Zach sits down with Susan and Tim Bratton, a couple who’ve been together for 35 years and built both a marriage and a business dedicated to helping others experience more fulfilling intimacy. Susan, an internationally recognized intimacy expert, and Tim, her husband and business partner, open up about how their marriage nearly ended before they discovered that great sex and great connection are learnable skills.

They discuss their journey from obligation and misunderstanding to joy, exploration, and deep emotional safety. The Brattons talk about how they schedule what they call “erotic play dates,” why they prefer honesty over comfort, and how they use curiosity, compassion, and skill-building to keep passion alive after three decades together.

This conversation challenges cultural assumptions about monogamy, sex, and communication, offering a look into what’s possible when a couple commits to lifelong learning. Not just about each other, but about love itself.

Intimacy is learnable – Susan and Tim discovered that sexual fulfillment is a skill that can be developed through education, communication, and practice.

From duty to desire – Their first decade of marriage was marked by obligation and frustration until they learned how to reconnect through experimentation and pleasure.

Erotic play dates – Scheduling intimacy takes pressure off “performance” and creates time for exploration and connection.

Radical honesty builds safety – They credit transparency, even when uncomfortable, as the foundation of their long-term trust and growth.

Know your relationship values – Understanding what each partner truly wants (for Tim: passion and fun; for Susan: safety and honesty) changed everything about how they relate.

Sex evolves with skill – They emphasize that pleasure pathways are infinite—what worked last time may not work today, and that’s part of the adventure.

Growth mindset saves marriages – When something wasn’t working, they didn’t give up—they learned, experimented, and grew together.

Susan and Tim Bratton
Susan Bratton is an intimacy expert, author, and educator who’s helped millions of people transform their relationships and sex lives through her books and programs, including Relationship Magic. She publishes at BetterLover.com and teaches techniques for building trust, pleasure, and passion.

Tim Bratton is her husband and business partner—the technical and operational lead behind their digital platforms and newsletter. Together, they run a team that supports their mission to make sexual wellness and education accessible, shame-free, and actionable for couples around the world.

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Zach talks with Mike and Caroline Neubauer, the husband-and-wife team behind Our Family Invests. From meeting on a Maui beach to building a life of real estate success, family adventure, and deep purpose, their story is equal parts romance, resilience, and intentional design.

Mike, a former firefighter turned real estate investor, and Caroline, a realtor and hospitality professional, share how they built financial freedom through smart investing while keeping their marriage and family at the center. They discuss parenting their nine-year-old son, Nico, navigating caregiving for aging parents with dementia, and learning that true success means doing what you love, without sacrificing connection.

Throughout the conversation, Mike and Caroline reflect on their evolution as a couple, from best friends to business partners to co-hosts of a podcast inspiring entrepreneurial families to thrive together.

A shared “why” fuels success - Their marriage and business are driven by a mutual vision: creating freedom and impact as a family.

Communication is non-negotiable - They schedule time to talk, align on goals, and revisit priorities regularly through “coffee dates.”

Boundaries bring balance - Clear work hours, shared calendars, and family rituals like Fun Fridays keep life joyful and grounded.

Roles evolve, but the mission stays the same - Each knows their strengths: Mike leads investing, Caroline manages transactions, and they pivot as needed.

Caregiving changes perspective - Supporting Caroline’s parents through dementia taught them patience, teamwork, and the value of living in the moment.

Success without sacrifice - They refuse to chase money at the expense of harmony, choosing family and purpose first.

Grace and growth go hand in hand - They remind couples that no one is “100% all the time,” and giving grace during hard seasons keeps love steady.

Mike & Caroline Neubauer
Founders of Our Family Invests, Mike and Caroline are real estate investors, podcast hosts, and parents living on Maui. Through their show and community, they share insights on financial freedom, marriage, and raising a family rooted in values. Their podcast spotlights entrepreneurial couples who are redefining success without losing sight of what matters most.

website - https://ourfamilyinvests.com/ 
instagram - https://www.instagram.com/OurFamilyInvests 

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Zach talks with Brian and Toby, partners of 13 years, and dads of two daughters. They share openly about parenting, building a household on their own terms, and how their marriage has evolved through different phases, from dating in Manhattan to raising a family in Brooklyn.

Brian and Toby talk about splitting household roles, setting expectations, and creating rules that bring freedom instead of friction. They also share how growing up gay shaped their ability to design a marriage without traditional templates, why openness and honesty fuel their intimacy, and how they balance parenting with maintaining fun and connection.

Key Takeaways

Parenting in phases – From toddlers to elementary-aged kids, parenting shifts from hands-on care to emotional presence, and Brian and Toby embrace each new stage.

Custom rules reduce conflict – Alternating mornings, dividing domains like kitchen and bedtime, and setting an “11 a.m. rule” help keep household harmony.

Gay marriage breaks the mold – Without pressure to follow traditional timelines, they built their relationship with more freedom and intentionality.

From secrecy to openness – Their open marriage evolved from “don’t ask, don’t tell” to full transparency, deepening their trust and intimacy.

Compersion in practice – They highlight how celebrating a partner’s happiness, whether in rest, personal pursuits, or relationships, can fuel closeness.

Shared values of planning and fun – Their natural organization and commitment to joy give their family structure and spontaneity in equal measure.

Brian
Co-host of the Dads and Daddies podcast.

Toby
Executive producer and co-founder of an animation production studio.

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Zach sits down with Jennifer and Andres, co-founders of Those Coffee People, to share the remarkable story of how travel, serendipity, and coffee brought them together.

Jennifer, originally from Connecticut, and Andres, a Colombian with family roots in coffee farming, met in a hostel in Peru and quickly discovered they were better together. What started as a whirlwind travel romance became a shared mission: bridging cultures through specialty coffee.

They talk about navigating cross-cultural challenges, balancing Jennifer’s impatience with Andres’ laid-back style, and learning how to turn conflict into connection. Their company, Those Coffee People, isn’t just about beans—it’s about creating bridges between Colombia’s coffee growers and global markets, while also building a marriage grounded in respect, humor, and shared vision.

Key Takeaways

The “one cup” theory is real – Jennifer insists every non-coffee drinker has one specialty cup that changes their mind about coffee.

Love was brewed in travel – Their relationship began in Peru, where they jokingly staged a “first wedding” with a tinfoil ring.

Cross-cultural marriage brings both gifts and challenges – Jennifer’s directness and impatience balance Andres’ laid-back, community-oriented approach.

Writing helps repair – Andres often follows up arguments with written reflections and plans, which Jennifer appreciates.

Business as a love story – Those Coffee People grew out of their passion for connecting cultures and building something they could do together.

Vision for the future – Coffee is their “first child,” but they hope to grow their company, raise a family, and expand their impact in Colombia and beyond.

Guest Info

Jennifer & Andres: Co-founders of Those Coffee People, Jennifer and Andres export specialty Colombian coffee to roasters around the world. Based in Medellín, they combine Jennifer’s global business background with Andres’ family heritage in coffee to create bridges between farmers and international markets. Their story is as much about love and cultural exchange as it is about coffee.

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Zach sits down with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith, co-founders of the RaabSmith Team, to talk about their journey from betrayal and addiction to building a thriving marriage and coaching practice.

They share candidly about Matthew’s struggles with sex addiction and pornography, Joanna’s experience of betrayal trauma, and the long process of stabilizing their relationship. What began as survival slowly transformed into something deeper, thanks to radical honesty, acceptance, and the development of their “Pyramid of Intimacy,” which helps couples rebuild step by step from honesty to safety, trust, vulnerability, and finally intimacy.

Now leading a team of couples who help other couples, Matthew and Joanna demonstrate that it’s possible not only to recover, but to thrive—turning personal pain into a pathway for others.

Matthew and Joanna RaabSmith
Founders of the RaabSmith Team, Matthew and Joanna are authors, speakers, and coaches specializing in betrayal recovery and intimacy building. Their book Building True Intimacy outlines their Pyramid of Intimacy framework. Together, they lead a team of couples who have walked through betrayal and now help others find honesty, healing, and deeper connection.

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Zach sits down with writer and relationship coach Matthew Fray https://matthewfray.com/, author of "This Is How Your Marriage Ends", and his partner, Jen. Together, they share the story of how their friendship over bourbon turned into a deeper relationship, shaped by lessons learned from past marriages and the blind spots that can quietly erode trust.

Matt opens up about how regret from his first marriage fuels his vigilance against repeating old patterns, while Jen explains why she trusted him enough to take a second chance on love. Their candid reflections on ADHD, planning differences, and emotional expression highlight how self-awareness, humility, and accountability create space for a resilient partnership.

Zach guides the conversation toward practical insights—why blind spots matter, how humility differs from humiliation, and how relational “paper cuts” can accumulate if couples ignore them. The episode offers a powerful reminder that love after divorce isn’t just possible—it can be stronger when both partners commit to learning and growth.

Blind spots are the silent killers – Most people aren’t malicious in relationships, but their unexamined habits can unintentionally harm trust.

Humility protects intimacy – Owning your limitations (like ADHD or defensiveness) allows space for growth without shame.

Grace and patience matter – Jen emphasizes that knowing Matt’s challenges means choosing him with them, not in spite of them.

Reciprocity in needs – Emotional connection for her and physical intimacy for him form a circle of mutual investment.

Coldness vs. stoicism – Jen reflects on how upbringing shaped her emotional availability, and how she works on showing warmth more consistently.

Shared values anchor them – A “writer’s brain,” moral compass, and mutual respect form the foundation for long-term confidence in the relationship.

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Zach takes the mic by himself to reflect on pets, parenting, politics, passion, and the practice of relationships. Using his playful “P’s and Q’s” framework, he explores everything from why he doesn’t have the “pet gene” to how parenting young adults is harder and more rewarding than raising little kids.

Zach also shares candid thoughts on politics, relational responsibility, and the role of men in advocating for the marginalized. He digs into the meaning of sex, asking the often-overlooked question, “What’s it for?”, and discusses polyamory with new nuance. Along the way, he highlights the importance of practice in relationships, celebrating small wins, and even weaving play into partnership.

This episode blends personal storytelling, professional insight, and a call for listener connection, inviting the audience to support the podcast, ask questions, and keep showing up relationally at home and beyond.

Pets & Posts: Zach reflects on not being a “pet person” and his writing project, Stuff I Write.

Parenting Young Adults: Letting kids launch is harder than raising them, but seeing them grow into people is profoundly rewarding.

Politics & Patriarchy: The current system isn’t relational. Zach urges listeners to focus on how they show up at home and in community, especially men.

Purpose of Sex: Asking “what’s it for?” reframes sex as fun, passion, or connection rather than obligation or pressure.

Polyamory & Possibility: While not for him, Zach explores polyamory as an expression of expansive love and intentionality.

Practice & Play: Relationships get stronger through practice, celebrating small successes, and through playful traditions like Iron Chef dinners.

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Zach sits down with Greg and Rachel Denning, parents of seven, world travelers, authors, and coaches who have built a marriage around adventure and intentional living.

They share how their story began with adoption, grew through unexpected pregnancies, and expanded into a lifestyle of global travel and immersion experiences for their kids. From living on a shoestring in Nicaragua with six children to now leading retreats, writing books, and running The Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel open up about the lessons they’ve learned through risk, resilience, and imagination.

With candor and humor, they reflect on the importance of listening, navigating differences in intimacy, and approaching both marriage and travel as a hero’s journey, one that transforms you with every challenge and every chapter.

Key Takeaways

Adventure as a family philosophy – Travel and immersion became their way to educate, bond, and expand imagination.

Cycles and chapters – They’ve lived their marriage in 1–3 year “chapters” of babies, moves, and big shifts, embracing change as part of the design.

Rock bottom became a turning point – Running out of money in Nicaragua forced them to commit fully to creating their own path forward.

Focus creates reality – Greg learned that “where the head goes, the body follows”, what you focus on is what you feel and create.

Listening transforms intimacy – Rachel taught Greg how to listen without fixing, which became a cornerstone of their connection.

Balancing needs in sex and love – Rachel reframed physical intimacy as a reciprocal need, equal to emotional connection, deepening their bond.

Marriage as a hero’s journey – Just like travel, marriage is an adventure through unknowns, challenges, and transformation.

Guest Info

Greg Denning
Coach, author of The Formidable Family Man, and co-host of The Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg helps men step into their roles as protectors, providers, and present partners. His coaching and writing distill the principles that guided his own transformation.

Rachel Denning
Co-host of The Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Rachel is a writer, speaker, and mother of seven who brings wisdom on adventure, family design, and emotional growth. Her candid stories and practical tools empower women to embrace both courage and connection.

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Zach talks with Casey and Mike about their journey from young professionals in Washington, D.C., to building a life together in Seattle. Along the way, they share how floating homes, career shifts, parenting two kids, and Casey’s sobriety journey shaped their marriage.

Casey opens up about her decades-long relationship with alcohol, the turning points that led her to become a sober coach and podcast host, and how her choice changed not only her own life but the dynamic of her marriage. Mike reflects on what it meant to support her while maintaining his own relationship with drinking, and together they show how honesty, evolution, and mutual respect allow a couple to grow stronger, even when the path takes unexpected turns.

Sobriety reshapes relationships: Casey’s choice to stop drinking created more peace, presence, and honesty at home.

Support without judgment: Mike respected Casey’s journey without imposing his own agenda, allowing space for growth.

Evolution is part of marriage: Both acknowledge that partners change over time, and embracing that evolution is key to a long-term connection.

New rhythms bring deeper peace: The shift from late nights with wine to quieter, intentional time together restored balance and joy.

Self-advocacy matters: Casey learned to prioritize her own needs through retreats, friendships, and self-care, which strengthened the partnership.

Casey Davidson

Mike Davidson

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Zach talks with Sarah Rhoades and her boyfriend Grady, a young couple navigating the first year of their relationship. They share how a chance meeting at Grady’s backyard open mic, where he held a microphone for Sarah’s banjo, turned into an unexpected connection built on shared values, openness, and adventure.

Sarah and Grady reflect on blending friend groups, learning from divorced parents, and building a “tree trunk” foundation strong enough to handle differences in interests. They discuss the balance between independence and togetherness, the role of transparency, and their approach to the looming challenge of Sarah heading to college. With humor and thoughtfulness, they explore what it means to be intentional about connection, no matter your age.

Shared values beat shared hobbies: They connect on deeper principles and character rather than just liking the same activities.

Integration matters: Early on, they made intentional efforts to include each other in separate friend groups, creating a unified social circle.

Independence strengthens the unit: Inspired by Sarah’s grandparents, they value being able to live individual lives while staying connected as a couple.

Radical honesty as a reaction to secrecy: Grady’s experience with passive-aggressive family dynamics led him to favor openness and directness.

Parents notice the positive impact: Both sets of parents appreciate how the relationship brings out the best in them.

Facing change together: They’re preparing for the shift when Sarah leaves for college, focusing on communication and balance over fear.

Resisting cultural shortcuts: Despite living in a hookup culture, they see commitment as natural once you find the right person.

Sarah Rhoades
A recent high school graduate and musician, Sarah plays banjo and values independence, adventure, and intentional connection.

Grady
A high school senior who runs a backyard open mic, Grady brings openness, curiosity, and a commitment to honesty into the relationship.

Key TakeawaysGuest Info

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