Marriage & Motherhood - How To Reconnect With Your Spouse After Kids

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The Power of Gratitude in Marriage

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” when things go right—it’s a powerful way to deepen connection, reduce defensiveness, and strengthen teamwork in your relationship. In this short and heartfelt Thanksgiving episode, Michelle shares how practicing gratitude can transform your marriage, especially during stressful seasons like the holidays.

You’ll learn:

• What gratitude really means (and what it’s not)
• Why expressing appreciation lowers defensiveness and builds connection
• How gratitude helps couples repair faster after conflict
• Simple daily gratitude practices that bring you and your partner closer
• What to do if gratitude feels hard right now

If you’ve been struggling to feel grateful because resentment or disconnection have taken root, this episode will help you start shifting your energy toward healing and reconnection.

Resources mentioned:

• Conflict to Connection Guide
  – Gain clarity so you can confidently communicate your needs
• Book a Clarity Call
  – Get personalized support to restore connection and improve communication in your marriage

Thanks for listening!

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

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The truth is—most modern women aren’t just working one shift. They’re working five.

Between managing households, raising kids, and keeping marriages afloat, it’s no wonder women are exhausted. In this episode, I share what the shifts are and I break down the concept of The Fifth Shift—the invisible labor of maintaining the health and connection of a marriage—and why it’s time to stop carrying it alone.

You’ll learn:

What the five “shifts” of modern motherhood and marriage actually are

Why the fifth shift (managing your marriage) often falls on women

How outdated conditioning still shapes relational imbalance today

Why partnership isn’t about being 50/50—it’s about awareness, capacity, and collaboration

Practical examples of how to rebalance responsibilities at home and in your marriage

You’ll walk away feeling seen, validated, and empowered to start creating more balance—without guilt or resentment.

If you’re ready to identify what needs to shift in your relationship so you can feel supported again, grab the Marriage 360 Review. It’ll help you assess your relationship, spot the imbalance, and open the door to real change.

Thanks for listening!

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

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When breastfeeding isn’t working the way you imagined—it’s not your fault.

In this episode, I am joined by Shari Stamps, an integrative wellness practitioner and mom of six, to talk about what really happens when feeding your baby doesn’t go as planned—especially when oral ties are involved.

We dive into the emotional and physical challenges of postpartum feeding, how to spot red flags, and why so many moms feel dismissed or unsupported when they know something’s not right.

Shari breaks down what oral ties actually are, why they’re often missed by professionals, and how a holistic care team (including lactation consultants, craniosacral therapists, and pediatric specialists) can help. She also shares how parents can regulate themselves, connect with their baby, and move through this season with more confidence and peace.

If you’ve ever felt like you were failing because feeding wasn’t “natural” or “easy,” this episode will remind you—you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What oral ties are and how they affect feeding

Signs your baby may be struggling beyond a “bad latch”

Why holistic support is essential for both mom and baby

How to self-soothe and stay grounded when feeding challenges feel overwhelming

The role your partner can play in emotional and physical support

Mentioned in this episode:

Shari’s toolkit: Your Baby’s Tie Care Bestie

Connect with Shari:
Website: https://www.navigatingparenthood.com/
IG: @navigatingparenthood
Podcast: Navigating Parenthood

Thanks for listening!

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

Support the show

Let us know how you enjoyed this episode!

You don’t have to dread the holidays.

Most couples enter the holiday season with good intentions—but end up buried under the mental load, family expectations, and endless to-do lists that leave them feeling resentful and disconnected.

In this episode, I'm sharing the exact conversation you can have with your partner to plan the holidays as a team instead of as stressed-out parents. You’ll learn how to align your values before diving into logistics, set realistic expectations, and avoid repeating the same stressful patterns every year.

You’ll also hear sample scripts, boundary phrases, and a complete 12-point agenda for planning your holiday season—from setting your vision and budget to dividing responsibilities and protecting couple time.

By the end, you’ll have everything you need to turn the holidays into a season that strengthens your marriage, not one that tests it.

In this episode:

• Why holiday stress magnifies your current relationship dynamics
• How to use Michelle’s P.E.A.C.E. Method to plan with your partner
• The 12 key conversation points every couple should cover
• How to set boundaries with family (without guilt)
• What to do differently this year to feel calm, connected, and aligned

Resources mentioned:

• Download the The Holiday Planning Conversation Agenda PDF here!
• Watch the The #1 Conversation Couples Need to Have (Free Masterclass) here!
• Book a Clarity Call here!

Thanks for listening!

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

Support the show

Let us know how you enjoyed this episode!

Bonus track to episode 244!

This is a bonus track courtesy of Kimberly Brown, meditation teacher.

If you've ever wanted to try meditation or already love meditation - this is for you!

Find a comfortable place you can be still and present and enjoy!

Connect with Kimberly:
Website: www.meditationwithheart.com
Substack: kimberlybrown.substack.com
IG: @kimberlyjbrown

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Let us know how you enjoyed this episode!

If you’ve ever felt like you’re reacting instead of responding in your marriage, this episode is your invitation to slow down.

In this powerful conversation with Buddhist meditation teacher and author Kimberly Brown, we explore how mindfulness and self-compassion can transform not just your relationship with yourself, but with your partner and kids too.

We discuss:

• What meditation really is (and isn’t)
• How slowing down your inner world changes how you show up in conflict
• Why managing your own emotions is one of the best ways to care for your marriage
• Practical, beginner-friendly ways to start meditating (even if you hate sitting still)
• How meditation helps you become a more grounded, compassionate partner and parent

Kimberly also shares a guided meditation practice in the bonus track following this episode — perfect for anyone curious to experience the benefits firsthand.

Listen in to learn how creating space for yourself can help you create more connection in your marriage.

Connect with Kimberly:
Website: www.meditationwithheart.com
Substack: kimberlybrown.substack.com
IG: @kimberlyjbrown

Thanks for listening!

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

Support the show

Let us know how you enjoyed this episode!

Your marriage doesn’t just grow on its own — it grows because you choose to nurture it.

After 11 years of marriage and 3 kids, I’ve learned that a thriving relationship doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, small daily habits, and a willingness to grow through every season of life.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on six things I personally do to keep my marriage healthy and connected — even with a full plate as a mom and business owner.

These habits aren’t about perfection — they’re about intention. When you consistently show up for your marriage in small but meaningful ways, you build the foundation for lasting love, connection, and teamwork.

Thanks for listening!

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

Support the show

Let us know how you enjoyed this episode!

Phones have changed everything about how we connect.

In this conversation, I am joined by Alisa DiLorenzo — marriage coach, co-host of The One Extraordinary Marriage Show and author of The 6 Pillars of Intimacy — and we dive into how smartphones have become both a tool and a challenge in modern marriages. From subtle disconnection and misplaced attention to the small daily habits that create emotional distance, we unpack how phone usage affects intimacy, communication, and connection.

Tune in to hear us go over:

• How to recognize when phones are replacing connection with your partner
• The difference between using tech intentionally vs. habitually
• What to say (and not say) when your spouse is always on their phone
• Simple daily habits that restore presence, connection, and intimacy
• How to align your family’s phone use with your shared values

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical ideas to reconnect — no app required.

Connect with Alisa:

www.oneextraordinarymarriage.com
IG: @oneextraordinarymarriage

The 6 Pillars of Intimacy Assessment: https://oneextraordinarymarriage.com/freequiz

Thanks for listening!

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

Support the show

Let us know how you enjoyed this episode!

So many couples start wondering, “How did we get here?” once kids enter the picture. It’s not that the love disappeared — it’s that it got deprioritized. Parenthood changes everything. Between sleepless nights, endless to-dos, and the emotional load of raising kids, your relationship can easily slip into “roommate mode.”

In this episode, I break down what’s really happening when love feels distant — and how to start nurturing it again in simple, sustainable ways. I share why parenthood naturally shifts your focus, how couples drift from lovers to co-parenting partners, and how to rebuild emotional intimacy through micro-moments of connection.

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “We used to be so in love — what happened?” this episode will help you see that you haven’t lost love… you’ve just stopped putting in the work to grow it.

You’ll learn:

• Why love fades when it’s not nurtured (and how to revive it)
• The shift from romantic partners to logistical roommates
• Simple ways to reconnect without overhauling your life
• Why intentional connection matters more than big gestures

It’s never too late to realign with your priorities — or each other.

Resources Mentioned:

• Marriage 360 Review
  Discover what your marriage needs most
• Book a Clarity Call
  Explore how marriage coaching can help you rebuild connection and feel like an “us” again

Thanks for listening!

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

Support the show

Let us know how you enjoyed this episode!

You don’t need to do it all to have it all.

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram during the holidays and thought, “How are other moms doing all this?”, this episode is for you.

I’m joined again by my friend and Marisa Lonic of Mama Work It to talk about the  comparison traps and guilt that come with modern motherhood — especially during the school and holiday rush.

We break down:

• How social media fuels “comparisonitis” and how to protect your peace online
• Why doing less can actually make you a better mom, wife, and human
• How to redefine success and capacity in each season
• Practical strategies for staying grounded, setting boundaries, and delegating without guilt

We also talk about what it looks like to be confident in saying no without apology and how modeling this for your kids teaches them self-respect and emotional intelligence.

If you’re ready to make this school year and holiday season lighter, calmer, and more connected — this conversation will help you do just that.

Connect with Marisa!

IG: @letmamaworkit

Website: www.mamaworkit.com

Thanks for listening!

Connect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!

If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!

Additional Resources:

• Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)
• Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!
• Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

Support the show