A conversation with Erin Ramachandran, who along with her husband have founded Mental Health Strong. A resource aimed to help married couples when one spouse suffers from a mental illness.

Hear her story and what they've created to help lots of other marriages alongside their own.

On the Xtended version ...

Erin and I continue the conversation about what are some practical steps couples who face mental illnesses can take, alone and together.

Enjoy the show!

Sponsors ...

The State Of Our Union: Weekly conversation prompts to have meaningful conversations. https://smr.fm/union

Mental Illness and Marriage #488

Straight-forward, honest conversations and actions to create a life and marriage fully alive!

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

Sexuality

Health

Relationships

Health & Fitness

On the Regular Version ...

In this conversation, and old blogging friend, Joshua Becker, joins me to discuss the journey and benefits of minimalism.

We talk about his personal experience with minimalism and how it has positively impacted his life, relationships, and finances. We also explore strategies for dealing with a spouse's resistance to minimalism and the importance of the master bedroom as a sanctuary.

Joshua also emphasizes the need for love, patience, and humility when approaching minimalism as a couple. 

Learn more about Joshua here https://www.becomingminimalist.com/

Takeaways

Minimalism can positively impact various aspects of life, including relationships, finances, and overall well-being.
Approaching minimalism with love, patience, and humility is essential when dealing with a spouse's resistance.
The master bedroom can serve as a sanctuary for rest and intimacy, and decluttering this space can enhance its purpose.
Protecting the master bedroom from tension and negative conversations can contribute to a more peaceful and meaningful environment.
Minimalism involves harnessing what matters most and removing distractions to focus on one's values and priorities.

On the Xtended Version ...

In the XTD content, Pam and I talk about our journey with the minimalist mindset and how it has played out in our life and marriage.

Enjoy the show!

Sponsors ...

One Skin: Get 15% off OneSkin with our code SMR at https://oneskin.co 
#oneskinpod

Minimalism and Marriage | Joshua Becker #673

In this episode, we discuss the importance of date nights in marriage and offer a unique tip to make them more enjoyable.

It's the idea of having sex before going out on a date to possibly relieve the pressure and create a deeper connection. We provide practical ideas for incorporating this tip into date nights, such as getting ready together, having sex in the morning, or asking the babysitter to take the kids out for a while.

It is also important to expand and challenge the script of traditional date nights.

Takeaways

Date nights are important for maintaining a strong marriage.
Having sex before a date night can relieve pressure and create a deeper connection.
Practical ideas for incorporating sex into date nights include getting ready together, having sex in the morning, or asking the babysitter to take the kids out.
Expanding and challenging the script of traditional date nights can make them more enjoyable and fulfilling.

On the Xtended Version ...

The world of self-help and self-improvement at times only works on one aspect of the equation. 

There is also self-healing that is just as important. The areas where you work on your shadow self.

We explore both today. 

Enjoy the show!

Sponsors ...

Better Help: SMR is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% your first month at https://betterhelp.com/smr

Have Sex First on Date Night #672

In this conversation, Dr. Marty Klein joins me and discusses the importance of reframing the conversation around sex and challenging our ideas about sexuality.

We emphasize that sex is not just a behavior, but an idea, and that our ideas about sex shape our experiences. He highlights the need for individuals to have a sense of agency and the ability to shape their own sexual experiences.

We also address common conceptions people have about sex, such as the belief that it should be a continuous, seamless connection, and the exceptionalism around sexuality. He encourages a more realistic and accepting view of sexuality, where not every sexual encounter needs to be transcendent or perfect.

We also talk about how foreplay is about getting mentally and emotionally tuned into the sexual experience. It's important to leave behind the cares of the day and focus on the connection with your partner.

Plus, as we age, our bodies change, and it's important to adapt and explore new ways of pleasure. 

Learn more about Dr Klein here - https://www.martyklein.com/

Takeaways

Sex is not just a behavior, but an idea that shapes our experiences.
It is important to challenge and examine our ideas about sexuality.
Having a sense of agency and the ability to shape our own sexual experiences is crucial.
Not every sexual encounter needs to be perfect or transcendent; a more realistic and accepting view of sexuality is needed. Foreplay is about mentally and emotionally preparing for sex.
Planning and scheduling sex can be beneficial for busy adults.
As we age, our bodies change, and it's important to adapt and explore new ways of pleasure.
Knowing what you want in sex is just as important as knowing what you don't want.
Sexuality is a local experience, not an express one.
Communication, experimentation, and understanding your own desires are key in a satisfying sexual experience.


Enjoy the show!

Sponsors ...

One Skin: Get 15% off OneSkin with our code SMR at https://oneskin.co 
#oneskinpod

The Idea Of Sex | Dr Marty Klein #671

This week let's talk about jealousy. Shanenn Bryant joins me for a conversation about overcoming jealousy in relationships.

Shanenn shares her personal journey with jealousy and how she discovered that she was not alone in experiencing these feelings. She explains that jealousy is often rooted in past experiences and a lack of self-worth. 

The conversation provides practical steps for moving forward and overcoming jealousy, including identifying and changing insecure habits. We also discuss the difference between fear and intuition.

Learn more about Shanenn here https://www.topselfpodcast.com/




Takeaways

Jealousy is a common emotion that can be rooted in past experiences and a lack of self-worth.
Overcoming jealousy requires self-awareness and a willingness to change insecure habits.
Differentiating between fear and intuition is crucial in addressing jealousy.
Open communication and trust are essential for building healthy relationships.

On the Xtended Version ...

In the XTD content, Pam and I discuss how the topic of jealousy and insecurity has played out in our life, as well as what can be done about it. 

Enjoy the show!

Sponsors ...

Paired App: Connect with your spouse every day using Paired. Download the app at https://www.paired.com/SMR

Factor: Get fresh, flavor packed meals ready in 2 minutes for 50% off when you use our code passion50 at https://factormeals.com/passion50.

Jealousy and Insecurity | Shanenn Bryant #670

In this episode, we dive into how marriage is simple but difficult, and emphasize the importance of honest conversations.

Then we move into the main focus of the episode -- an email from a husband who feels that his wife wants to be wanted but doesn't want to want.

There are complexities of desire discrepancy and sexual frustration in every marriage. So waht do we do with them?

We also touch on the vulnerability and shame associated with discussing sexuality and the deeper parts of our lives.

Takeaways

Marriage is simple but difficult, and it requires honest conversations and a willingness to face challenges.
Desire discrepancy and sexual frustration can be common issues in marriage, and it's important to have open and honest communication about these topics.
Vulnerability and shame can play a role in the dynamics of marriage, and it's important to create a safe space for discussing sensitive topics.
Resilience and overcoming resentment in marriage require facing negative thoughts and feelings, addressing traumas, and implementing boundaries.
On the Xtended Version ...

There are 2 common attitudes people approach marriage and relationships with - an attitude of entitlement or an attitude of exposure.

We explore them and how they play out in life today.

Enjoy the show!

Sponsors ...

SMR Getaway: Join us June 13-15, 2024 in the DFW area for a fantastic getaway. https://smr.fm/getaway

Mental Illness and Marriage #488

Download our free app to listen on your phone