23 The Importance of Clear Communication
20:25 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Space
29:30 Understanding the Need for Space
30:22 The Emotional Struggle of Asking for Space
31:36 The Pressure of Using Space Correctly
35:25 Creating a Plan for Space
37:12 Setting Agreements and Expectations
40:08 Navigating No Contact Periods
42:30 The Importance of Clarity and Communication
53:32 Tools and Resources for Separation
55:41 Reflecting on Personal Needs and Agreements
57:14 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic. It doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. Instead, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide is designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust—on your own terms and timeline. Learn more and get started today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and gaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, discover the tools and support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

Send us a text

Feeling stuck in the space between staying and leaving?

That painful limbo, where your relationship isn’t thriving, but it’s not over either, can feel like a roller coaster of hope, despair, and confusion. Whether your partner has asked for space, filed for divorce, or you’re simply feeling emotionally disconnected, you might be asking yourself: Can this relationship be saved, or am I fooling myself?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone at a relationship crossroads. Hosted by Staci Bartley, along with her husband, Tom, and daughter, Brooke, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of love and partnership with honesty, compassion, and practical tools.

In this episode, we’re diving into what we call The Land of Maybe—the uncertain, emotional space where relationships are tested to their core. We’ll explore:

• Why this space feels like “hell on earth” and how to find peace amidst the chaos.
• How letting go of control (not hope) can create powerful new possibilities.
• What needs to happen for healing, even when one partner seems resolved to leave.
• Real stories of couples who found clarity and growth, whether together or apart.

If you’re holding on, unsure what to do next, this episode is for you. Discover how to shift from fear and confusion to clarity and strength. Because space doesn’t have to mean the end, it can be the beginning of transformation.

Let’s uncover what’s possible. Join us in the Love Shack.

Timestamps: 

• 03:19 Listener Question: Avoiding Divorce
• 05:13 Emotional Rollercoaster of Uncertainty
• 07:31 The Importance of Honest Communication
• 11:35 Navigating Emotional Pain and Discomfort
• 21:02 The Power of Letting Go
• 29:29 Creating Emotional Safety
• 33:45 The Consequences of Avoiding Difficult Conversations
• 35:52 The Importance of Honest Communication
• 37:22 Learning to Communicate Effectively
• 39:00 Personal Stories and Examples
• 41:25 The Lifelong Journey of Relationship Skills
• 44:10 Navigating Relationship Challenges
• 47:58 The Power of Self-Reflection
• 53:23 Envisioning a Future of New Possibilities
• 57:38 Conclusion and Resources

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic—it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. Instead, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide is designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust—on your own terms and timeline. Learn more and get started today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and gaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, discover the tools and support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

Your journey toward clarity and strength starts now.