Have you considered a separation in your marriage? A listener wrote asking about the right way to do a separation. How long should it be? What are the "rules of engagement"? We're discussing reasons for separation, establishing clear rules, and knowing the realities of the situation, including the need for a timeline and the significance of having a plan for reconciliation (or not!). 

Takeaways: 

• A separation doesn't necessarily solve the problem.
• Know your why before entering a separation.
• Establish rules of engagement prior to separation.
• Separation can be beneficial if done correctly.
• Seek professional help before deciding on separation.
• A plan is better than no plan at all.
• Resources are available to help couples reignite their marriage

Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 

Let me show you how to create a more connected marriage: https://danache.com/ultimatecouple 

Want to discuss marriage coaching? Schedule your call at https://danache.com/getstarted. 

 

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/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

I know you have good intentions, but want to know if you are helping or enabling? This episode will help you to discover if you are indeed an enabler: what it really means, the signs you might be an enabler, and the dangers of mistaking enabling for grace (especially within Christian circles and families). I share about my strength in setting boundaries, shaped by the experiences I witnessed growing up, and share practical advice for those who recognize enabling patterns in their marriage, parenting, and relationships.

🔎 What you’ll learn:

• What enabling REALLY is (and why it’s not the same as grace!)
• The difference between peacemaking and “peace-faking” ✌️
• How enabling shows up in families, churches, relationships & even parenting
• Why true grace is about EMPOWERMENT, not making excuses 💪
• 4 main reasons we enable (and how to break free!)

👉 Mentioned resources: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lysa TerKeurst’s Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: https://amzn.to/43V94wj

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life: by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend: https://amzn.to/3HaQNTQ

A Church Called Tov by Scot McKnight: https://amzn.to/3SoOAqm

“Peacemaking or Peacefaking?” Rebuilding Us Podcast episode: Listen here.

📝 Like this episode? 👉 PLEASE leave a 5-star review and a few sentences about how this podcast has helped you. Your reviews help more people find Rebuilding US and strengthen their marriages! 💕

Need help with your marriage? Download my FREE 7 Secrets to Know Before You Say I Do or I Did! https://danache.com/7secrets 

Follow Dana Che on Instagram, Facebook, and watch these episodes on YouTube! 

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

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We're addressing a listener's question about how to support a loved one experiencing domestic abuse. It's essential to understand the victim's perspective, maintain open communication, and take proactive steps to ensure safety. This episode offers practical guidance on how to approach the situation with empathy, while also encouraging the victim to seek help and report the abuse. The episode also serves as a crucial resource for anyone looking to support someone in an abusive relationship.

If you or someone you know is experiencing physical abuse in your relationship, call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). 

To connect with Dana Che, follow on Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook. 

Learn more at https://danache.com. 

Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Email or send a direct message on Instagram. 

Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW, and leave a five-star rating and review!

 

 

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

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you gone through a season of brokenness in your life, or are you being triggered by a painful event in your past? Today's guest, Frank Meadows, is here to help shed light on triggers, the brokenhearted, and inner healing. Along with this powerful conversation, we discuss strongholds and how they manifest as addictive behavior in people's lives. 

Frank Meadows is a licensed clinical social worker and marriage therapist whose books and work have been featured across multiple platforms. He joins marriage coach and the Rebuilding Us podcast host, Dana Che, for an insightful and healing conversation that will help shape the trajectory of inner healing from a faith-based perspective. 

For more info on Dana Che, visit https://danache.com.

Follow Dana Che on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 

Learn more about Frank and his books at https://frankmeadows.com. 

Like the show? Please give it a 5-star rating and write a helpful review!

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

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Guest host Shaun is stepping in for his wife and regular host, Dana Che, who is under the weather helping a husband to know if he and his wife should tell their kids their marriage is in trouble and that they're considering a possible separation. Shaun delivers Dana’s thoughtful response, providing practical advice on how parents can approach difficult conversations with their children and emphasizing the value of seeking coaching before making any permanent decisions about separation.

Key Topics Covered:

• • Only discuss separation with children when a decision and plan are definite, to avoid creating insecurity.

  • Since the kids are already aware of tension, address the arguments with honesty, take responsibility, and reassure them.

  • Use this as a teaching opportunity: model healthy ownership of mistakes, and avoid putting adult worries onto children.

  • Strongly consider seeking marital coaching before proceeding to separation.

• Resources Mentioned:

  • Start those hard conversations with Dana Che's Conversation Starters for Couples in Conflict. 

  • Need Marriage Coaching? Schedule Your Discovery Call today.

Notable Quotes:

• “First, it's important that you and your wife take responsibility for the role you're playing in the communication breakdown.”

• “Don't jump into a separation before you've done all you can to reset your marriage.”

Connect with Us:

• Send your questions: danache.com/contact

• Follow Dana Che:  on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Like the show? Please share, rate, and review!

 

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

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today's guest, Tweeny Randall, helps to shed light on the concept of soul ties. Maybe you’ve felt ‘stuck’ after a past relationship, or perhaps you’re curious how soul ties form—even outside of a romantic relationship. Tweeny and I share experience and research on how soul ties affect us in relationships. 

Episode Highlights

• What is a Soul Tie?
  Tweeny breaks it down simply: Soul ties are spiritual connections between people, formed not just through romantic or sexual relationships, but even in deep friendships or parent-child bonds. There are healthy soul ties, and there are unhealthy ones that can hold us back.

• Recognizing Unhealthy Patterns:
  Unhealthy soul ties often look like idolatry or dysfunction—when someone’s mood or approval dictates your happiness, or when a past relationship leaves you unable to move forward. If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I get over this person?”—this might be why.

• Freedom Through Forgiveness & Spiritual Release:
  Tweeny shares her real-life process helping a young woman break free from an unhealthy connection.

• Practical Tips for Your Marriage:
  Even strong couples need boundaries. Tweeny suggests radical honesty—especially when attractions or resentments pop up. Keep secrets out of your relationship and invite accountability.

• Prayer for Breaking Soul Ties:
  For those ready to be free, Tweeny leads a powerful prayer (also available on her blog!) to help you sever unhealthy spiritual connections and restore your joy in Christ.

Resources & Next Steps

• Tweeny’s Blog & Website

• Ep. 264 - Is Your Marriage an Idol?

• For Non-Married Couples or Premarital Counseling:
  Make breaking unhealthy soul ties part of your marriage prep—you’ll be amazed at the peace it brings.

Like the show? Be sure to give it a five-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and write a great review!

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

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you let yourself go or perhaps lost yourself in your marriage? Today's episode will help you find yourself again. A listener struggles with finding the motivation to find herself again, having let herself go, and seeks advice on how to rediscover who she is in her marriage. This episode originally aired in Dec. 2024 and was one of our highest rated episodes that season.

Listen in for encouragement, practical steps, and a simple 4-week blueprint I share to help you reignite your spark and your sense of self-worth in and out of your relationship.

Learn more at https://danache.com. 

 

Have a relationship or marriage question for the show? 

Email or send a DM on Instagram. 

If you like the show, please give it a 5-star rating and write a review!

 

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

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Infidelity is one of the most heart-shattering experiences anyone can endure in a marriage. It shakes the bedrock of trust and can leave spouses grappling with pain, betrayal, confusion, and fear for the future. If you’re reading this, you may be right in the middle of this storm—or you know someone who is. Take heart: your story is not over, and healing truly is possible.

We’re bringing our “Healing After Infidelity” series to a close with an empowering message and a transformative resource for those walking the difficult road of recovery. In this episode, I unpack both the challenges and opportunities that arise after infidelity and introduce my comprehensive online course, “Infidelity Intensive.” Here’s what you need to know if you’re trying to rebuild after betrayal.

 

Learn more at danache.com/infidelityintensive. 

Like the show? Be sure to give it a five-star rating and write a positive review!

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

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt like you are the only one putting in the work, or maybe you're putting in a significantly more amount of work than your spouse is? That can feel very unjust. It can feel unfair, and most of us get tired of doing that. We have a question that I think all of us can probably relate to at some point: What if I'm doing more work on my marriage than my spouse?

Key Takeaways:

1. Change Your Step:
   Alter your approach in the relationship. When you change how you respond, your spouse will also have to adjust, breaking unhelpful cycles.

2. Be Patient:
   Trust takes time to rebuild—don’t expect overnight results. Your consistency over time demonstrates commitment.

3. Play the Long Game:
   Rebuilding a relationship is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on progress, not perfection.

4. Fix Your Focus:
   What you focus on grows. Shift your attention from what your spouse isn’t doing to the positive changes you’re making and what you want for your marriage.

Featured Resource:

Infidelity Intensive—a step-by-step online course designed to move couples from pain to restoration after betrayal. Learn more at danache.com/infidelityintensive.

Submit Your Questions:
Have a question for Dana? Reach out here or DM on Instagram @mrsdanache.

Thanks for listening!
If you found today’s advice helpful, share this episode with a friend and leave a review. 

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

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can an emotional affair be just as damaging as a physical one? Research says yes. Yet, the topic of emotional affairs is complex because of their impact on the psyche and the marriage. This episode (a sweet repeat of ep. 284) focuses on understanding, prevention, and healing, providing valuable insights for couples navigating this challenging terrain.

Key Highlights:

• Defining Emotional Affairs: What constitutes an emotional affair? We emphasize the need to clearly distinguish between emotional and physical affairs.

• Recognizing the Signs: Learn to identify the indicators of an emotional affair, such as inappropriate emotional investment or intimate sharing with someone outside your marriage.

• Research Insights: Research suggests that women are more likely to engage in emotional affairs. And other kinds of vulnerable people. 

• The Role of Disconnection: Discover how disconnection within a marriage can lead to emotional affairs, often occurring in workplaces or through digital channels, where individuals present idealized versions of themselves.

• Normalizing Terms: We're critiquing casual terms like "work wife" that could normalize inappropriate emotional connections.

• Rebuilding Trust: For those who have experienced an emotional affair, we outline four crucial steps for rebuilding trust, emphasizing the importance of severing ties, honest communication, self-reflection, and establishing boundaries.

• Setting Boundaries: We discuss three boundary guidelines designed to prevent future issues.

• Cooperating in Rebuilding: Not all relationships may be able to withstand the impact of an emotional affair. Will yours?

Take Action:

• Get my brand-new course, Infidelity Intensive, a restoration roadmap for healing after infidelity. 

Find the full show notes for this episode here. 

Like the show? Be sure to give it a 5-star rating and write a great review!

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

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.