By Staci Bartley, Relationship Expert
Relationships are complex. They are filled with ups and downs, highs and lows. And sometimes, it can feel like you're struggling just to keep your head above water. If you're feeling like this, the
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The podcast currently has 265 episodes available.
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Ever feel like you’re walking on eggshells, second-guessing every word you say or action you take in your relationship? Or maybe you notice a quiet tension—like something unspoken is driving your connection further apart. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: manipulation often hides in plain sight. And it’s not just them—it’s us, too.
Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone at a relationship crossroads. If you’re stuck in daily conflicts or feeling a growing emotional gap, we’re here to help you rebuild a bond that’s real, lasting, and built on mutual respect. We’ve guided thousands of couples to rediscover connection—and we’re here to guide you, too.
In this episode, we’re uncovering the often-overlooked dynamics of manipulation. What does it look like in your relationship? Why does it happen even when your intentions are good? And how can you break free from it without sacrificing what you need?
Together, we’ll explore:
Ready to let go of the silent power struggles and create the honest, loving connection you deserve? Press play—this is the conversation your relationship needs.
Timestamps:
03:37 Forms of Manipulation
06:43 The Power Dynamics of Manipulation
24:17 Personal Story: Manipulation in Action
30:52 Recognizing Subtle Manipulation in Relationships
30:58 The Blame Game: Self-Doubt and Manipulation
33:21 Creating Doubt: The Ice Cream Parlor Example
35:17 The Power of Asking Directly
37:26 Understanding and Overcoming Manipulation
40:06 The Importance of Honest Conversations
42:36 Empowering Yourself to Ask for What You Need
45:18 The Impact of Manipulation on Relationships
53:06 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events
And for those ready to take their journey even further, join our waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce at stacibartley.com/waitlist and be the first to know when we open enrollment! (We will have a special offer for podcast listeners!)
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This week’s election brought about a surge of emotions across the country—some people are feeling relief and optimism, while others face a deep sense of concern and uncertainty. For many couples, these contrasting feelings coexist under the same roof, adding a new layer of tension to their relationship. When the world feels divided, even the smallest exchanges at home can feel heavier than usual.
Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone finding themselves at a relationship crossroads. If you’re dealing with daily conflicts that feel more intense lately or noticing an emotional distance between you and your partner, you’re in the right place. Here, we’re dedicated to helping you rediscover a bond that feels genuine, resilient, and lasting.
In this episode, we’re addressing a timely question: How can you keep your relationship steady when outside stress threatens to pull you apart? We’ll dive into the subtle ways external pressures impact our closest connections and share actionable, empathy-based strategies for bridging divides when emotions are high.
If you’re ready to learn how to protect and nurture your relationship in challenging times, this episode is for you.
Timestamps:
01:43 Understanding External Stressors
03:59 Building Trust in Yourself
06:18 Trust and Relationships
10:08 Political Divisions and Personal Impact
12:47 Creating Connection Amidst Division
23:45 Steps to Rebuild Trust and Connection
25:36 Letting Go and Finding Joy
37:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
40:03 Join Our Community and Upcoming Events
43:37 Closing Remarks and Farewell
And for those ready to take their journey even further, join our waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce at stacibartley.com/waitlist and be the first to know when we open enrollment! (We will have a special offer for podcast listeners!)
Send us a text
Ever looked at your partner and felt a distance you can’t quite put into words? Once easy conversations now feel loaded, and you find yourself tiptoeing around topics that need addressing. It’s a crossroads, and you’re wondering: Is there a way back to real connection, or is it too late?
In this episode of Love Shack Live, we’re diving into your biggest, toughest relationship questions. From rebuilding trust after it’s been broken to navigating the storm of defensiveness, Staci Bartley, alongside co-hosts Tom and Brooke, takes on the raw, unfiltered truths that couples face when emotional gaps start to grow. We’ll address the real struggles you’ve shared with us—feeling unheard, dealing with defensiveness, and figuring out how to truly communicate without it spiraling into conflict.
What if the “I feel” statements aren’t working? How do you ask questions that invite real answers instead of raising walls? Can an avoidant attachment style change after years of struggle? Today, we’re equipping you with the tools, questions, and mindset shifts you need to reignite and rebuild the bond that brought you together.
So, if you’re wondering, Is there still a path for us? or How do we even start talking without it leading to another fight? this episode is your guide. Join us in the Love Shack and let’s dive into these real conversations—because moving forward starts with a single brave step.
Welcome to the Love Shack, where we’re rebuilding connection, one heart-to-heart at a time.
Timestamps:
01:22 Curated Questions from Listeners
02:03 Addressing Manipulation in Relationships
02:52 Effective Communication: Beyond 'I Feel' Statements
09:28 Understanding Avoidant Attachment
15:30 Handling Dishonesty and Emotional Regulation
29:32 Emotional Weightlifting: Building Relationship Confidence
31:09 Navigating Family Dynamics and Relationship Challenges
33:10 Emotional Regulation During Relationship Separation
41:13 Rebuilding Trust: Steps and Practical Exercises
45:54 Discovering and Expressing Your True Wants
56:56 Vision Mapping: Co-Creating Your Future Together
59:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Podcasts Mentioned In This Episode:
Episode 185: https://stacibartley.com/reconnecting-after-separation-rebuild-trust/
Episode 168: https://stacibartley.com/when-trust-falls-apart-betrayal-to-healing/
Episode 139: https://stacibartley.com/rebuild-trust-relationship-recovery/
Episode 131: https://stacibartley.com/beyond-betrayal-rebuilding-trust/
Episode 111: https://stacibartley.com/apologize-in-your-relationship-copy/
Ready to build those essential skills? Join the waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce and be the first to know when enrollment opens. Sign up now at stacibartley.com/waitlist and start learning the tools to transform your relationship.
Send us a text
What if I told you there are three hidden conversations that most couples never have—until it’s too late? We’re not talking about the dramatic arguments. These are the quiet, everyday moments, full of small frustrations and unspoken expectations, building up layer by layer until they create real cracks in your relationship. In this episode, we’re unpacking the three conversations that could bring you and your partner back to center before it’s too late.
Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone feeling stuck or uncertain about the next step in their relationship. Whether you’re replaying the same argument again and again or sitting across from your partner feeling more like roommates than lovers, you’re in the right place. I’m Staci Bartley, your relationship mentor, joined by my co-host Tom and our daughter Brooke. Together, we’ve helped hundreds of couples reclaim their connection, and today, we’re diving deep into the questions many are too afraid to ask.
So, what are the three conversations you need to have—now—to stop drifting apart? We’ll tackle those sneaky expectations that somehow end up in explosions, the tiny resentments that add up, and how to embrace each other’s personal growth without feeling left behind.
If you’ve been feeling distant or just plain frustrated, these three talks could be a turning point. Stick with us. These insights may change everything.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Conversations Couples Avoid
00:25 Welcome to Love Shack Live
01:46 Conversation 1: The Relationship Time Bomb
03:55 Unspoken Expectations and Misunderstandings
06:10 Different Perspectives in Relationships
09:55 The Importance of Communication
22:42 Practical Steps to Open Up Conversations
25:17 Reflecting on Tom's Support
27:32 Conversation 2: The Resentment Review
28:23 Addressing Reoccurring Hurts
35:04 Conversation 3: The Growth Gap Discussion
38:48 Embracing Differences in Relationships
45:18 Invitation to Save Your Marriage Program
45:49 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Ready to build those essential skills? Join the waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce and be the first to know when enrollment opens. Sign up now at stacibartley.com/waitlist and start learning the tools to transform your relationship.
Send us a text
Are you at the point where the silence between you and your partner is louder than the conversations? The same arguments, the same disappointments, the same distance, growing with every passing day. You’ve tried everything — from pleading to pretending everything’s fine — but the gap only seems to widen. You’re not alone. In fact, over a third of couples admit to feeling disconnected and uncertain about their future together.
Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for those facing relationship crossroads. I’m Staci Bartley, relationship mentor, and I’m here with my co-host Tom and our daughter Brooke. Together, we’ve guided couples through some of the most challenging moments in their lives. We know what it’s like to feel stuck, and more importantly, we know how to help you out of it.
Today, we’re answering the question you may have been avoiding: Is it too late to save your relationship? Or, more importantly, what haven’t you tried yet? In this special 200th episode, we’re sharing unconventional strategies to break the cycle of emotional disconnection. You might be surprised to learn that doing less, not more, could reignite the intimacy you thought was lost for good.
Are you ready to explore the hidden opportunities that you’ve overlooked? Let’s dive into what’s really going on and discover why understanding your part in the emotional dynamic could be the key to unlocking lasting change. Your relationship isn’t over—it’s just waiting for a new beginning. Tune in now.
Timestamps:
02:00 Understanding Self-Sabotage
03:26 The Cycle of Conflict
05:49 The Importance of Emotional Safety
15:23 Unconventional Benchmarks for Progress
23:00 The Power of Doing Less
26:29 Embracing the Mess
29:26 Starting with Your Part
30:15 The Power of the Pause
33:32 Discussing What Matters Most
36:49 Inviting Your Partner In
43:50 Navigating Relationship Changes
45:04 Transformative Client Stories
52:23 Exploring Memories for Inspiration
55:01 Conclusion and Next Steps
Ready to build those essential skills? Join the waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce and be the first to know when enrollment opens. Sign up now at stacibartley.com/waitlist and start learning the tools to transform your relationship.
Send us a text
Picture this: You’re sitting across from your partner. The house is finally quiet, no phones, no distractions. But instead of feeling close, there’s an empty space between you... a gap that feels impossible to bridge. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. 67% of couples report feeling emotionally disconnected, but here’s the real shocker: most don’t even realize it until it’s almost too late.
Welcome to Love Shack Live, where we help couples at a crossroads find their way back to a stronger, more connected relationship. In this episode, we’re diving deep into a silent relationship killer—neglect. You know the feeling: endless responsibilities, constant busyness, and suddenly, the person who used to be your number one priority feels like a distant stranger.
So, how do you stop the slow drift toward emotional atrophy and rekindle your bond?
Stick with us as we uncover the hidden signs of relationship neglect, why "I’m too busy" is the most costly lie you can tell yourself, and, most importantly, what you can do today to change course. You’ll walk away with simple, actionable steps to reconnect with your partner, whether you’re in crisis or just looking to strengthen your connection.
Curious about the invisible damage happening under the surface of your relationship? We’ll help you spot it and stop it. Ready to roll up your sleeves and rebuild what you thought might be lost? This episode is your roadmap.
Your future self, and your relationship, will thank you for tuning in. Let’s dive in.
Timestamps:
02:14 The Cost of Neglect
04:57 Avoidance and Its Consequences
08:53 The Hierarchy of Relationships
11:24 Facing the Fear and Finding Courage
20:14 The Hidden Dangers of Neglect
28:54 Blame and Accountability
29:42 Understanding Betrayal in Relationships
31:11 Rebuilding Trust and Connection
32:37 Practical Remedies for Relationship Neglect
35:03 The Power of Quality Time
36:39 The Importance of Being Present
42:05 Open Communication and Support
47:14 Introducing 'Save Your Marriage' Program
49:40 Creating Romance Heaven
53:18 Closing Thoughts and Listener Appreciation
Ready to build those essential skills? Join the waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce and be the first to know when enrollment opens. Sign up now at stacibartley.com/waitlist and start learning the tools to transform your relationship.
Send us a text
Do you ever hear people say, “We just fell out of love”? Perhaps you’ve even said it yourself. It’s easy to believe that love simply fades when life gets busy or tough. But here’s the truth: it’s a myth. Love doesn’t just slip away; it evolves. And understanding that evolution is the key to rekindling your relationship.
Welcome to Love Shack Live—the podcast for anyone standing at a relationship crossroads. If you’re facing daily conflicts, growing emotional distance, or wondering if it’s even possible to rebuild that deep connection, this show is for you. I’m Staci Bartley, relationship mentor, and I’m joined by my co-host and lover, Tom, and our daughter Brooke. Together, we guide you through what it takes to not only stay in love but thrive.
Today’s Big Question: Does love really fade over time, or is something else happening beneath the surface?
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why love doesn’t disappear—it transforms. We’ll walk you through the steps you can take to reignite the connection with your partner right now—no waiting necessary. Maybe you’ve been waiting for love to return on its own. Today, we’ll show you how intentional actions can bring it back.
Curious? You should be. The answer might surprise you—stay with us.
Chapters:
00:00 Debunking the Myth of Falling Out of Love
01:48 Understanding the Ebb and Flow of Love
13:10 The Holy Shit Moment: Realizing Imperfections
19:42 Embracing Differences for Growth
27:47 Embracing the Cycle of Love
29:57 Navigating Relationship Challenges
32:24 Rediscovering Connection and Intimacy
36:37 The Power of Vulnerability
41:33 Practical Steps to Reignite Love
51:50 Reflecting on Love and Growth
54:01 Closing Thoughts and Resources
Ready to build those essential skills? Join the waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce and be the first to know when enrollment opens. Sign up now at stacibartley.com/waitlist and start learning the tools to transform your relationship.
Send us a text
Ever felt like you’re living with a stranger, even though your partner is right beside you? It didn’t happen overnight, but here you are—facing a growing emotional gap and conflicts that seem to have no end. You’ve tried to talk, tried to fix things, but somehow, the distance just keeps building. And now, you’re left wondering: Is my marriage really in trouble?
Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for those of you standing at the crossroads in your relationship. Maybe you’re battling daily conflicts that never seem to resolve. Maybe you’ve started to notice that the connection you once had is slipping through your fingers. You know something needs to change, but you’re unsure where to even begin. That’s where we come in.
I’m Staci Bartley, a relationship mentor with over a decade of experience helping couples navigate these very challenges. Alongside my husband Tom and our daughter Brooke, we’re here to walk with you on this journey. We believe in providing real, practical solutions to the issues that keep you stuck. It’s not just about ‘working harder’ at your relationship—it’s about learning the skills to rebuild a connection that feels genuine, intimate, and lasting.
Here’s the question we’ll answer today: How do you know if your marriage is headed toward divorce? More importantly, what steps can you take right now to change course before it’s too late?
In this episode, we’ll uncover the five key signs that your relationship may be in danger. These aren’t just casual warning signals—they’re the pivotal moments where couples either find the strength to turn things around or watch as their relationship deteriorates beyond repair. But there’s hope. With the right actions, even the most strained relationship can heal. We’ll share actionable steps you can start taking today to stop the downward spiral and rediscover the connection you’ve been longing for.
One powerful statistic to consider: the average couple waits six years after identifying a serious problem before seeking help. Imagine what that delay does to the health of your relationship. Today, we’ll not only identify these warning signs but also show you how you can start addressing them now—before those six years turn into too little, too late.
You’ll hear real-life stories of couples who turned things around. You’ll gain insights into how small daily actions can either erode trust or help rebuild it. We’ll also dive deep into practical tools that can stop resentment from growing and restore emotional safety between you and your partner.
So, if you’re ready to take control of your relationship and start building a thriving, lasting connection—stay with us. This episode just might change everything.
Timestamps:
02:03 The Slow Build of Distance
02:38 The Importance of Proactive Action
10:04 Emotional Distance: The First Sign
19:47 Repeated Arguments: The Second Sign
24:13 Boundaries and Emotional Capacity
29:17 Understanding Emotional Boundaries
30:48 The Invisible Nature of Emotional Pain
31:34 The Consequences of Emotional Disregard
35:34 Manipulation and Power Struggles
42:22 Recognizing and Reducing Drama
44:22 Rebuilding Intimacy and Connection
47:04 Taking Action to Avoid Divorce
50:33 Overcoming Fear in Relationships
54:30 Final Thoughts and Resources
Ready to build those essential skills? Join the waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce and be the first to know when enrollment opens. Sign up now at stacibartley.com/waitlist and start learning the tools to transform your relationship.
Send us a text
What if the toughest conversations in your relationship aren’t the ones you’re having—but the ones you’re avoiding?
Resentment doesn’t build from the big arguments. It grows in the silence, in the moments when you keep your needs hidden, hoping your partner will just know. But here’s the reality: they won’t. And that unspoken tension? It will eat away at the love and trust you’ve built over time.
Here in the Love Shack we help people like you who are at a crossroads in their relationships—feeling stuck, emotionally drained, and unsure whether to stay or go. Together with my husband Tom and our daughter Brooke, we’re here to help you bridge the gap and rebuild the connection you once had.
In this episode, we dive into a crucial question: Why do we let our needs go unspoken, and how can we start voicing them before it’s too late?
You’ll hear real-life stories of couples who let their unspoken needs drive them apart, only to find that the key to healing was simpler than they thought: clear, vulnerable conversations. We’ll walk you through how to identify those hidden needs, share them in a way that strengthens your bond, and avoid the resentment that creeps in when they go unmet.
Curious about how to stop resentment in its tracks? Tune in now.
Timestamps:
Ready to build those essential skills? Join the waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce and be the first to know when enrollment opens. Sign up now at stacibartley.com/waitlist and start learning the tools to transform your relationship.
Send us a text
Ever feel like you’re living in relationship limbo? You’re stuck in the middle, unsure whether to stay or walk away, and every decision feels like the wrong one. You’re emotionally drained, and no matter how hard you try, the clarity you crave just won’t come. You’re not alone. In fact, 65% of people in struggling relationships feel trapped by indecision—and it’s not just an emotional issue, it’s a neurological one!
In this episode, we dive deep into why making decisions in uncertain relationships feels so impossible, and more importantly, how you can finally start finding your way out of the gray zone. Discover the hidden reasons behind your indecision, how anxiety is hijacking your brain, and why the answers you’re searching for aren’t out there—they’re inside you.
We’ll cover practical steps you can take right now to start moving toward clarity, whether it’s reconnecting with yourself or stopping the endless scorekeeping that keeps you stuck. If you’re ready to break free from emotional limbo and make decisions with confidence, this episode is for you!
Timestamps:
01:24 The Neuroscience of Anxiety and Decision Making
02:06 Personal Stories: Living in Limbo
04:21 The Impact of Anxiety on Decision Making
06:31 Finding Clarity from Within
07:53 The Importance of Self-Understanding
10:47 Personal Anecdotes: Stacey's Journey
14:34 The Role of Family and Children in Relationship Decisions
20:01 The Power of Self-Exploration
27:07 Practical Steps to Gain Clarity
35:36 Conclusion: Moving from Indecision to Empowerment
35:59 Invitation to Further Resources
36:54 Weekly Challenge: Resourcing from Within
Ready to build those essential skills? Join the waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce and be the first to know when enrollment opens. Sign up now at stacibartley.com/waitlist and start learning the tools to transform your relationship.
The podcast currently has 265 episodes available.
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