Forgiveness isn't just a gift you give someone else—it's the pathway to your own freedom and growth. In today's episode, I shared how deciding to forgive, even before an apology, can change everything. Forgiveness is not about forgetting the lessons; it's about moving forward—but without the sting, so that you can help others and build stronger connections.

Whether in your personal or business relationships, holding onto hurt weighs you down and keeps you stuck. But there's a better (though not always easier) way. When you choose to forgive and remember, you set a powerful example to to others of how to release the person and the hurt. Remembering your story can inspire and heal more people than you realize.

If you want some "how-to's" on forgiveness, be sure to check out these episodes: 

Ep. 280 - Finding Forgiveness and the Road Back to You

Ep. 163 - Beyond Mistakes - Modeling Responsibility and the Steps of Forgiveness

Ep. 13 - The Power of Forgiveness in Relationships: Release Them, Restore You

More Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 

Get my 'Ultimate Couple's Checklist' to improve your marriage

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I'm in a new season of life and want to give you a life update—one that will hopefully encourage you where you are in your life. This one is a true testament to the power of dreams, faith, and perseverance. No frilly clichés here, but I'm walking you through what part of my journey has been, where I'm at now, and where I'm headed.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Don’t Lose Heart: Dreams may take years—or even decades—to come true. The seeds you’re planting today could be part of a much bigger story that unfolds over time. Stay hopeful and keep nurturing those desires.

• Embrace the Process: There’s always a journey behind every achievement. Whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth, be willing to go through the necessary steps to get to the provision, rather than just wishing for results.

• Celebrate Your Wins—Guilt-Free: It’s easy to share when things are tough, but don’t feel guilty about your blessings. When something wonderful happens, embrace it, share it, and inspire others with your story.

If you’re waiting for your breakthrough—whether it’s a new role, an opportunity, or restoration in a relationship—this episode is a timely reminder to remain patient, faithful, and proactive.

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When should you start working on your marriage? Is it when things start to feel off, or when problems become too big to ignore? Whether you’re single, engaged, newlywed, or several decades in, today's episode will leave you encouraged and equipped to invest in your most important relationship.

Key Takeaways

• Why Couples Wait Too Long:  The story of “Evelyn and David”—a couple married almost 30 years before seeking help—exposing the dangers of delaying support because of perfectionism and pride.

• Signs Your Marriage Needs Work: Issues like lack of respect, trust, unresolved trauma, financial problems, and putting on appearances can hide beneath the surface for years.

• What "Doing the Work" Means: Breaking down the practical steps: daily intentionality, confronting your own baggage, setting boundaries, learning to listen, and embracing forgiveness as a way of life.

• The Power of Premarital Counseling: Why investing in healthy conversations before the ring (or at least before the wedding) can save years of pain down the road.

• Immediate Next Steps: Encouragement for every listener—single, engaged, or married—to take action today to improve your relationship.

Links Mentioned in this Episode: 

Get my free Ultimate Couple's Checklist and start seeing changes in your relationship TODAY.

Get my weekly newsletter. Sign up at danache.com/email.

See Dana Che on the Hampton Roads Show!

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If you’ve ever found yourself in a marriage rut—where date nights feel forced and conversations revolve around paying bills—it’s time to look at a form of intimacy you might not be prioritizing: recreational intimacy. On the latest (and final!) episode of this intimacy series, my husband Shaun and I pull back the curtain on how couples can rekindle connection by nurturing their friendship and making space for play, laughter, and adventure together.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is Recreational Intimacy? Shaun kicks off the conversation by defining recreational intimacy as finding fun activities that couples can enjoy together. 
• The Power (and Struggle) of Friendship in Marriage: We discuss our opposite personalities and preferences, emphasizing that couples don’t need to like all the same things to build a strong friendship. 
• Creative (and Affordable) Date Ideas: From scavenger hunts to upcoming tips from a future guest about "date nights for cheapskates," this episode is packed with outside-the-box ways to keep dating on a budget. 
• Practical Advice for Struggling Couples: For couples who feel distant or have lost their friendship, we suggest starting with the basics and pairing conversation with activities like walks or games to reduce pressure and foster connection.
• The Healing Power of Laughter: We credit humor as a “saving grace” in our 26-year marriage. Don't take things too seriously, and find ways to bring laughter and lightheartedness back into daily life.
• Tips for Parents & Busy Couples: Whether it’s finding brief moments alone while kids are at preschool or doing creative home "dates" after bedtime, the message is clear: prioritize your friendship and fun, no matter your season of life.

Quote Highlights:

“You don’t have to like the same things because you’re in a relationship. You are naturally going to have to learn to like some of the things that your spouse likes.”

“If you can laugh, you can have a friendship. Laughter can get you through the hard times.”

“Don’t allow your friendship to go because at the end of the day, your kids are going to grow up and leave, and you’re going to be left with this person.”

Resources & Links:

Download your free Intimacy Series Guide: danache.com/intimacyseries

Get your free Ultimate Couples Checklist here.

Apply for my Covenant Connections group coaching

 

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We're talking all about intellectual intimacy—what I like to call “brain bonding" in this episode. We spend so much time talking about emotional connection and physical intimacy in marriage, but let me tell you a secret: connecting through ideas, learning, curiosity, and thought-provoking conversations can completely change the game in your relationship.

I open up about a time I was really vulnerable in my own marriage and how an intellectual connection outside of my relationship showed me just how powerful “brain bonding” can be—both for good and for potential danger if it isn’t happening at home. I want to help you experience this kind of closeness with your spouse and see them in a whole new light.

In This Episode

• What Is Intellectual Intimacy?
  I explain how intellectual intimacy is about the closeness that comes from sharing thoughts, dreams, and conversations. 
• Brain Bonding Quiz (Interactive Exercise):
  I walk you through a quiz to help you and your spouse see where you stand in this area right now. It’s a simple scoring system that gives you a snapshot of your current “brain bond.”
• Why Intellectual Intimacy Matters:
  If you’ve ever felt bored or stuck in your marriage, you’re not alone! I share why keeping curiosity and deep conversations alive is crucial for staying connected and avoiding dangerous disconnects.
• Barriers to Intellectual Intimacy:
  We talk about the common things that get in the way—like not even knowing this kind of connection mattered, feeling intimidated, etc.
• How to Build Intellectual Intimacy:
• Ask better questions. Move past “how was your day?” and get curious about your spouse’s thoughts and experiences.
• Learn something together. Whether it’s reading, listening to a podcast, or learning about a new topic, do it as a team.
• Debate respectfully. It’s okay to see things differently—what matters is how you talk about it.
• And more
• Your Homework:
  At the end of the episode, I challenge you to:
• Pick a Rebuilding Us podcast episode (or a YouTube video I’ve done!) and listen separately, then come together and talk about it.
• Ask your spouse one thoughtful, below-the-surface question this week.

 

Resources & Links

• Join My Group Coaching Community: danache.com/covenantconnections
• Podcast Show Notes and More: danashay.com/podcast
• Also listen to Ep. 364 - Chemistry or Intimacy?
• Get your FREE Intimacy Guide: for interactive tools to assess your intimacy

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Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo of One Extraordinary Marriage are here to help us improve our sexual intimacy! If you're ready to transform your marriage and reignite the passion, join me and this legendary duo for a candid and hope-filled conversation on sexual intimacy, healing, and how a chance "sex challenge" changed everything in their marriage.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What REALLY builds intimacy in the bedroom (it’s not just about sex!)
• The difference between physical and sexual intimacy
• How Tony & Alisa’s famous 60-Day Sex Challenge changed their marriage—and led to a worldwide movement
• How to talk honestly about your bedroom struggles and why authenticity is the secret sauce
• Tips for being present, not perfect, in your sex life
• What to do if your marriage is going through a “sexless” phase
  …and so much more!

Plus, don’t miss my real-life advice for working through resentment, getting intentional about connection, and building a marriage legacy that lasts for generations. This episode will bless couples at every stage, from newlyweds to marriage vets!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 

Find out your strongest intimacy pillar at onextraordinarymarriage.com/quiz. 

Purchase the 6 Pillars of Intimacy book

Download my FREE Intimacy Series guide here. 

Learn more about my marriage group "Covenant Connections" here.

Follow Dana Che on the socials! 

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Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW the podcast! Then, give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and leave a great review! 

Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/

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Emotional intimacy is a cornerstone you can’t ignore if you’re on a journey to deeper, more authentic relationships—whether in your marriage, friendships, or even workplace. We're joined in this episode by psychotherapist and author Jessica Baum to discuss attachment styles. This is a goldmine for anyone who craves real connection or wonders why emotional closeness sometimes feels out of reach.

Let’s dig into the episode’s biggest insights, actionable takeaways, and why understanding your attachment style might be the key to transforming your relationships for good.

Key Takeaways: 

• What is Emotional Intimacy? 

• Intro to Attachment Theory

• Can You Change Your Attachment Style

• Intensity vs. Intimacy

• The Importance of Emotional Presence

Resources Mentioned:

Jessica's Free "Attachment Blueprint" and link to her new book: SAFE.

Dana Che's Free Intimacy Series Guide to create more intimacy in your relationships.

 

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Former NLF player turned church pastor, Derwin Gray, and his beautiful wife, Vicki, share wisdom drawn from over 33 years of marriage, their journey from a lopsided spiritual partnership to unified faith, and practical ways couples can cultivate deep spiritual intimacy—no matter their starting point.

Notable Quotes

• Derwin: “Intimacy is ‘into me, you see.’ … It’s a position of vulnerability. … The blood of Jesus either declares me righteous or it doesn’t. That frees me to be able to give myself to my wife.”

• Vicki: “Letting Jesus change you—that’s what’s going to draw your spouse … learning to just ‘be’ with Jesus and trust Him to reflect light through you.”

• Dana Che: “If your security isn’t rooted in Christ, you look at your spouse as an enemy, instead of the helper they were created to be.”

Resources Mentioned

• Get Derwin's Book: Lit Up With Love by Dr. Derwin Gray 

• Get your FREE Intimacy Series Guide here.
• Register for the upcoming online "Marriage Reset" Workshop

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Whether you've been married for decades or are just starting out, this episode will help you understand intimacy in all its facets (beyond the bedroom) and how to cultivate the kind of deep connection that produces positive fruit in your relationship. 

Key Takeaways:

• Defining Intimacy: My personal definition—“being fully known and knowing fully”—plus learn the biblical and practical roots of true intimacy.
• Vulnerability and Trust: Why being “naked and unashamed” goes beyond just the physical, and why you can’t have true vulnerability without trust.
• Common Misconceptions: We're busting myths about intimacy—it's not just about sex, titles, or knowing trivia about your spouse.
• The 5 Types of Intimacy:
1. Spiritual Intimacy: The highest form of connection, involving shared values, faith, and worldview. Learn how to deepen spiritual intimacy even if you and your spouse don’t agree on everything spiritual.
2. Emotional Intimacy: Building trust through sharing feelings, vulnerability, and honest communication.
3. Physical Intimacy: More than sex! This is about affectionate touch and physical closeness that isn’t always sexual.
4. Intellectual Intimacy: Connecting through shared ideas, learning, and stimulating conversation—even if your interests differ.
5. Recreational Intimacy: Having fun together and sharing leisure activities to keep the spark alive.
• Practical Homework: Strengthen two areas this week: spiritual intimacy (Hint: ask your spouse how to improve it), and recreational intimacy (Do something fun together).

Resources & Links

• Get Your Free Intimacy Series Guide: Self-checks, assessments, and tips to help you and your spouse deepen your connection.
• Related Content:
• What to Do When Your Husband Does Not Lead Spiritually (YouTube Video)
• Episodes on sexless marriages YouTube + Podcast episode

Key Quotes

• “Intimacy is being fully known and knowing fully.”
• “You can’t have vulnerability without trust.”
• “Being a Christian doesn’t guarantee spiritual intimacy—shared values and open communication do.”
• “Physical intimacy is more than sex. Even long hugs or holding hands matter.”
• “Don’t forget to have FUN in your marriage!”

Follow Dana Che on the socials! 

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Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW the podcast! Then, give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and leave a great review! 

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We've all been given some bad marriage advice from well-meaning folks. But what if that bad marriage advice is ruining your intimacy? My guest, Monica Tanner, and I discuss what helpful marriage advice couples should focus on instead. Monica shares wisdom from her upcoming book, Bad Marriage Advice, and how this relates to intimacy. Let's stop the crazy cycle and lean into the hard truths and practical steps needed to create lasting intimacy and connection in marriage.

Key Takeaways:

• Bad Marriage Advice (And Why It Backfires):
  You'll laugh and commiserate about the terrible marriage clichés we’ve all heard—like "happy wife, happy life," "don’t go to bed angry," and more.
• The Power of the Pause:
  The wisdom of taking a break during heated moments instead of forcing a late-night resolution. 
• Intimacy Isn’t Automatic—It’s Cultivated:
  Intimacy was not always present in our marriages and has required time, personal growth, and intentionality to develop.
• Debunking the “You’ve Changed” Myth:
  Change is natural. The key is staying curious and engaged with your partner’s growth rather than resenting natural changes.
• From Lazy Communication to Loving Curiosity:
  You just have to listen to this one to grab the nuggets
• Collaboration Over Compromise:
  Using real-life examples, Monica and Dana model what it looks like to approach differences (early bird/night owl dynamics, for instance) with teamwork rather than resentment or forced compromise.

Quotable Moments:

• “At the root of all the bad marriage advice is lazy communication.” – Monica Tanner
• “There is no greater investment of your time than building a marriage that is healthy and whole.” – Dana Che

Resources Mentioned:

• Monica Tanner’s Website & Book Info: monicatanner.com
• Dana Che’s Free Intimacy Series Guide: danache.com/intimacyseries

Follow Dana Che on the socials! 

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Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW the podcast! Then, give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and leave a great review! 

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